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Old Omega functional mechanism evaluation

  1. Razvan

    Razvan Dec 25, 2014

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    Hi! Please be kind and help me evaluate this pocket Omega. I'd like to know how much would the actual watch would add on the price, without considering the case. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas!
     
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    Hotwheelbill and noelekal like this.
  2. gatorcpa Ω 2

    gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 25, 2014

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    A very Merry Christmas to you too!

    I'm not quite sure what you are asking, as I realize that English is not your first language.

    Based on the case serial number, the case dates from about 1910. The movement serial number is likely on the plate under the dial. The watch would need to be disassembled to find it. However, while I don't know the specific caliber number or grade, it looks contemporary with the case at around 1910. The unusual regulator marks this as one of Omega's better movements for that time.

    The condition of this piece looks almost unused. Very rare for a piece that has lived through two World Wars and the Iron Curtain.

    This is an historical document of a watch. This one should be treated to a fresh service and used sparingly.

    If you are even considering scrapping the 18K gold case and selling the movement, I'm not going to assist you further. It would be a mortal sin to alter it in any way.

    Hope this helps,
    gatorcpa
     
    noelekal likes this.
  3. oddboy

    oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Dec 25, 2014

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    That case is stunning! Beautiful..
     
  4. Razvan

    Razvan Dec 26, 2014

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    No, I'm not considering scrapping the case from the movement, but i know the gold value but i didn't know the mechanism value, that was what i've asked. Sorry for my poor english.
    Thank you for your helpful response. How much do you think i can ask for it? Only the raw gold in the case values like 1300$.
     
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  5. Fritz

    Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Dec 26, 2014

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    Unfortunately, pieces like this are worth little more than the value of the gold in the case. I've had several similar Omegas in the past and if this were a nickel or gold filled case I'd pay 300 or 400 dollars for it.

    Because its solid 18K gold, the case is where all the value is. I've got a beautiful 1890s Waltham thats in mint condition, I paid the gold value for it and its all I'd expect from selling it. Its not right, but we value the metal more than the artwork.

    So if its got $1300 worth of gold in its case, and unless that turns out to be something really special movement wise, I might expect to pay 1500 to 1700 for the piece.

    Sometimes it just not right.
     
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  6. mac_omega Ω 1

    mac_omega Dec 26, 2014

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    How do you know the weight of the gold case? Did you weigh it without the movement?

    I do not believe that the case alone is so heavy that the gold content is worth $1300 - you must deduct the weight of the movement first!

    regards

    Erich
     
  7. gatorcpa Ω 2

    gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 26, 2014

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    Actually, I think that's pretty close. To have $1,300 of gold in the case, it would need to weight a little more than 1.5 ounces total at current prices ($1,200/oz.)

    A larger pocket watch like this is going to weigh a lot more than 1.5 ounces when the movement is included.

    gatorcpa
     
  8. mac_omega Ω 1

    mac_omega Dec 26, 2014

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    Could you give me this weight in grams - I am always confused about these "medieval" ounces still used in the US as there are so many different kinds of ounces...
     
  9. gatorcpa Ω 2

    gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 26, 2014

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    You can do the math.

    They tried to force feed us that metric stuff in school back in the 1970's. When someone pays for everything to be converted, that's when we'll convert.

    Part of the problem with converting is that many US states and localities have taxes on things like alcoholic beverages and gasoline expressed in gallons, not liters. Each individual law needs to be changed and the local legislatures just don't want to do it.

    Take care,
    gatorcpa
     
  10. cicindela Ω 2

    cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Dec 26, 2014

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    1 ounce (troy) (oz t) of gold
    Equals: 31.10 grams (g)
     
  11. Fritz

    Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Dec 26, 2014

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    My 6 size Waltham gold huntercase is about one ounce without the movement. That looks like a 19 caliber Omega which was about a 16 size watch, so 1 1/2 to 2 ounces doesn't sound unreasonable.
     
  12. Razvan

    Razvan Dec 26, 2014

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    On Monday I'm going to ask a watchmaker to open up the movement case so I can weight them separately. I'll keep you informed.
     
  13. mac_omega Ω 1

    mac_omega Dec 26, 2014

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    This sounds logic - a new perspective
     
  14. Fritz

    Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Dec 26, 2014

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    Knowing the actual weight only gives you the value of the metal. The value of the piece is only what someone is willing to pay for it. Research on the web and a talk with a suitable dealer in person will give you a better idea what it worth than pulling it apart to weigh it. I wouldn't pull the movement unless I had to.

    What are your intentions with the piece.
     
  15. gatorcpa Ω 2

    gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 26, 2014

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    Going to a grocery store here would drive you nuts. A good percentage of imported items are metric.

    You really do need to know both systems.
    gatorcpa
     
  16. Archer Ω 2

    Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Dec 26, 2014

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    My personal view is that if the US switched to metric, it would save the country more money than it would cost. The costs associated with the change are for the most part one time costs, while the savings would be ongoing...

    Cheers, Al
     
  17. gatorcpa Ω 2

    gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Dec 26, 2014

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    I have no doubt that you are correct. Unfortunately for us, it likely would take a Constitutional amendment to pass. Many of the states are just bass-ackwards when it comes to updating laws for modernity.

    And good luck getting states and counties to change road signage to kilometers. In an era of budget cutting and aversion to tax increases to fund even the most minor infrastructure improvements, this is quite low on the list of priorities.

    Penny wise and pound foolish, that's US.
    gatorcpa
     
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  18. UncleBuck Ω 2

    UncleBuck understands the decision making hierarchy Dec 26, 2014

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    Evan, you and Al are so right!
    I still teach OSHA safety training and we are 3 years into what looks like a 5 year program to adopt a standardized system of hazard warnings called "Global Harmonization".
    Should have taken about 3 months.

    I can only imagine frustrations with the tax code.