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Omega Memomatic

Yo32Leigh
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Not familiar with this watch but having done some reading (mainly Desmond's Bible), they seem underappreciated. The case is unusual and has a very retro 70's vibe to it.
This one is on a local classifieds but the seller dosen't know much about it.
My main concern is the dial, or rather the hands. On all of the examples I have seen the hands are red or blue.
Does anyone have any experience with watches and able to offer advice?
Thanks
 
Screenshot_20220309-191343_Gumtree.jpg Screenshot_20220309-191355_Gumtree.jpg
masteroftime
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I've contemplated buying these a few times. From the looks of it, that one looks original but the second hand and orange markers seem to have faded to yellow. They should be a more vibrant orange.
 
Timetron
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@Yo32Leigh

Here is an image of my Memomatic ref. 166.072. Masteroftime's observation about the orange discoloration is correct. Here is how the orange should look like.

IMG_E5294[1].JPG



The Memomatic you are looking at is ref. 166.071 and this is how the orange on the dial should look like.

upload_2022-3-9_16-8-14.png
Edited:
 
Sherbie
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Timetron Timetron
@Yo32Leigh

Here is an image of my Memomatic ref. 166.072. Masteroftime's observation about the orange discoloration is correct. Here is how the orange should look like.

View attachment 1382173
But even your inner dial hash marks ( that set the alarm minuted) seem to have turned a yellowish shade compared to mine
71AD8F6B-A1F2-4B1A-B3DE-0D75D1A2B091.png
 
Timetron
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Sherbie Sherbie
But even your inner dial hash marks ( that set the alarm minuted) seem to have turned a yellowish shade compared to mine
71AD8F6B-A1F2-4B1A-B3DE-0D75D1A2B091.png
Yes, that is correct and I was going to point it out. To answer Yo32Leigh's doubt, in spite of the observed discoloration, the dial and second hand on the 166.071 seems correct.
Edited:
 
masteroftime
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Also, this is not totally uncommon. I'm not certain if it is caused by anything more than light exposure over time, but I've seen a few Speedmaster MKII racing dials with similar fading.
 
Yo32Leigh
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Timetron Timetron
Yes, that is correct and I was going to point it out. To answer Yo32Leigh's doubt, in spite of the observed discoloration, the dial and second hand on the 166.071 seems correct.
I'm assuming this having would drastically affect the value? I'm considering making an offer but I think he's been given unrealistic expectations by an auction house quoting prices for pristine ☹️
 
Yo32Leigh
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Unlikely I know but what are the chances of been able to source a replacement (original) dial for this?
 
masteroftime
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Yo32Leigh Yo32Leigh
Unlikely I know but what are the chances of been able to source a replacement (original) dial for this?

They actually pop up every so often. There was actually a dial and hand set on ebay about a month ago. It's possible that Omega still has them, but I don't have any personal knowledge of that.
 
Timetron
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Timetron Timetron
The

Yes, that is correct and I was going to point it out.
masteroftime masteroftime
They actually pop up every so often. There was actually a dial and hand set on ebay about a month ago. It's possible that Omega still has them, but I don't have any personal knowledge of that.

@Yo32Leigh
I agree with masteroftime, you just got to arm yourself with patience until the right one comes along.
 
Archer
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masteroftime masteroftime
It's possible that Omega still has them, but I don't have any personal knowledge of that.

The dial, which is actually only the very outer ring, is not available. The display module, which is the inner circle is available in grey...

72209801634G
 
Yo32Leigh
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Archer Archer
The dial, which is actually only the very outer ring, is not available. The display module, which is the inner circle is available in grey...

72209801634G
Thanks Archer.

What's your take on trying to restore the dial/hands vs leaving them as is with a sympathetic clean of the case and crystal polish?
 
Archer
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Yo32Leigh Yo32Leigh
Thanks Archer.

What's your take on trying to restore the dial/hands vs leaving them as is with a sympathetic clean of the case and crystal polish?

"Restore"? Not sure what that means, but I personally wouldn't do anything but clean off loose dirt...
 
Yo32Leigh
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Archer Archer
"Restore"? Not sure what that means, but I personally wouldn't do anything but clean off loose dirt...
sorry, when i said restore I was meaning replace (if poss) rather than leave as.
 
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