Old OMEGA

Hello ladies and gentleman. I received this watch as an inheritance from my beloved Grandfather after he passed away. My grandfather bought this watch as new in Europe in the late 1940s with his first salary. This watch has a great sentimental value for me and, therefore, I would like to know more about it and would like to know how to better take care of it. The watch is manually wound and has a case with a diameter of 37 mm. I looked on the internet but I couldn't find any watch that looked exactly the same. I didn't open it because I'm afraid of ruining it. I have no experience with watches and would be very grateful if anyone can help. Thank you very much.

probably a 30T2 caliber or R 17.8 .... try -carefully- to open the watch to check the serial number

If you plan to wear it, it will need to be serviced by a watchmaker. Let us know where you are and maybe someone can recommend one (or search the forum for answers that might already exist)

I would not suggest that you open it yourself without detailed guidance from someone here

Nice watch!

Condolences for the loss of your grandfather. A watch is a great memento to remind you of him.

It's a nice 40s vintage jumbo Omega. Watches then were usually much smaller, so this was big for those days. As @DaveK says step number 1, is to find a trusted watchmaker who works with vintage watches. The watchmaker can open it up without damaging it. The markings on the inside will identify the movement and model number. It is best not to wear it until you have it serviced, otherwise it is a bit like driving a car that hasn't had an oil change in 10 years. The watch maker will completely disassemble the watch, clean and inspect every part, and replace parts as needed. Depending on location, parts needed, etc. it will cost a couple to a few hundred US dolars. Let us know what country / state you are in and members can recommend a watchmaker. It is also not a big deal to ship a watch out for a service if there is nobody good local.

As far as care goes, service every 5 years, keep it away from water, and don't drop it. I always take my watches on and off a few inches over the counter or bed. That way if it falls, no big deal. Lastly, wear the watch with pride, don't leave it in a drawer.

Nice heirloom!!! Don't try and open it yourself, you may screw up the case. Have it serviced by a watchmaker familiar with vintage watches, and then wear it!!!

Thank you all so much for the answers.
I live in Portugal, and yes, the watch was purchased in Portugal, "Dan S", how do you know?
When I received the watch the crown was moving without tension. I spoke to several watchmakers and they refused to touch the watch. Recently a family friend goldsmith agreed to send the watch to a specialized company that fixed the crown. Now it is working very well but I don't know if they did the maintenance that "wagudc" recommended. I only paid 60 euros and they gave me 12 month warranty. I think I'm going to call them to see if they did the maintenance. Thank you all and I think I'm starting to like watches.

EDIT: I tried to contact OMEGA and got no response.

Thank you very much. So do all Omegas sold as new in Portugal in the 1940s have this stamp? (for future reference).
Does anyone know a good watchmaker in Portugal to do the service of this watch?

Yes. Tells you, that customs fees are paid. Portugal is a Mecca for vintage Omegas. Look for an older watchmaker. They will service your watch without any problems. Kind regards from Down Under. Joachim

Thank you very much for the information and the learning opportunity. Best regards

Yes: IWC bought 1985 as n.o.s. in Braga

Thank you very much! Nice watch! One day I will have a collection of old watches, I have a thin wrist and watches these days are too big!