Omega Chronograph ca. 1951 Cal. 321

Posts

625

Likes

2,085

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

 

Posts

16,779

Likes

35,166

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.

 

Posts

2,630

Likes

6,699

seekingseaquest

·Aug 6, 2024

Unfortunately it has been repainted.

 

Posts

16,779

Likes

35,166

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.

 

Posts

282

Likes

255

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?

 

Posts

1,621

Likes

5,009

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

 

Posts

4,013

Likes

9,009

redpcar

·Aug 6, 2024

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

 

Posts

625

Likes

2,085

Bernhard J

·Aug 6, 2024

Risto

This seems to be case nr 2279.

Correct! How did you identify that?

 

Posts

625

Likes

2,085

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.

 

Posts

1,631

Likes

6,867

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.

 

Posts

625

Likes

2,085

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.

 

Posts

82

Likes

80

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.

 

Posts

7,547

Likes

34,633

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.

 

Posts

7,547

Likes

34,633

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

 

Posts

1,631

Likes

6,867

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.

 

Posts

2,630

Likes

6,699

seekingseaquest

·Aug 6, 2024

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

 

Posts

1,621

Likes

5,009

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.

 

Posts

625

Likes

2,085

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 🤔.

 

Posts

16,779

Likes

35,166

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.
😉