I've been on a hunt for a 1958 birth year watch and I've been working on the assumption that I'm looking for a 16,xxx,xxx serial number. This is based on the widely published serial number to year tables. Now comes along DIV's 1958 Ranchero, which broke my heart because it was out of my reach financially. DIV's watch had a 15,8xx,xxx serial number and a CoA from the archives that states it was made in Nov 1958.

So I'm wondering if anyone has experience on how accurate these serial number mappings are. Some serial number ranges span a few years, but this isn't the case in 1958. I'm just curious if this is due to the 267 caliber in this watch, or a large problem with the s/n to year mapping.

 

I've been using this chart, I know there are bunch out there.

http://ialreadyhaveawatch.com/watch-articles/omega/omega-serial-numbers-by-year/

It put's 15 millions running through 1958, and 16 millions beginning in 58. I don't really know the full history behind the serial number stamping but it seems plausible that a movement could be produced in an earlier part of 1958 but not sold to a customer until November. Perhaps after they already started stamping 16 millions onto some movements.

 

Production date means that is when the movement was made, not when it was sold.

 

exactly as above. The 15.XXX.XXX where made on 1957 to 58 and sold on 58. the 16.xxx.xxx made on 58/9 and sold on 59 and so forth. It is never a clean deal as it is difficult to know when the watches where actually at the stores.

As an example look at the trilogy or the Speedy tuesday. announced 1Q of 2017, which would mean at least some where manufactured on 2016....but some won't hit the stores until 4Q 2017 or maybe 1Q 2018.

So....50 years from now, which one do you get?

I collect Birth year for my family, at this point if I find the right example i justify both scenarios. I.E this was bought from the store on a birth year (with stamped paperwork) or this was produced at birth year. when in doubt assume the lower 15.XXX.XXX where probably made on 57 and the latter on 58, and the lower 16.xxx.xxx made on 58 and the higher on 59. But even then you're guessing.

Also if it helps justify....if you where born on 58, depending on the month, you may have been made on 57

 

hahaha

 

Thanks, I hadn't seen this particular chart.

 

That explanation make a lot of sense and it would also open up some more serial numbers for me to look at. Finding an unmolested '58 has been an exercise in patience...