Dear forum members,

I recently bought an Omega, which I think looks great. Though I suspect not all parts (or even few) are original. It is 37 mm, and the dial is rounded towards the edges. Was it maybe originally a pocket watch?

It would be nice to know more about the watch. Could you give me some ideas based on these images? What do you think would have been a reasonable price?

Kind regards,
Erik

 

From the Omega database:
Gents' leather strap
Reference
OT 2181
International collection
1941
Movement
Type: Manual winding (mechanical)
Caliber number: 30 T2
Created in 1940
15 or 17 jewels
Functions
Subsecond
Case
18K solid gold
Case back
Press-in
Dial
Not available
Crystal
Hesalite
Bracelet
Leather
Water resistance
No

I think yours looks very similar and I'm sure it came in different case metals and dial styles.
I feel your dial has been repainted, the numerals don't appear very sharp, the seconds register seems wrong and the crown has been replaced.
The serial numbers all seem ok.
Missing a case screw and I am worried about the hairspring, does the watch work?
Definitely not a pocket watch conversion and worth saving.
Value? Maybe $100 ( if mangled hairspring, watch doesn't work) up to $250-300 if it can be serviced successfully.

Note that this info is purely my opinion and is not based on any expertise, intelligence or specific knowledge of this watch.
Others are more knowledgeable and, hopefully, will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Thank you, UncleBuck!
Repainted dial sounds likely. The ones and twos all look different.
The watch does work. Should I still take it to service?

 

Not bad looking, but a bit late to ask about a reasonable price to pay since you already bought.

 

Thank you, Alam!
I was just curious to know how much I over-paid...

 

The 30t2 is a great movement and I like the size and the looks!
Measure the case diameter from 2:30 to 8:30 (without the crown or lugs) and I bet it's 34-35mm.
I'd service it, wear it and keep my eye out for a dial.
If you paid more than $300-$350, you have been assessed the "Noob" tax for asking after purchasing.
If you paid more than $500, you've paid the tax, penalties, interest and punitive damages!

If you paid more than $1000, send me a pm, I have some watches I'd like to show you! (just kidding)

 

I think it is actually 37 mm, but I will measure tomorrow.
So it could actually have some value, in spite of the slightly irregular paint-job, missing case screw etc.?
I was noob taxed for sure (paid $ 400)!
But it was an auction and I wanted the watch, so I had little choice...

 

The good news is that the 30T2's are going up in value. If you are good at ebay, set a search for an original dial. In the mean time, get a smokin' cool strap and wear it with pride. Very cool watch.

 

Thank you, redpcar!
I actually like the dial, repainted and all!
But maybe I will exchange it for an original in the end, or look for another Omega which is more original.
Then I suppose I need to acquire some nerd knowledge first, so that I know what to get...
I will try to get a really nice strap though.
And if I need to service it (UncleBuck's comments about missing case screw, hairspring etc.), I would do that.

 

The hairspring is an overcoil and is supposed to look like that. I think it's fine.

 

Okay, good to know! Thank you, Ketiljo!