Omega cosmic moonphase 381

Codytza444 · Sun. 1:49pm

Hello,
Got my hands on this omega cosmic moonphase. What is your opinion about the dial? Is it redone?. I’m also trying to source a crystal for it since this one is not original. Does anybody has /knows the dimensions of the crystal?
The watch was recently serviced. The case pushers were fabricated. Moonphase mechanism fixed.
Thank you!

cristos71 · Sun. 3:14pm

The dial has definitely been re-done.

gatorcpa · Sun. 3:39pm

There also seems to be an issue with one of the dial feet at 11 o’clock.
gatorcpa

Codytza444 · Sun. 4:26pm

cristos71
The dial has definitely been re-done.

Appreciate the comments. I’m trying to understand the redial concern - could you clarify which detail looks off to you? I’ve posted macros of the printing, windows, and surface grain in case it helps.

Mark020 · Sun. 5:04pm

About everything is off

nkhandekar · Sun. 6:12pm

A couple of things jump out to me regarding this being a redial.

At 11 o'clock, it looks like the minute track is printed over the damage. That could not happen if the dial printing were original.
The date track is printed with a slightly different centre point to the minute track. The get closer and further apart as you circle around the dial.

The other members who know this model better than me can fill you in on the other tells.

UncleBuck · Sun. 6:13pm

Quite a bit wonky, starting with the 1 date being off center. Sent you a pm and enjoyed our talk, we don't like to educate the transgressors!
Probably a watchmaker repairing water damage the best they could.

Dan S · Sun. 7:04pm

I don't think you need to look past the sub-dial to know that this is a sloppy repaint. If it wasn't disclosed, maybe you can return it.

Codytza444 · Sun. 7:30pm

Dan S
I don't think you need to look past the sub-dial to know that this is a sloppy repaint. If it wasn't disclosed, maybe you can return it.

Dan, it’s too late for a return since it was a local sale. At the time, it was an impulse buy, and I wasn’t aware of some of the common issues—such as moonphase problems or repainted dials. I bought it simply because I liked it.

After looking into it more, I started to wonder whether the dial had been redone (it does appear that way).

That said, it’s a nice watch and I really enjoy wearing it. Thank you!

Dan S · Sun. 7:38pm

C Codytza444
Dan, it’s too late for a return since it was a local sale. At the time, it was an impulse buy, and I wasn’t aware of some of the common issues—such as moonphase problems or repainted dials. I bought it simply because I liked it.

After looking into it more, I started to wonder whether the dial had been redone (it does appear that way).

That said, it’s a nice watch and I really enjoy wearing it. Thank you!

Understood. FWIW, the vast majority of the Cosmic TDM examples that we see have repainted dials, and examples with decent original dials can have prices that are prohibitive. So this can be a way for you to enjoy wearing one without an absurd investment.

If you find that you really love it, you can start a long-term hunt for one with an original dial.

Codytza444 · Sun. 7:47pm

Dan S
Understood. FWIW, the vast majority of the Cosmic TDM examples that we see have repainted dials, and examples with decent original dials can have prices that are prohibitive. So this can be a way for you to enjoy wearing one without an absurd investment.

If you find that you really love it, you can start a long-term hunt for one with an original dial.

Dan, this is something I’ll look into acquiring in the future. In the meantime, I need to learn more about how to spot a redial—any pointers you’d recommend?
Also, are there any parts you consider must-haves to keep in stock? It seems spares are becoming scarce. I do have some on hand… but you know how it is 🙂 the one you need is always the one that’s missing.

gatorcpa · Sun. 8:04pm

C Codytza444
I need to learn more about how to spot a redial—any pointers you’d recommend?

When you find a watch you like, you need to find pictures of similar watches online. Google is a good start. For most case reference numbers (the 4 to 7 digit number on the inside of the caseback) there generally will be dozens of examples. It will take hours to weeks of research, but eventually you’ll get a sense of what is and isn’t correct from the factory.

There is no such thing as a “unique” watch or movement for a beginner. Watches were mass produced items made for a profit. If Omega only made “one-of’s”, it would be impossible to turn a profit.

If you can’t find a watch similar to what you are looking for, then it is likely to have been altered on some way.

There is no substitute for experience.
gatorcpa

ErichKeane · Sun. 8:08pm

One thing that makes me look twice at a dial is if something looks uneven or inconsistent.

MOST watch manufacturers (Omega included) spent a ton of time making their printing masks perfect, and they will stamp/manufacturer very consistently.

A majority of redials (repaints at least) are an artist (at best) making a single dial. They are not going to be perfect on minute markers, numbers/etc. compare printed numbers for evenness, compare minute markers for spacing and boldness and length.

One last thing: most dials are printed with a mask, which means they typically go for "square" ends to lines. Painted are going to have round ends.

If I see anything above, I am going to be very suspicious at least.

redpcar · Sun. 8:10pm

If the case or movement have significant wear and the dial looks new = first red flag.

MSNWatch · Sun. 8:38pm

Two models for sale - TDMP and black dial constellations should be considered redials unless proven otherwise.

Dan S · Sun. 8:53pm

Also, look first for obvious errors and misalignments, like the ends of the markers around the subdial. Some of them end short of the step and others overlap over the step. That's too sloppy. Looking at photos of many dials will help you know what the texture should look like. Again, the snailing in the sub-dial is partially painted over. And the overall texture of the dial has a weird diagonal sloppy brushing that isn't like any Omega from that era. Over time, all of this will become second nature, and you won't even have to analyze it in this way, you'll just know.

cristos71 · Mon. 12:04am

So many things off from the texture to the font and everything in-between.

But an easy one to help in the future, if the date above the 12 o'clock is 1, then it's a redial as it should always be 31

Compare to these which are all also ref 2471:

Codytza444 · Mon. 7:12am

Definitely that is something I see now! Also there is no swiss made at the bottom, but i read different opinions about that. Thanks

nkhandekar · Thurs. 3:48pm

In my mind, an alternative would be to have your dial refinished well, and that would be a nice way to bring your research into play. I may be in the minority here, but I think when there is nothing to lose, then refinishing a dial well is the way to go.

Codytza444 · Thurs. 3:53pm

The dial is fine in my opinion, for now… but one day yes… may need to be refinished again. I may wanna spend some money on spare parts. Can anybody tell me what are the Must buy if you find parts? I do have a lot of NOS parts for 381, however one thing I am trying to decide is if a Moon phase star breaks 1538 part nr ? I know is hard to find… I did found one NOS for $450 and wondering ….should I buy or that is a part that rarely breaks. PS: I am looking to buy in the future another one like this, hopefully this time with original dial. Thank you for all the input

Omega cosmic moonphase 381

Codytza444

cristos71

gatorcpa

Codytza444

Mark020

nkhandekar

UncleBuck

Dan S

Codytza444

Dan S

Codytza444

gatorcpa

ErichKeane

redpcar

MSNWatch

Dan S

cristos71

Codytza444

nkhandekar

Codytza444

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