Omega automatic 18k 1958?

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Hello. You must get tired of people like me. However I have inherited an Omega watch which you might be kind enough to look at. Finding no picture of one exactly like it (the dial) I thought it was fake, but have changed my mind. I have no paperwork but know it was bought in Switzerland at a time when that was potentially cheaper than buying one in the UK. Some things I think I know:
Markings inside indicate 18k but this hasn't been tested.
Serial number indicates 1958.
Caliber 491 is compatible with 1958 Automatic.
'New' strap is by George Tarratt, now defunct but were authorized by Omega for service and repair.
The dial is either the best-preserved one in the world or has been replaced. I guess the latter, whch would be a bad thing, though maybe not so bad if done by George Tarratt?
Any alterations to the watch would have to be at least 30 years ago, as it's been in a box since then.
The dial has no minute markings.
I'm not the sort of person who would buy an 18k watch or indeed wear one. Too expensive for me. But the thing looks nice, and not ostentatious, so I might change the habit of a lifetime. What do you think of it? Is it even genuine? Or if genuine, hopelessy messed about with?
I'm having trouble attaching photos. If it doesn't work I'll try again.
 
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Your watch is quite genuine and properly marked 18k gold.

The dial has been refinished, it should have a second track around the periphery.
 
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Your watch is quite genuine and properly marked 18k gold.

The dial has been refinished, it should have a second track around the periphery.

Well thank you. My deceased relative much as I loved him was, in my opinion, more likely to have a fake than an 18k watch, Omega or otherwise. That makes it worth quite a lot of money. It's mine t sell but it's such a simple yet smart object perhaps I'll just keep it handy for significant occasions. It's not going back in its box - what would be the point of that? It was fun researching it and the whole subject is quite interesting. I'll enjoy reading other threads. If I end up buying another one it will be your fault!
 
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Neat that you have what appears to be the original strap. I'd find a modern strap that matches, Hirsch would be a good choice, and reuse the original buckle.
 
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Your watch is quite genuine and properly marked 18k gold.

The dial has been refinished, it should have a second track around the periphery.

Minutes track 😉

I am not totally sure it has been refinished. I found a few with a matching dial when googling, even including the seemingly off-centre "swiss made".
 
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Minutes track 😉

I am not totally sure it has been refinished. I found a few with a matching dial when googling, even including the seemingly off-centre "swiss made".
I wasn't, either. Curious about the dial, looks like gold lacquer. Original or aging?
 
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The Hirsch stap is a good suggestion thank you. I've had a bit of luck with the watch so earns itself a nice strap. The dial might look a bit 'goldish' in my photos but that was the light. In reality it is silver (I mean silver-coloured). Like brushed aluminium or stainless steel for want of a better description. I have no clue what they're usually made of. Steel I suppose? There are no spots or blemishes whatsoever on the dial, it doesn't look at all 'aged' so if it hasn't been refinished it's been very lucky for its age. Surprising isn't it that there are so many variations around? Consistency seems not necessarily to mean uniformity. I see now why these watches can be something of a hobby, not just something you wear. I'm getting all interested reading about other people's now.
 
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That butler finish is usually sterling silver plate. Glad it looks nice!
 
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C Carl P
The Hirsch stap is a good suggestion thank you. I've had a bit of luck with the watch so earns itself a nice strap.

I would say it has earned a service by a qualified watchmaker. Whatever oils are in the watch have likely all dried up or become sticky. Running without a service will cause excess wear on the parts. Parts which may be difficult to replace in the near future. I have an Omega with the 501 movement which is related to the 491 movement (501 is sweep-seconds, 491 is sub-seconds). My watchmaker told me that Omega North America no longer supports my movement, so the parts have to be ordered from Omega headquarters in Switzerland. There is no guarantee how much more time Omega will have parts available.

There are several good watchmakers in the UK, see:
https://www.google.com/search?q=site😲megaforums.net watchmaker uk&oq=site😲megaforums.net watchmaker uk
Edited:
 
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I would say it has earned a service by a qualified watchmaker.
These are wise words, for all to heed! Any new to you watch requires service before you wear it.
 
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I'm listening. Yes a service now businesses are opening up from lockdown. The watch can't possibly have been wound for at least 30 years before I got hold of it. Some TLC deserved.
Enjoying reading about some of the others, such as the 1937 - design history - that would have been someone's idea of ultra-futuristic in 1937.
 
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For a service - I'm near Leicester UK so there is Pagnell's there. They are 'Omega certified' and service in-house apparently. Good reviews as far as I can see though mostly from folk spending tens of thousands on a new watch. They are somewhat large, high-end, probably expensive, and in a way I'd rather support a lone watchmaker if you know what I mean.