Hi, I am new to collecting Omegas, but have been reading this forum for a few weeks and have enjoyed learning more about these amazing watches. I just love the style and sophistication of Omegas, new and old. I recently purchased my first Omega Cal 490 and wanted to know anyone's thoughts on if it is all original? Also if anyone could let me know the year of production for this watch, I would really appreciate it. I have not received the watch yet but from the pictures off Ebay I really like it. I can post more pictures once I receive the watch in a week or so. Even if it is not all original I still plan to keep it because I really like it. Thank you all for any information you can give me on this watch.
Wiccster3

 

Case is American made 10k gold filled. Crown not original. Hands don't match with dial furniture. For production date we need serial number on movement, means a movement pic with rotor in another position so serial could be seen. What's the asked price?

 

Hands look fine, not uncommon for them to age a bit differently than the applied gold figures, crown is also correct for this model.

Note the OXG marking on the movement which is the import code for movements delivered to the USA. Serial number on the left dates this to ca 1956, which incidentally is the year the caliber 490 was introduced.

Very nice original dial.

 

Hi, Thanks for your replies. I bought this last Sat on eBay for $420USD. I found a website with original Omega crowns and it said case #6278 was a stainless steel crown. Which made me start thinking this was a franken watch. Like I said I am new to collecting, but I had some birthday money burning a whole in my pocket and I just found this watch very striking and couldn't pass it up, as long as it runs I will be very happy with it. I would just like to find out as much as I can about it. If the crown is not correct I would like to have it replaced with the original. Any more info on this watch would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

If you have no evidence that the rotor bushing/rotor post has been repaired you should get that attended to. The serious wear on the inner periphery of the rotor indicates that action is needed.

 

A gold cap watch should always have a gold-coloured crown. If X350 XJR says the crown is correct then it will be, so there is no need to change it.. As stated above, the rotor needs attention which should form part of a service. A vintage watch should always be serviced anyway unless you plan to run it to destruction. Get an independent watchmaker to do it, cheaper and better than sending it to Omega.

 

Thanks again for your replies. Could anyone recommend a good independent watchmaker that can give this watch a service at a reasonable price? I wouldn't mind sending it through the post as long as the watchmaker is respectable. Thanks again.

 

Hi, meant to tell everyone I live in Henderson, NV and I haven't looked for a reputable watchmaker near me. Everything in Vegas seems to be more expensive. So if anyone knows of any reasonable watchmakers in Henderson or Las Vegas, please let me know. Thanks again.

 

My Omega store wants to charge $1200 and up to 19 weeks to do a service. Has anyone heard of M & I International Watch and if they are any good? Local shop that says service starting at $225 for an Omega service. I know it will probably be closer to $400, from the research I've done. Or Official Time Watch out of Salt Lake City, Utah? They said they would do it for $385? Any thoughts on where I can get it serviced would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for any info.

 

I am in the UK so I can't help you, but do not under any circumstances send it to Omega. Have you searched this forum for references to the watchmakers you mention above? Have you searched the Internet for vintage watchmaker specialists in your state and reviews of their work?

 

Yes, found a few watchmakers in Las Vegas that have good Yelp reviews. Thanks for your help.

 

Thank you so much for your input and opinions. Greatly appreciated. Watch is running about 2 min fast a day. Going to get it serviced soon.