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Omega just "Master" instead of "Seamaster" - fake?

T
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Hi everyone - I have an old Omega with only "Master" on the face.

I went through the Omega vintage page and ebay etc and ones that are similar in appearance usually have Seamaster, Deville etc. - so is this a fake?

The watch belonged to my father's best friend whose estate I handled. There's no family to ask about it.

I don't know if it was his or his father's, he had a handful of items from both - generally 1950-70s range, but some earlier stuff too.

It's not in great shape and assume it has no value, but wanted to make sure.

Thank you!

Tom

omega1.webp omega2.webp
 
S.H.
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I bet it says Meister : a retailer that added its stamp to regular dials, like Türler or Tiffany.
 
T
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The dial doesn't turn so I can't get the hands out of the way. I just tried looking to the side with a magnifying glass and I think it is Meister. Tried taking a zoom to the side and it looks like it.

I just assumed it was Master, didn't realize it could have been Meister.

omega3.webp
 
Scarecrow Boat
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T tom12
The dial doesn't turn so I can't get the hands out of the way.
It says Meister.

Rotating the dial 🤔 Do the hands not rotate?
 
T
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oops, meant the crown. The crown doesn't turn, the hands don't move.

So while this isn't a fake, it's likely still not worth anything, especially considering the condition?
 
SOG53
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Looks like original Omega "Gents watch" (before Seamaster line) from 1950s, gold capped/plated in pretty good shape. A watchmaker can open it and the case reference will be on the inside of caseback, and movement serial number can date it. It is not worthless a collector may want it depending on whats inside.
 
S.H.
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SOG53 SOG53
Looks like original Omega "Gents watch" (before Seamaster line) from 1950s, gold capped/plated in pretty good shape. A watchmaker can open it and the case reference will be on the inside of caseback, and movement serial number can date it. It is not worthless a collector may want it depending on whats inside.
I predict a post 1965 entry level manual wind gold plated model. Maybe a 600 serie manual inside if the watch is around 34mm.
This type of case/handset combo does not strike me as a 1950s one.

Worth much? No, but not worthless either, plating and case look good. And the hype is on simple small watches now, boat anchors are out for the young people nowadays.
 
redpcar
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If you originally thought it was a fake, then it's worth a ton!
 
T
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Thank you everyone, appreciate the info, this is very helpful. I was getting nowhere researching and figured I'd already spent more time than it might be worth.

There seems to be a lot of fake Omegas which made me think that was the case. Would have helped if the hands hadn't stopped right over the "ei" in Meister!

I'll try to find a watchmaker to get the ref # and go from there. It is a classic style, maybe someone would want it to restore.

Tom
 
T
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Had the watch opened:

movement: 601
ref on caseback: 131.019
Looked up the serial number - made in 1966.
Diameter seems to be 34mm

There is a little corrosion/residue around the inside lip of the case and near the crown; hard to capture in photos but can be seen in the cropped pic.

No residue on the movement. That appears to be in good shape, I think.

The handwritten number on the inside of the caseback - this indicates it was serviced?

Thanks!

omega-inside1.webp omega-inside2.webp omega-inside3.webp omega-inside4.webp
 
T
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yes, don't see a way to decipher what the code means. Was surprised to see marker scribbled on the back.

Would this be considered a "Geneve"?
 
T
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aha I'd entered 131.019 on that site but nothing came up - didn't realize I needed another zero.

thanks!
 
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