Apparently 1917 Omega Pocket watch Sadly the dial seems cracked..

 

I adore vintage watches, they have that je ne sais quoi and charm about them. Apparently, you also sense and appreciate these traits . I have about the exact watch model, with some minor differences. I take it out of the drawer for a special occasion, i.e., wedding or end-of-the-year arty. Combined with a classic black suit, I look like I walked straight out of a Sherlock Holmes story. In about half a year, my friend’s getting married. My dad and I are invited, so I'm thinking of buying him a gold pocket watch over at https://topwatch2.com, as he’s always wanted a fancy watch like mine.

 

It would be great to see a pic of your watch @janarnold. If you are interested, there are a lot of other pocket watches on this forum on this thread https://omegaforums.net/threads/calling-all-pocket-watch-buffs.127856/

 

Here are my two Omega pocket watches. The Silver one is from 1910 and the gun metal one from 1921.



The Silver one has the Silver hallmarks (Bear and 0,900) as wel as the hallmark of the Bureau de Controle Geneva on the inside of the case back. It also has a beautiful Art Nouveau engraving at the back.

 

Considering adding pocket watches to the collection. They don’t seem to show up on OF very often. Wondering if eBay and Etsy are good sources. Or am I walking into a mine field. Any thoughts on sourcing them would be appreciated.

 

I always have a pocket for one more!

 

Hi all!

I’m looking at buying my first omega pocket watch and am in need of some help identifying exactly what model it is. The owner doesn’t know anything about the watch and said it has been sitting in a draw for 20 years.

The asking price is $400 aud. Not really looking for advice on whether it’s worth that or not, but happy to take it if you’d like to share your thoughts.

For the most part, I’d just like to determine the year the watch was made and whether it is a real Omega or not before I consider the purchase any further.

Thanks so much all!

 

I'm no expert on pocket watches but that is a total franken. I'm pretty sure the dial is an outright fake and the movement is very suspect. I'd also advise you start a separate thread as more people will be able to help you.

 

I would be interested in the opinions of others, but I think I sniff a “franken”. Incorrect hands, “made-up” dial, case a lot older than the movement, a 15-jewel movement marked “17-jewels”, not an Omega movement. An “artfully daft” seller who knows nothing about the watch that has sat in a drawer for 20 years. Speaking personally, I would decline this thing, even if he was paying me to take it off his hands!

 

Enough said.

Really appreciate the quick responses on this!

For background, I’ve just ordered all of the basics for repairing watches after being fascinated with watching Wristwatch Revival on YouTube over the past month.

I love the idea of being able to buy some non running watches and getting them going.

After reading a lot of advice, I’m looking for a cheap pocket watch (not an omega lol!) to learn on and while doing so, I stumbled into the above Omega and got carried away trying to find out it’s history.

Thanks guys, will definitely be dropping by more often!

 

Out of interest, what was the country of origin from which this artifact was being offered? Do you know? Europe, perhaps?

 

Australia. The guy selling it looks to be European.

 

My contribution. Sadly the dial is not in the best condition.

 

For a watch that was produced about 85 years ago or so, it is all over in nice condition. What it is about the dial that makes it less than perfect in your view, certainly doesn’t show in your pictures. The “Staybrite” name engraved inside the case back refers to the stainless steel alloy in the case. I believe Omega copyrighted the word ”Staybrite”. i like the charcoal and gun metal two-tone combination on the dial. I have heard that style of hand called “syringe”.

 

You're not going to get a better dial than that unless you pull one with factory tags out of your uncle's drawer.

 

You'd better send it to me, I have a high tolerance for dials in this bad of shape.

 

I know that Marshall recommends starting watchmaking with Pocket Watches (as they are so big and don't have complications), but I disagree. PWs often have problems that a beginner cannot solve (like broken jewels, broken balance staffs, hardened oil, bent mainsprings) and require tools (ie staking tool) that are rare and expensive. Also parts are often hard to get.
This can soon lead to frustration.
I would recommend buying (new) cheap chinese movements where you can't damage anything and the loss is minimal. Because one thing is clear: as a beginner, you will damage parts. A lot of parts. So don't start with an Omega Seamaster from the 50ies.

But this Franken-Omega-PW could be a nice starting point as it has a Incabloc. That means, the balance staff will most probably not be broken. Offer the seller 4,00$.
Ah and btw: the Incabloc started to spread after WW2, so the watch is at least newer than 1945...

 

Here are my two omega PWes:


The left one has a silver case, Serial #2.5mill, which dates from 1905. This is my oldest watch I own. After a service, that was relatively straight-forward, it runs nice again:

(Sorry for the bad picture)
Yes the beat error is a bit high, but I don't want to correct it and risk damaging the hairspring. Amplitude could be higher but it's still the original mainspring. And I want to keep it original if parts are working.

The right one is a bit of a trouble maker. Steel case, which was very rusted when I got it. Apple vinegar did the magic and left a really nice pattern on the case that makes it very unique. Thats why I like it.

movement: 18LPB, serial #5.76mill, which dates to 1921.
Not only the balance staff is broken (which I could change), also the jewels in the balance cock are complete gone. I guess there should be two: one with a hole in the cock itself and a cap jewel. Right? Both are gone and still couldn't find a replacement for it!
Maybe someone of you has an idea or can help?

 

Trying to find more about this watch. IMO its CK 1021 but I'm not 100% sure. Any info would be appreciated

 

No movement shot?