Hello everyone, This is my second post of the week(ever). I just found this old Omega pocket watch at an estate sale this morning. The reference number is in the 5milllions which I found dates after 1915. The case is not marked for metal type so I'm assuming it's stainless or white gold plated? Anyway I know this forum is more about wrist watches but thought you would like to enjoy an Art Deco Omega. There is an odd marking that says 7 LBS PN. What does that stand for? 7 pounds per...? The second hand is blued but the hour hands are like a metallic purple, should they also be "blued?" Also, can I make this into a wrist watch with a different case? Or is that blasphemy? Have a great day and as also thanks for your time and comments. Craig
The term "Warranteed 25 years" on the case means that it is older than 1924. That's when they changed the law to make the manufacturers specify the content of the cases. This one is white gold-filled. I would not recommend trying to make a wrist watch out this pocket watch. It is not shockproof. The balance, being much larger than that normally on a wristwatch, will be more prone to break the balance staff or jewel. Expensive repair. It's very nice circa 1920 pocket watch. Enjoy it for what it is. gatorcpa
Thanks Gatorcpa!!! I'll leave it alone. Good info on the case back. That will help when I'm in the wild hunting for watches. Any idea on the 7 lbs PN stamp? Thanks again, Craig
Just thought I'd point out that this one is probably a bit early to be called Art Deco, neither is the style really in the Art Deco department. Lovely nonetheless
That is almost certainly a caliber (movement model) number. However, the picture you provided is so out of focus, we can't see what it really says. You'll need to make sure the camera is focused on the engraving and not the balance wheel next time. The hands look to be original and yes, they are blued. The hour and minute hands probably have some natural patina. This is normal and I would not recommend cleaning or replacement unless there is a lot of rust present (which I don't really see there). Hope this helps, gatorcpa
The 5 mil serials were earliest production year of 1915 and used through to 1923 with low numbers used up to 1927. A similar one is shown in AJTT/83, referred as Art Deco. The numbers could refer to the details of the caliber as indicated in this example of a caliber 19'''
When you purchased a pocket watch in the past, were you able to select the quality of the movement and thereby pay a higher or lower price accordingly?
Exactly. First you had to chose the case (steel, silver or gold) and then the quality of the movement. That's why we sometimes find exceptional movements inside steel cases, or low quality movements inside gold cases.
So I have a better quality movement in a cheap case? Out of no. 56-57 (non chronograph) was No. 57 the most advanced? Because it appears 58-59 were a smaller size....
FWIW I agree with you. It looks Arts & Crafts-y to me with a splash of Art Nouveau on the dial (the ivy engraving).
My thoughts also. Considering that Art Deco wasn't "born" until 1925, I guess that Omega was a very early adopter
Found another example with a clear caliber engraving online: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f11/couple-pocket-watches-found-trunk-3268810.html Take care, gatorcpa
Yes, that is what looks like, the 1 didnt fully stamp and it's hard to make out, but you can see the 7 and the rest of the lettering. Thanks for all the research everyone!
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