Hi All A question for the 2.4 Megaquartz Experts: I came across this Omega Stardust which is allegedly NOS. But all the Stardusts I have seen so far have a red date window and different hands. This one seems to have the hands and white date window of the Marine Chronometer. Was this produced at the factory (early or late Model) or is this a "Bitster"/Frankenwatch? Many thanks in advance
I have indeed never seen a Stardust or an MQ 2.4 with a white date window, on the other hand a white date window is used on the OMC 2.4Mhz, so...Same thing for the hands, these are OMC hands, not MQ 2.4 hands.
True ;-). My question to you guys is if these watches are sometimes/regularly put together from bits/spares of different OMC`s or MQ2.4`s to increase profit or if that is something that rarely occurs and obviously if/how such a thing does affect value.
Do you have a picture of the movement? If Cal. 1510 it would be a Megaquartz f2,4MHz with added Marine Chronometer parts, If 1511 it would be the other way around. At least, that is how i would look at it.
Not yet. I will try and get one. I was under the impression that some MQ2.4 had 1511 as well? Am I misinformed?
Not really a watch you can 'put together' this watch should have: Calibre 1510 with a 34million serial Things to check: Dial (CAREFUILLY) for cracks Accuracy (should be 1 second per month) Its not NOS, lots of people bound that term but I don't believe it is, just in 'very good, collectors grade condition). Are you sure the date window is white? or is it just poor photography which is showing he silver date window as white? Overall a clean looking watch, case looks good, bracelet looks good but is a service replacement not the original 1210/202, dial looks OK (from the single pic you provided) most likely someone has fitted 1511 marine chronometer hands at some point in its life (probably at service) Hope this helps Tom
Looks like the dial is correct and the date window is actually silver, it's just the mirror reflection is making it appear white Value is a subjective thing, prices on these have moved so I would say Private 'good' with B&P recently serviced : £1450 - £2000+ Private 'collector grade' with B&P recently serviced : £2000 - £2500++ Dealer+ 20-30% All depends on dial condition and recent service and only STS in the U.K. Will service and warranty these now and you will get no change form £1000
So I had a conversation with the seller. The watch has now the correct hands and as expected it has a 1511 caliber (likely all this was replaced in a service). The watch has been in a collection for years, the date of the last service is unknown. Comes with 12 month waranty...decision time i guess. Any last thoughts would be much appreciated. Many thanks for all your great help.
It boils down to money, how much is it and how much do you want to pay? I am confused? Does it have 1511 or 1510? It should have 1510 calibre with 34 million serial. 1511 is the marine chronometer calibre and whilst fundamentally the same it means if it does have a 1511 it has had an entire movement transplant at some point Also is the dial perfect and crack free or not?
I would add that it's HIGHLY unlikely anyone would replacement the entire movement with an incorrect one at service unless the original movement was wrecked and if they had replaced they would have replaced like for like not 1510!l for 1511
Dunno...if it is indeed a 1511 (and it probably is given the white date) it's a "franken" so...have you asked for a picture of the movement ? Also try to get one of the caseback as there should be a 4 digit number on there if it's one from a 1510.
Many thanks for the replies. Dial: Crack Free Caliber: It is a 1511 with a 37million serial. Caseback: it does have the 4 digit number on the back. Which makes it likely that the case is correct. To me the question is: Is it plausible that the watch had a service and was fitted with a new 1511 movement (because whoever did the service had that and not the 1510) and 12010 bracelett and is therefore not a franken or is it a good buy at 2.5k dollars with 12 month waranty in any case, or hands off at that price. What do you think? Alternatively: Do you guys know of anybody who has one for sale... Cheers
Fundamentally with a 1511 movement in it the watch is not correct. The bracelet is a service replacement so factor that in too
As Tom says this watch is never going to be correct. There are others out there... put your cash back in your pocket and walk away...
Cheers guys. I have another 2.4 MQ with the blue dial it is all correct but currently does not run anymore and needs a sewrvice. I called STS yesterday and they offered to service my watch and should i buy the other one swap the movement for around 700GBP. So i will be thinking about this, but all in all it looks like I need to think hard about if it is worth the hassle and money. How often do good Stardust come up for sale? I am looking since about two years and had nothing good came up so far.