Omega Chronograph ca. 1951 Cal. 321

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Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

Hi All,

I would like to know what the experts think about this dial, in particular whether it original. The serial number of the movement suggests 1951 as the building date.

Thanks in advance, Bernhard

 

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JimInOz

·Aug 6, 2024·Melbourne Australia

My immediate reaction on seeing the dial is that it has been re-painted.
No detective work involved as yet, just what hit my eyes.

Note: I am ignoring the circular track abberations as I suspect they may be distorted due to the crystal being unevenly polished.

 

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seekingseaquest

·Aug 6, 2024

Unfortunately it has been repainted.

 

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JimInOz

·Aug 6, 2024·Melbourne Australia

On further review I'd say original.
Omega font threw me at first, but kerning is OK and it's correctly centred.
Sub-dials still have good circular graining and centering.
But based on that photo I'm for original at this stage.

 

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bassem abadan

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

Hi All,

I would like to know what the experts think about this dial, in particular whether it original. The serial number of the movement suggests 1951 as the building date.

Thanks in advance, Bernhard

redail dial?

 

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Risto

·Aug 6, 2024

This seems to be case nr 2279.
I feel like the text typeface should be more "serif" (small legs at the tips of the letter) at the outer track. But, it's not bad.
And logo should also be more older type.
Based on these photos I would say it's a redial.

Found these shots from web.

Edited: Aug 6, 2024

 

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redpcar

·Aug 6, 2024

If I may be so bold. This is too bold.

 

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Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

Risto

This seems to be case nr 2279.

Correct! How did you identify that?

 

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Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

seekingseaquest

Unfortunately it has been repainted.

If so, it seems to have been a really good job, compared with other repainted dials I have seen here.

 

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JimJupiter

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

If so, it seems to have been a really good job, compared with other repainted dials I have seen here.

you think? Its quite obvious in my eyes.

 

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Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

JimJupiter

you think? Its quite obvious in my eyes.

Please educate me (and perhaps others) and kindly point to the obvious tell-tale details.

 

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SWmania

·Aug 6, 2024

In my opinion, redial.

But curious point is that the [OMEGA] text is so bad, especially compared to the rest of the dial.

rest of the dial - decent redial job I would say
but [OMEGA] text - that is so bad. could tell it's a redial in the blink of an eye.

 

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cristos71

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

Please educate me (and perhaps others) and kindly point to the obvious tell-tale details.

Omega too big and too bold. Wierd font on the 12.

 

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cristos71

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

Correct! How did you identify that?

2279 has a distinctive case and lug design which are easily recognisable once you know what to look for. As is the 2381 which is bascally the jumbo 2 register ( cal 320 ) version of this case shape

 

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JimJupiter

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

Please educate me (and perhaps others) and kindly point to the obvious tell-tale details.

What the others say. Font to bold and not crisp enough. Also the A is not flat.

 

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seekingseaquest

·Aug 6, 2024

In addition to what has been mentioned, the paint texture in the center of the dial is unexpected.

 

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Risto

·Aug 6, 2024

Bernhard J

Correct! How did you identify that?

I know because I am big fan of Omega chronographs, although of their later models (1960s), and I have seen this one before. I had ref 2278 which is a bit similar from the late 50s.

 

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Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

I had bought it decades ago, that is long before I got to know this forum and the expertise assembled here. And do not even recall how much I had paid back then 🤔.

 

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JimInOz

·Aug 6, 2024·Melbourne Australia

Glad you got some educated responses Bernhard.

I'm going to stick with my "first impression gut instincts" from now on.
😉