Requesting help identifying the ref number and calibre

Horos · Mar 6, 2023

Hi Everyone,

I recently acquired this beautiful Omega manual wind. I am trying to identify the ref no and the calibre. I don't have the right tools. So, I don't want to mess it up trying to open it up.
After reading a bit, this is what I have zeroed in on the following ref and cal. Is this correct? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Ref: 14715
Cal: 268
14k gold case
Circa 1960s

Thanks very much!

Dan S · Mar 6, 2023

Maybe, but it is also possibly a locally cased watch, so it may not have an Omega reference number. Also, the dial appears to be repainted.

Horos · Mar 6, 2023

Dan S
Maybe, but it is also possibly a locally cased watch, so it may not have an Omega reference number. Also, the dial appears to be repainted.

Thanks very much, Dan. Much appreciated. Perhaps, it's best to open up the case back.

speedb · Mar 6, 2023

I think the ref# you mentioned would have thinner lugs. Also a Swiss / French cased watch would have proof marks on the outside of the case so it is very likely a US / UK cased watch as mentioned by Dan. There may be a notch somewhere in the caseback that you can put your fingernail into to open the case

lucian23 · Mar 7, 2023

speedb
put your fingernail into to open the case

i do not think you will succeed with your fingernail but with a sharp knife you will have greater chances to succeed 😀

speedb · Mar 7, 2023

lucian23
i do not think you will succeed with your fingernail but with a sharp knife you will have greater chances to succeed 😀

yes, but a sharp knife in unfamiliar hands will almost certainly scratch the case

JimInOz · Mar 7, 2023

speedb
yes, but a sharp knife in unfamiliar hands will almost certainly scratch the case

Those cases were designed to be dustproof and not to be opened regularly with a fingernail (unlike earlier pocket watches).

As we say here, "you'd be pushing' shit uphill" to open this case with a fingernail.

The correct approach is to start with a fine blade to ease a seam gap, then progress to a coarser blade, and then to a case knife.
ALWAYS use a "wedging" movement. never a "pry up" movement.
Eventually the caseback will pop off.

If you're not sure of your skill level or don't have the tools (Gem blade, cheese knife etc) then hop it to your watchmaker.

Horos · Mar 7, 2023

Thank you all for your replies. Much appreciated.

JimInOz
Those cases were designed to be dustproof and not to be opened regularly with a fingernail (unlike earlier pocket watches).

As we say here, "you'd be pushing' shit uphill" to open this case with a fingernail.

The correct approach is to start with a fine blade to ease a seam gap, then progress to a coarser blade, and then to a case knife.
ALWAYS use a "wedging" movement. never a "pry up" movement.
Eventually the caseback will pop off.

If you're not sure of your skill level or don't have the tools (Gem blade, cheese knife etc) then hop it to your watchmaker.

Thanks JimInOz, for explaining the process. Very helpful. I don't have the necessary tools, or in this case, knives, to open it up. I am comfortable with opening the screw-in case backs or even the modern snap-in types. But not so confident about opening the older pieces 😀 . Will take it to a watchmaker.

Davidt · Mar 7, 2023

I tend to find a Stanley knife or razor blade is fine for opening snap back cases.

Fhe key really is to wedge it open rather than prying as @JimInOz says

Horos · Mar 10, 2023

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I managed to open the case back. Details are provided below, and images are attached.

CASE: 80 microns gold plated and not 14 Carat as originally stated
CALIBER: 265
REFERENCE NUMBER: 2512-5
YEAR: Circa 1950s

Requesting help identifying the ref number and calibre

Horos

Dan S

Horos

speedb

lucian23

speedb

JimInOz

Horos

Davidt

Horos

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