Hey Guys,

I've been following this forum for a little while and haven't had a chance to post much. I have a 165.002 with a 552 that is away being serviced. (coming on 6 months now.... getting a little worried)

But I have come across this listing on ebay.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/222095785522?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:ITPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

Is there something special with the red star? I cant seem to find much information on it. Another forum's thread suggested the red star was a mark for a watch with a movement that was from the same line that obtained the best results at a precision competition and usually came out of south America.

Anyone have any other information on this?

 

They were *very* popular in Brazil in the 40s and 50s -- it was related to a prize won by Omega at the Teddington Observatory with the 30T2 movt (if I'm not mistaken).

 

There are Omega advertisements that describe the significance of the red star, such as this one:

 

Watches with red star symbol was dedicated to Brazilian market.

The "precision competition" you speak of is the 1940 Kew Teddington, but Omega broke it with cal. 30T2 SC. Red star was onward used for marketing purpose on Brazilian market.

So congrats! your watch is brazilian ;-)

 

and it says:

"The star on the dial indicates the Teddington model as the wristwatch that carries the same movement that was awarded a prize as the most accurate ever at Teddington Observatory"

In 1940, Omega was awarded the best result in history at the Teddington Observatory for a wristwatch and you can now own the very same king of movement. Visit an authorized dealer and pick your Teddington model and you will then own the officially certified watch!"

Just a side info: the watch would cost USD 50 today, inflation adjusted.

 

Another side info: from my experience (and I learned this the hard way) and due to humidity levels in Brazil, it's nearly impossible to find a 30T2 (red star or not) that is not redialled down here.

 

That's a nice little watch, shame the dial is in such poor condition.

 

Looks like water damage inside and out!

 

Thanks for the translation! sadly my Portuguese isn't really up to snuff these days

A great and very interesting back story behind the star it seems, looks like I'll be spending my afternoon researching the Kew-Teddington and Alfred Jaccard who apparently regulated the movements.

So would it be safe to assume that, the humidity would be the reason for the water marks and poor condition of this dial? and it would possibly be an original? I was thinking of making on offer on this piece. I think it gives the watch some character and would look great as a new daily wearer if I could get it for a pretty reasonable price.

 

Do you think it would be worth it to try and clean it up? or is it to far gone?

 

Personally I wouldn't get involved in something like that...looks like a money pit to me.

 

Thanks for the heads up, still learning the ropes a bit so maybe I'll save my funds for something a little less work.

 

+1
Dial can't be saved and patina isn't really good looking ;-)

Red star is for communists anyway!!

 

Buy this instead:

 

You should look at the Private Watch Sales thread here on Omega Forums, you just might find some thing interesting.

 

I think that this one is more my style.

 

I've been keeping an eye out on there. Some beautiful watches get passed along between members. I have been just trying to decide between something vintage like a constellation 14381 or go to something more modern like a 2503.80 Aqua Terra. Life is full of tough decisions.....

 

In this case you need to think about how you'll wear the watch... Everyday or occasional? if you sportive or not?...

 

Big difference between the Connies and the larger modern Omegas
Also lots more Constellations than the 14381
Check out the show and tell Connie thread for dozens of wonderful examples
Pie pans dome dials different case styles
Loads to choose from - and get hooked on!