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Omega bullhead / check and comments

OMEGuy
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flqt-9000 flqt-9000
Hello everybody.
I answer to this old thread because it is not clear to me how to recognize a watch.co case.
Anyone knows?

It's just the common 1970s 146.011-69 genuine Omega case, that watchco as a dealer sold several years ago.

Sometimes new old stock cases pop up and are sold on ebay or elsewhere. They are genuine, but sold by the dealer who found them.

The last I remember are the NOS Speedmaster Mark III cases that were sold on ebay. In this case, I even know the source.
Edited:
 
gatorcpa
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flqt-9000 flqt-9000
Hello everybody.
I answer to this old thread because it is not clear to me how to recognize a watch.co case.
Anyone knows?
Watchco was an Omega authorized parts supplier in Australia.

They used to "re-create" vintage watches by taking correct movements, replacing parts (like Omega would) and putting them in new OEM cases. Some were old stock and others were newly manufactured for Omega.

I do not know if the Bullhead cases were from original or recent production. My guess would be original production, as these were not popular when introduced, so cases would have been available for purchase through Omega.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa
 
OMEGuy
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
My guess would be original production, as these were not popular when introduced, so cases would have been available for purchase through Omega.

Absolutely correct, Mr. InvestiGator. 😀
 
flqt-9000
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Watchco was an Omega authorized parts supplier in Australia.

They used to "re-create" vintage watches by taking correct movements, replacing parts (like Omega would) and putting them in new OEM cases. Some were old stock and others were newly manufactured for Omega.

I do not know if the Bullhead cases were from original or recent production. My guess would be original production, as these were not popular when introduced, so cases would have been available for purchase through Omega.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa
Ok, but are there some differences between original and watch.co bullhead cases?
 
gatorcpa
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flqt-9000 flqt-9000
Ok, but are there some differences between original and watch.co bullhead cases?
There is no such thing as a "Watchco case". Watchco purchased the cases from Omega in Switzerland.
gatorcpa
 
flqt-9000
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
There is no such thing as a "Watchco case". Watchco purchased the cases from Omega in Switzerland.
gatorcpa
Thank you!
So there are not peculiarities to be checked to assess the oroginality of the case to the watch?
 
gatorcpa
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flqt-9000 flqt-9000
Thank you!
So there are not peculiarities to be checked to assess the oroginality of the case to the watch?
We would need to get a case that we absolutely knew came from Watchco and compare it to one that we absolutely knew was original in order to see any differences. How we would come by this information, I really don't know.

Otherwise, we are speculating.
gatorcpa
 
simonsays
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As has been said, there were no 'Watchco' or new Omega service cases, such as are available for the SM300. Watchco were selling NOS cases for this watch and so in my opinion, the dial is of premier importance for these watches. If it is 10/10 then a NOS case can be fitted and it will be a great match.

I bought a NOS Lemania version from them at the time, but found the case shape unwearable and sold it

IMG_6328.jpg IMG_6338.jpg


I suppose we can now get into a discussion as to wether replacing the case on a watch makes it Franken, or improves a tired watch?
 
gatorcpa
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simonsays simonsays
I suppose we can now get into a discussion as to wether replacing the case on a watch makes it Franken, or improves a tired watch?
That has always been a big debate on this and other forums.

I'll give @flqt-9000 credit. He found a watch that has a Watchco-sold case. However, there is no view of the inside of the case, where the reference number and manufacturer information (possibly) reside.

So we still can't answer the question.
gatorcpa
 
simonsays
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
That has always been a big debate on this and other forums.

I'll give @flqt-9000 credit. He found a watch that has a Watchco-sold case. However, there is no view of the inside of the case, where the reference number and manufacturer information (possibly) reside.

So we still can't answer his question.
gatorcpa

I can. I distinctly remember they were period correct stamped cases. I have never seen a contemporary service case for these and I am sure they do not exist.
 
JACK G
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I had one of these restored by Omega Bienne in 2012. Kept original dial, hands, inner bezel - replaced crystal, pushers, strap and crowns.

At that time Omega did not have any service cases.

I bought it from the original owner and although I really liked the watch it was too big for my small wrist.

Now sold but can post some more before and after pics if anyone interested.

Bull one.JPG
 
Fatcat
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For shure, I was trying 2 years ago to build one, I found a second hand case in California , the 830 was not really a problem, the most complicate is the dial after 18 months of searching the only one seen in Ebay was more or less dead, I was lucky and able to buy one form Canada and the watch was pristine, I resold the case to a Turkish guy that was trying to do the dial himself, rare rare rare event watchco not possible due to the dial avaibility.
 
OMEGuy
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This is the only one I've seen with these special hands.

146.011-69.jpg
 
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