Dear OF Members,

First of all, thank you being an invaluable place for resource of both knowledge and help.

I have come across an Omega dress watch, with the ref. 2903, which to my eye appears attractive. However, I have noticed some ambiguities, which I believe raises concern.

Firstly, the crown, albeit being an omega crown, does not appear to original to this particular reference. Crown of Seller's watch is to the right.



Secondly,

There is some discoloration on the dial on the right side of the watch (adjacent to the crown), which raises concern whether there has been intake of water? Finally, there seem to be missing a baton at the 6 o'clock marker - I do not know whether this is common for this particular reference. Crystal is also unmarked.



I have no pictures of the movement nor inner case-back. The movement, according to the seller, should be a cal. 268 not requiring an immediate service. Besides all of the above, I believe the case is in a decent condition and that the dial is untouched, which makes it desirable for me to purchase it as my first omega. However, before I pull the trigger, I would like to hear your opinion.

 

Missing 6:00 marker is because of the sub second hand. Discoloration by (a replacement) crown is worrisome.

 

The seller quotes €550. Unable to provide pictures of the movement, as s/he does not know how to open the case.

 

You sure? Different model but there is a chance an index was there.

 

Then no, not sure.

Would that mean the crosshair is not original? It looks like it extends through "Swiss Made"

 

But if there had been a marker there would be a hole where it would be fastened to the dial. So unless the dial had been redone there wasn't one.

EDIT: a quick google says the "missing" marker is okay on this dial.

 

Yes I too have found others with no marker there so I agree. It just jarred a bit at first because otherwise it is similar to mine but of course the black inlay markers and hands are quite different.

 

Thank to everyone who provided feedback and comments. I am not so concerned about the missing marker, as I have seen numerous varieties of this reference having one, whilst others do not have. As @ConElPueblo noted, there would be signs of it being removed. How about the discoloration at the right of the dial? Could it be merely incidental, or does it call for further scrutiny? And if so, how would I be able to find out whether it is water intake?

 

Hmm my 2903 had a small marker at 6 although the design was slightly different.

 

I saw your watch @Davidt and used it as a cross-reference. Great watch by the way! Notice that this particular ref. has different markers at 9-12-3, which could explain that there is missing a baton at 6 o'clock.

 

They really are great looking watches these early Geneves, very good value when compared to a Connie and using 30T2 derivatives, not exactly lacking in the movement credentials either. I guess you lose the pie pan and dog leg options but the 2 tone dial is some compensation.

 

There seems to be a trace

 

Well spotted. I think that's on the crystal. I believe ConElPueblo meant there would literally be a hole, not marks or blemishes as such. But could very well be the case? Check this older post for the ref https://omegaforums.net/threads/opinions-on-vintage-geneve-2903-61-bought-on-the-way.23305/

 

Hey ! Newish member, but wanted to say that I bought this watch today using this post, and I wanted to thank you for the input! I managed to open de case and the movement looks really nice to me, no sign of water damage :

 

Personally, I think the marker is missing. The vast majority of examples (one example below) have a small triangular marker at the bottom. It is wishful thinking to say that a few examples with missing markers are correct.

(from https://www.chrono24.com/omega/ref-2903-14--id4293360.htm#gref)

 

Here is an example of a gold plated 2903-1 with a similar dial

Edit: 2 more steel examples

 

Like this watch. Sharp case. At this price point the dial discoloration wouldn't really bother me that much.