Hi -

I'm new to this forum and I was recently given this lovely old tonneau as a gift.

I know it was bought in Spain.

Is the dial refinished or a redial? (It looks original to me based on the wear.)

What other specifics can you give me?

I'll also be needing a bracelet or a new strap and if really like to get a period buckle in matching gold if possible. The price isn't so important because the watch comes from someone special.

Thank you for helping an Omega noob out!

Marc

 

Need to see it to judge it.

 

It's most likely from around 1925 - 30. A picture of the movement may assist in determining the calibre and dating it more accurately. I don't think there will be much in the way of markings on the case back that would help.

The dial may well be original as these flourished Arabic dials were of the period.
Cheers

Desmond

 

Hi,
Sorry to say that, but I doubt the dial is original, the font for the Omega name and the logo type are not correct for this period. Probably a redone dial. The crown is also a replacement.
Could well be a 23.7 inside, or an earlier 12" or 13" caliber.

Regarding period buckles, I don't have any picture in my catalogs.

 

The dial is most definitely a refinished one. The subdial's edge is soft and the 30 second hash mark is not aligned with, missing the 6 o'clock one by a mile.

This can be better redone and should not affect the sentimental value though.

 

I bought one from Kyle that I feel is similar and original, note the difference in the logo.

They are beautiful works of art in my opinion.

 

As a follow up, I believe that in those days, individual watchmakers "built" these beauties by hand at their respective benches.
I am much more inclined to accept variance from that era than I am from later years.

Still, with the short M and the long G in the logo, I feel the dial was repainted as part of a service many years ago.

Mine is from the early '20's, by the way. I feel yours is also.



Photo courtesy of Kyle (I hope!)

 

Pardon my manners, Marc!
Welcome to the forum and thank you for bringing such an interesting piece of history to the discussion.
We hope you will join in the madness frequently.

 

Can anyone recommend someone who does first class work re painting these sorts of dials?

I'm still on the hunt for a period buckle or bracelet as well, so if anyone can recommend a resource I'd appreciate if.

Thanks all for the warm welcome!

Marc.

 

Hi Buck -

I've also been told that the crown is a replacement. Do you know who might have replacement period crowns as well?

 

You will only have to find a smooth (=unbranded) crown which matches the color of the case, Omega did not use branded crowns those days.
So it should not be too hard to replace this crown.
However to find a period buckle will be near to impossible I guess...

 

Hi again,
Here is a page from a 1925 catalog, that will give you an idea of the look of the period straps and crowns.

 

Thanks again

hi Uncle Buck -

Where do you find the caliber on that Omega tonneau movement in your photo?

Thanks!

 

Marc, I have a reference section on movements included in the book "Omega: A Journey Through Time", or AJTT as it is referred to here.
I usually will use the movement serial number to establish a time period and then reference AJTT for identification.

I can't stress enough how valuable that book has been to me.

It is currently out of print, but I believe Darren @DLT222 has a copy or two for sale.
It isn't cheap but mine has paid for itself several times over.

Some movements have an identifying inscription (usually buried under the balance bridge or deviously hidden somewhere) and some of the old movements are referred to by ligne number, which is an old French method of measurement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligne



.

 

The movement serial number on

mine is:

6152739

Would you look up at least the time period for me?

 

Marc, that serial number range was produced from 1923-26.

Pop the caseback off and post a movement shot and I'll identify it for you.
I bet 23.7

Note that when Yann said "12 or 13" above, he was referring to the ligne size.

 

Evan @gatorcpa was kind enough to send me this a couple of years ago, I don't think he will mind my sharing.