Greetings All,

I'm new to this forum and hoping someone can help me with this. I have a 2998-1 with a base 1000 bezel. The watch belonged to my grandfather and I have worn it regularly for the past 15 years.He purchased it new in 1960 at Slavick's Jewelry, Los Angeles, CA for $185. Somewhere along the way the hour sub-register hand was replaced with a stick-hand and I would like to replace it with the correct leaf-hand.

Does anyone here know where I could find an original 2998-1 sub-register leaf hand?

Best regards '
Marc

 

That's quite a welcome post. Not sure where you can get a vintage leaf hand. There are some 2998-5 and up with incorrect leafs who may part with one. Good luck from another Marc with a "c" and also an owner of a 2998-1.

 

I can't help with the sub-dial hand, but hot DAMN that's an awesome watch to keep in the family! You're a lucky man. Best of luck with the search - you're in the right place.

 

You mentioned the original cost of $185 in 1960. Do you happen to also have any original paperwork and or boxes??? A "Full Setup" 2998-1 would make our day.

 

Indeed, it really would.

Says a lot about the life of a watch nerd....

 

Yup. Was kind of a slow evening around here and then a new 2998-1 blows into town.

 

I haven't found the original paperwork yet. My grandma inventoried and kept receipts for everything Going back to the 50's. I found the watch listed in an insurance inventory register but no paperwork.and still looking.

 

Keep looking. Maybe you'll find the paperwork for mine as well

 

Yes. I recently discovered this. I actually just got a Speedmaster FOIS to wear because this one is to important and valuable. I'm afraid to wear it anymore.

 

Very nice and a family hierloom.

 

Good choice for a modern everyday watch, I'm considering doing the exact same thing and I don't own nearly as valuable of a watch as yours. Please tell us that you have that watch insured and in a safe when you're not wearing it?

 

I haven't insured it because I never knew the value until recently but I've always kept it in safe.

 

Ok then order of business #1....

 

Modern leaf hands may still be available from Ofrei. The one new one may stand out compared to the others, being aged... but at least they'd match. Might be worth considering.

 

I think some purist notice a difference in the modern leaf.

 

Interesting difference in the chrono second hand between the two posted here.

 

I've tried them but the ones they have are to short. Also, apparently Omega has cut them off and they are not able to order anything new. What they have is what they have until its gone.

 

Well that is interesting, I understand how Omega have managed to monopolise the UK market but I am very surprised that they have managed to cut off Orfei because of the laws in the US protecting small businesses and anti monopolies. I am not up on this but a very close friend and mentor is a professor of international law in Miaimi and we were discussing Omegas release of parts/ restriction of parts and how the US could be an option because Omega may not be able to enforce it there... appears they have!

 

Just a thought - leave the watch just as it is. The change in hand is historical and happened while your grandfather owned it. A new 'correct' leaf hand will still be a replacement hand. Personally I find the watch more 'honest' as it is. It's a beautiful thing, enjoy it, leave it alone and wear it occasionally would be my humble advice.