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OMEGA WATCH 1944

M
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Hi,
I have my fathers' watch that was a 21st present to him in 1944. I only know this as it has his initials and date on back of watch.
However that is all I know and am hoping to find out a bit more about it to fill in a bit of my memories.
If there is anything that anyone can share that would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks
Martyn
20230711_102204.jpeg 20230711_102127.jpeg 20230711_102058.jpeg 20230711_102042.jpeg 20230711_102141.jpeg
 
mac_omega
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It might be a bit older, maybe 1942

the movement is a caliber 26.5
the case is a 9K Dennison UK production

the watch looks to be all original including dial and hands - a nice heirloom
 
JimInOz
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Birmingham hallmark date letter looks like Q so dates the case to 1940.
Things at that time were a bit chaotic, so a long time between case manufacture/movement assembly/sale could be expected.

Also, a nice heirloom.
 
M
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mac_omega mac_omega
It might be a bit older, maybe 1942

the movement is a caliber 26.5
the case is a 9K Dennison UK production

the watch looks to be all original including dial and hands - a nice heirloom

Thanks very much for info. Re the case, I thought Omega were Swiss so how come case is UK?
I'm afraid calibre 26.5 is over my head, what does that mean?
Re heirloom, I like it even though the strap looks out of place (newish and black),
Cheers
 
M
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JimInOz JimInOz
Birmingham hallmark date letter looks like Q so dates the case to 1940.
Things at that time were a bit chaotic, so a long time between case manufacture/movement assembly/sale could be expected.

Also, a nice heirloom.

Hi,
I have looked at case through magnifying glass and can see it is a letter Q.
There also appears to be some finely freehand scratched text JB/2/09 between the hallmark and Made in England. Unfortunately I can't get a photo of this on my phone. Any ideas what that might be?
Thanks
 
M
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M Martyn@Manch
Hi,
I have looked at case through magnifying glass and can see it is a letter Q.
There also appears to be some finely freehand scratched text JB/2/09 between the hallmark and Made in England. Unfortunately I can't get a photo of this on my phone. Any ideas what that might be?
Thanks
Actually it is just visible on the original photo I posted.
 
JimInOz
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In the past, importing a complete gold watch into the UK would attract significant tax. To reduce the tax burden, UK agents imported bare movements and had cases made by local case makers (Dennison and others), they then completed the watch for sale.

Caliber 26.5 refers to the model of the movement. Caliber (diameter) of 26.5mm was applied to a new design of that dimension. Later calibers (movements) were, for example, 30mm diameter and subsequently, the caliber designation changed to numerical references (342, 420, 550 etc).
 
JimInOz
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M Martyn@Manch
Hi,
I have looked at case through magnifying glass and can see it is a letter Q.
There also appears to be some finely freehand scratched text JB/2/09 between the hallmark and Made in England. Unfortunately I can't get a photo of this on my phone. Any ideas what that might be?
Thanks
The scratchy lettering will be watchmakers markings from a previous service.
 
M
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JimInOz JimInOz
The scratchy lettering will be watchmakers markings from a previous service.
Hi,
Thanks for info.
I'm now presuming that the watch was bought in UK. I had slight doubt as Dad was in merchant navy at that time and crossed Atlantic to New York at least once.
It would be interesting to find out where / when bought, would best way be to post on forum?
Cheers
 
DrmexicoII
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M Martyn@Manch
Hi,
Thanks for info.
I'm now presuming that the watch was bought in UK. I had slight doubt as Dad was in merchant navy at that time and crossed Atlantic to New York at least once.
It would be interesting to find out where / when bought, would best way be to post on forum?
Cheers

You used to be able to get this info from Omega directly but they've suspended the service recently due to an embarrassing auction scam. Without any other paperwork from your dad that's unfortunately your only avenue to get info about where it was originally sold.
 
JimInOz
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I'm 99% sure that the watch was purchased in the UK. Dennison cased Omegas were unique to the UK.
The only person who could tell you where/when would be the one who purchased it.
The Extract from the Archives would only state the movement production date and that it was delivered to Omega's Agent in the UK (can't remember who they were).
 
M
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DrmexicoII DrmexicoII
You used to be able to get this info from Omega directly but they've suspended the service recently due to an embarrassing auction scam. Without any other paperwork from your dad that's unfortunately your only avenue to get info about where it was originally sold.

Hi, Thanks for info and advice, I'll try and contact Omega directly.
Many Thanks
Martyn
 
M
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JimInOz JimInOz
I'm 99% sure that the watch was purchased in the UK. Dennison cased Omegas were unique to the UK.
The only person who could tell you where/when would be the one who purchased it.
The Extract from the Archives would only state the movement production date and that it was delivered to Omega's Agent in the UK (can't remember who they were).

Hi Thanks for reply and info. I'll try Omega direct in case there is something they can add.
I've learnt more than expected already (from the helpers on this forum) and that is great, now just a little intrigued if Omega can add anything.
THanks
Martyn
 
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