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Omega with Cloisonee dial with 1 picture
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Snapdragon
·Sorry, I thought i had attached picture. Am new to forums and unsure of how to do things. Also have broken wrist in cast so hard to take pix, type, etc. I edited my post by adding a picture. Is this ok now?
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efauser
·It would be better if you could provide a photo of the movement and the inside of the case back. That's where all the information is.
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seekingseaquest
·If you don’t know how to open it, bring it to a watchmaker and they will do so for you. Don’t scratch it trying to open it.
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JimInOz
··Melbourne AustraliaWhat the two posters above said, you must do.
Based on the one photograph.
Your watch, even though a bit worn, is rare and worth a substantial amount.
It's an Omega Automatic Chronometer dating to around 1946 to 1956. The case is solid gold, as is the dial itself.
The dial decoration is Cloisonné enamel and is very similar to many of the dials described in the Omega bible, A Journey Through Time.
It's possible that the dials were made for Omega by another company, most likely the artist Charles Poluzzi.
Poluzzi made Cloisonné and Champlevé dials for a number of Swiss watch companies such as Omega, Rolex, IWC and other high end brands.
Interestingly, a very similar dial is also found on an IWC watch from the same period.
Acknowledgement: Greg Steer at http://www.gregsteer.net
Based on the one photograph.
Your watch, even though a bit worn, is rare and worth a substantial amount.
It's an Omega Automatic Chronometer dating to around 1946 to 1956. The case is solid gold, as is the dial itself.
The dial decoration is Cloisonné enamel and is very similar to many of the dials described in the Omega bible, A Journey Through Time.
It's possible that the dials were made for Omega by another company, most likely the artist Charles Poluzzi.
Poluzzi made Cloisonné and Champlevé dials for a number of Swiss watch companies such as Omega, Rolex, IWC and other high end brands.
Interestingly, a very similar dial is also found on an IWC watch from the same period.
Acknowledgement: Greg Steer at http://www.gregsteer.net
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Snapdragon
·Thank you JiminOz, efauzer, and seekingseaquest for your helpful comments; (the sarcastic folks--not so much),
I shall take watch to local and reputable jeweller / watch repairerto have back removed and will post pix of movement. Would he be the best one to clean it or is there an omega place where I send it.
Any idea what i should insure it for. I want to wear it..
I shall take watch to local and reputable jeweller / watch repairerto have back removed and will post pix of movement. Would he be the best one to clean it or is there an omega place where I send it.
Any idea what i should insure it for. I want to wear it..
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efauser
·Find a reputable watchmaker with vintage experience. Do not send to Omega.
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heavenscloud
·I wouldn't wear that watch given its rarity. If you do get it serviced, the watchmaker should have an Omega spare parts account at a minimum, which is more than simply, "Yeah, we use genuine Omega parts." You don't want to try your luck with the guy down the street with this one. The term watchmaker includes professionals who pay attention to detail and hacks that have no business touching a watch like this. Also, don't send it to Omega. It's not easy to find a competent independent watchmaker, but it is extremely important to be patient if you want your watch to be serviced correctly and maintain its vintage appeal.
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JimInOz
··Melbourne Australia......, but it is extremely important to be patient if you want your watch to be serviced correctly and maintain its vintage appeal and value.
I agree. Take your time and find a proper watchmaker who will service it properly.
As to wearing it. This is not a daily wearer IMO. Possibly for special occasions but the daily risk of damage, loss or water intrusion is too big.
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Snapdragon
·Thanks for info regarding competant watchmaker. I will do my homework. Watch has been sitting in drawer since 1953, so there is no rush.
I still want to wear it occasionally as it keeps `OK` time. Will watch be damaged if I wear it before it is serviced. Is it supposed to make a `clunking` feel when I move my wrist?
I still want to wear it occasionally as it keeps `OK` time. Will watch be damaged if I wear it before it is serviced. Is it supposed to make a `clunking` feel when I move my wrist?
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Matty01
·Definately worth getting it serviced asap
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JimInOz
··Melbourne AustraliaWhat's your location?
If we know that our network can recommend some watchmakers.
As to wearing it now. Assuming the watch was never serviced, the original lubricants will have dried out to crusty little deposits with little or no lubricity. While this watch hasn't had the opportunity to gather dust and debris in the works, the possibility of grinding away the mechanism is reduced, but it's essential that the watch is cleaned, lubricated and adjusted before regular wear.
The cluncking is normal, the watch houses a "bumper" movement where the rotor only spins about 3/4 of the way each way around and then hits springs on the edge of the movement.
If we know that our network can recommend some watchmakers.
As to wearing it now. Assuming the watch was never serviced, the original lubricants will have dried out to crusty little deposits with little or no lubricity. While this watch hasn't had the opportunity to gather dust and debris in the works, the possibility of grinding away the mechanism is reduced, but it's essential that the watch is cleaned, lubricated and adjusted before regular wear.
The cluncking is normal, the watch houses a "bumper" movement where the rotor only spins about 3/4 of the way each way around and then hits springs on the edge of the movement.
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JimInOz
··Melbourne AustraliaPS: Forgot to say. Don't let anybody suggest polishing the case, it will degrade any originality that remains. A museum quality restoration clean is all that's needed.
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Snapdragon
·You have convinced me that servicing watch before wearing it is high priority. I live in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC area. Any recommendation of watchmaker for servicing would be appreciated.
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heavenscloud
·You have convinced me that servicing watch before wearing it is high priority. I live in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC area. Any recommendation of watchmaker for servicing would be appreciated.
It's not important that the watchmaker be local. You may need to look internationally. Focus on individual watchmakers with a web presence who describe their methodology and will answer your questions directly (not dodging the question). Placing blind faith in a watchmaker because he's a nice guy is a recipe for disaster. Again, an Omega spare parts account is a minimum criterion. It shows that said individual is diligent enough to complete Omega's requirements for a spare parts account. Just because a watchmaker says he uses genuine Omega parts (sourced from third party suppliers) does not mean that he is using the right parts for the right watch. Really is a minefield and had to learn the hard way by having one of my watches destroyed by a moron. In my opinion, there's Archer Watches and then everyone else, but I'm sure you can find another highly competent one man show out there somewhere.
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watchtinker
·... It hasn`t been worn since the '60s so probably needs cleaning. Where should I get this done? ...
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mac_omega
·Omega Bienne, vintage department. Any possible issue regarding the case or the dial (one never knows) cannot be dealt with by an independent watchmaker. I would not recommend them for a mass produced watch, but for this kind of specimen their equipment and expertise is outstanding.
Edited:
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Vitezi
·I live in Greenville/Spartanburg, SC area. Any recommendation of watchmaker for servicing would be appreciated.
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watchtinker
·Your recommend Omega Bienne? Really?
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