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Omega Genève history and help?

Z
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Hi all. I'm new here, and a VERY new watch collector. I purchased this Omega Genève for my fiancé as a wedding gift. I know absolutely nothing about watches but after doing a lot of research, I settled that I wanted something manual, vintage, and by Omega for my fiancé. I fell in love with the bracelet on this one, as I don't see a lot of watches that have that bracelet style and I felt it was particularly timeless. I know it's very simple, but I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge on the history of this specific watch. I believe it's a 135.0041, which dates it to 1968 upon my research. I know that the Genève watches of this time were considered "entry level", but does anyone have any thoughts on the actual mechanics of it? I saw some mentions that the mechanics are the same as a seamaster but would LOVE any historic knowledge or any advice on how to care for this watch. I feel so silly asking these things, I was afraid to even wind it up because I didn't want to break it or ruin it. You all seem so nice in general and knowledgeable so I'd love any help that anyone has. 😀

IMG_5053.jpeg IMG_5049.jpeg
 
Davidt
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You’re right, the Geneve was entry level by this point but these are bullet proof watches. The movement, generally a cal 601 in these manual wind versions, is the same movement used in the Seamaster 600 and is a great movement.

They may be entry level but they’re great as an everyday wearer. Just get it serviced every 5-8 years (has it been done recently?) and although the case says ‘waterproof’ it’s now vintage, so don’t get it wet.
 
Davidt
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Btw, if my partner went to the effort to research this and bought me that exact watch, I’d be surprised and delighted
 
Spruce
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I rather think that this is a 135.041, rather than a 135.0041.

Although they are sometimes described as 'entry level', that’s a complete misnomer in quality stakes.

All Omegas are built and finished to a very high standard and these watches, if they’re looked after will last at least one lifetime and quite possibly more.

The 'entry level' aspect is because they generally cost less than the same age of Seamasters and Constellations, but the movements used in the automatics are very often the same movements, it’s just that the finish may be slightly more expensive or the movement is a chronometer.

This is the 601 movement in a watch I used to own. The movement is lovely and …

upload_2023-12-1_23-53-15.jpeg


…. and this is the movement in a vintage Timex of roughly the same age. There’s absolutely no comparison.

So, ‘entry level' can mean different things to different people.


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mydeafcat
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I agree with the above. Entry-Schmentry; I love my Geneve as does my local Omega dealer FWIW. While not a manual movement (calibre is an automatic 550), mine sends greetings.

It’s a lovely gift. Nicely done, and very thoughtful!

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Dan S
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I think that the entry-level nature of the watch is mainly related to the utilitarian case design, which is obviously a matter of personal taste. Otherwise, the mechanical quality is equal to other Omega models made at the time.
 
JimInOz
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Spruce Spruce
I rather think that this is a 135.041, rather than a 135.0041.

It's the same thing, the case reference stamped in the watch is 135.041, Omega later changed the case referencing system by adding a zero to the number.
 
mrbreen
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Dan S Dan S
I think that the entry-level nature of the watch is mainly related to the utilitarian case design, which is obviously a matter of personal taste. Otherwise, the mechanical quality is equal to other Omega models made at the time.
This is the answer to your question vis-à-vis entry level (for Omega). For the record, I love mine:
IMG_0276.jpeg
 
Spruce
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Inspired by this thread, I dug out one of mine. They really are very comfortable 😀

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Jazzylady
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This is my ladies Omega Geneve watch powered by a 625 cal, (I don't know anything about how good the movement is). I bought it for the princely sum of £125, has been serviced and have seen the movement inside. It came supplied on a lovely Hirsch Osiris watch strap but I bought a lovely silver Meyhofer strap from Germany to match the dial. I gain a lot of pleasure from wearing this 50 year old watch.

Enjoy wearing yours too.

17466480742536533712500415583189.webp
 
JimInOz
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Jazzylady Jazzylady
I don't know anything about how good the movement is
The 625 is a very reliable movement from Omega's line of "compact" calibers.
About 17.5mm in diameter it was primarily made for ladies watches.
It was introduced in 1975 and approximately 2.4 million movents were produced.

Your Geneve is a classic dress watch from that era.
 
sheepdoll
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The 620 and 625 were used in a lot of dress watches without sweep seconds.

I have a couple of 630 movements which add the sweep like a 601. Not sure why these do not turn up as much as the 620/625.

What ever the case, I think these 18 mm movements are vastly underated.
 
Jazzylady
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JimInOz JimInOz
The 625 is a very reliable movement from Omega's line of "compact" calibers.
About 17.5mm in diameter it was primarily made for ladies watches.
It was introduced in 1975 and approximately 2.4 million movents were produced.

Your Geneve is a classic dress watch from that era.
Hello

Thank you for informing me about the movement inside Omega watch - very much appreciated 😊
 
Jazzylady
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sheepdoll sheepdoll
The 620 and 625 were used in a lot of dress watches without sweep seconds.

I have a couple of 630 movements which add the sweep like a 601. Not sure why these do not turn up as much as the 620/625.

What ever the case, I think these 18 mm movements are vastly underated.
Thank you for advising me of the movement. I had read somewhere these were classed as entry level Omega watches - however I don't mind as I gain a lot of pleasure in wearing my vintage watch.
 
JimInOz
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Jazzylady Jazzylady
I had read somewhere these were classed as entry level Omega watches
Entry level can sometimes only be determined by the model name of the watch.
There are many variations of Seamaster and identical Geneves where the only difference is the writing on the dial.

I don't think anyone would consider this one "entry level", although it is from a period when Geneve was one of Omega's upper ranges.

DialRight.webp
 
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