Hi, I was given this watch in approx. 1984. It belonged to my great aunt. I remember that it had a thin double black band that was torn. I would like to sell it now, but am trying to find out some information about it. I know that it used to work, but I'm afraid that I'll break it if I turn the knob too much. The info on the back of the watch mechanism reads Omega Watch Co. Seventeen 17 Jewels Unadjusted 12830451 Swiss. The info of the inside of the watch back reads Omega Watch Co. 14K Gold, the letter B in odd shaped box and the number 5536. It has never been serviced as long as I have owned it (30 years), but I don't know if it was serviced while my aunt owned it. I would love to find out if there is any value to it and if so any information that would help me identify it would be great also. I have been searching on ebay for a similar watch with a blue face, but haven't found one. Thanks so much!
It's an Omega "Saphette", probably from around 1952. Being without the original cord and clasp reduces the value but they can be replaced. The value though is very low due to ladies watches not being "collectable", so I would estimate the value at gold scrap price, maybe a little more for the movement. It appears to have been serviced going by the markings inside the case. I don't recognise the case manufacturer's mark, maybe a locally produced one. You could search eBay for "Omega Saphette" in completed listings and maybe get an idea of value. More info from Omega thanks to @tyrantlizardrex The Sapphettes The Sapphettes line (Saphette in French) was a small watch for women that was first launched in the American market in 1954. It’s success was such that the decision was taken to launch it worldwide the following year. The Sapphette line would enjoy global success for more than twenty years. The name refers to the watches’ sparkling crystal that lent it such a unique look. Facetted like a diamond solitaire, the crystal was cut sapphire – scratch resistant, unbreakable and clear. This design was ofthen immitated by other brands at the time. In 1995 a 40th anniversary collection was created to honour one of the brand’s most popular fashion lines. Over the course of its production life, the Sapphette collection was widely varied with some very unusual case and bracelet shapes and was an important part of Omega’s product palette for the better part of a generation.
From a 1960 Omega catalog: (thanks) (thanks) (thanksPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network)
The dial on the Omega is white. It is the faceted synthetic sapphire crystal that is tinted blue. Refraction of the faceted edge of the crystal causes a darker blue "halo". My spouse's favourite Omega is similar to yours, but in a 14-karat white gold case. As to selling the watch? I bought the one in the picture, and two others in 14-karat gold, for the scrap gold value! Under $200.00, total! So you might want to give the notion of selling the watch, some sober second thought.