in the moment there are 2 examples on the bay. clearly repainted dial is here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1950s-OMEGA-Military-RAF-Fat-Arrow-Mens-Vintage-Wrist-Watch-6B-542-3416-53/273032565573?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20140106155344&meid=8aa53caaf5ae4c98a6550bc1250dc21d&pid=100005&rk=5&rkt=6&sd=162883931920&itm=273032565573&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network. the second one should be the 1990`s Omega Factory replacement dial. it is here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/162883931920?ul_noapp=truePurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network...........the Brass "Do Hickey" spring for the inner back cover is replaced, the inner back cover does not look original and the moisture absorbent Paper inside is one of the copies made by ZAF. all ok, but should be mentioned. so, if you are on the hunt for an original Thin Arrow, compare. kind regards. achim
Yup, neither is an original dial or hands. Only the asking price and the crappy description indicate originality.
I agree entirely. In each case, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware). In the first watch, in SMALL PRINT is the note: Seller Notes: “Old used watch, dial repainted” But this is followed with: 1) The Original dial shows age The dial is no more original than a repainted dial can be! And looking at the amount of rust and damage in the last four of the images says a lot. Even the seller’s name implies that the watch is ‘genuine’ and ‘authentic’ – sadly it is not so. In the second watch, the seller claims that the watch is ‘ALL ORIGINAL’. As you say Achim, the "Do Hickey" is available (from Antoine) and the moisture absorbent paper disc from Zaf. I have nothing against a restored watch (just like many beautifully-restored classic cars) – but to claim that it is ‘original’ is another matter. Here are examples of Zaf’s discs: nice to have for a ‘restoration’:
Now we are talking military dials, i have one in my spareparts I got in a lot with Omega parts Is it a CK2444 dial? or just som old rubish?
Looks like an original but pretty rough. When they're that bad they lose most of the value, but still a nice thing to find by chance.
I picked up a load of IWC WWW parts in a similar situation, and unfortunately like your Omega one the dials are a bit on the rough side. Even though they're pretty scarce the market's really sensitive to condition.
It's an original but for the WWW not the '53... the 53 is the 2777 .. can't remember the WWW's reference, seeing as I've not yet finished my first tea of the day.
The second watch has had its case refinished and the movement's finish stripped with a previous service. Looks like that watch was sent to Bienne for restoration as the look is typical of watches these watches sent there for service many years ago (they have run out of these newer dials a long time back).
This week, Ref 2777 RAF is popular on EBay. A new listing https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/112793395630
hmmmm........., i think, i have to barter with you. exchange my perfect Bienne restoration from 1993 with one of your originals... kind regards. achim
That's a railmaster prototype with swan neck regulator and different military markings than the typical RAF '53. One of the other original dial TAs is a RNZAF.
which reference inside the case back? the outside back should have no engravings on these the prototypes. if you check your side profile against a 1953, can you see a different side profile in thickness? very interesting example. kind regards. achim
Hi, Very nice indeed. Same as my RNZAF 1956 issue. I also have a 58 and a 57 TA as well. I have never seen another 57 to date. Cheers Russell.