Hi all, I am just recently into Watch collection and stumbled upon a 1940 vintage Omega. I now have second thoughts on whether it was a good purchase. It is a French Omega (fab. Suisse) and has Therefore no clear 18k gold Marks. I purchased it as 18k. Could you guys help me determinist it is really the case. It has some Hallmark on the case but very small and for me unrecognisable. A second Hallmark is something Diamondbacks Shaped on the inside of the Watch back lid. See photos. Also some help on the Caliber or any extra info would be grately appreciated. Thanks for having a look and sharing your expert thoughts.

 

Additional photos

 

Btw. Watch is ca. 30 mm in diameter so rather small to todays standards

 

Could that be the French eagle head Hallmark on the case? It's hard to see from the photo.

 

If it's a French case it should have a small eagle head hallmark. I think I can see it near the stem notch on the caseback. The diamond shape is likely a makers mark.

Caliber looks to be a 26.5T2 based on the plate layout and the click. The serial dates to to about 1944 (give or take a year or so).

 

Manu thanks for the info, helps a lot. Could it be a 26.5T3, i have seen this code begint the balancing wheel. Based on the serial number, the watch would be from 1940 or 1941.

 

The first picture is a bit blurry but that small depression on the side of the upper part of the case also looks like it might be a French eagle head hallmark.

Is the purchase final and was the watch presented for sale as entirely original?

You only asked us about the case, however and since you say you’re just beginning in your interest for watches, you should be aware this dial looks refinished- which diminishes significantly the collectable value of the watch.

It still is a nice looking watch, and if you get it serviced it could be a very nice present for someone who will not care that the dial has been restored.

If you’re going to purchase more vintage watches, it will be a very good idea to take your time and learn and continue to do research as you have done before you part with precious funds.

Best regards, and welcome to the forum.

 

It could be, but I thought it looked like a bi-metal balance, therefore T2, but if the balance is one piece and if it's stamped T3 I think that's what it is.

 

Yes, the purchase is final. I paid 650 euro, which seemed a fair price to me. The vendor did not mention originality explicitly but did emphasize the Nice conserved state of the dial. When i look at it, it seems original. How can you tell this is not the case, I would love Some pointers. And thanks for the warm welcome

 

I’m terribly sorry to bring unsolicited news to you, but you may have just paid what we call a « newbie » tax - and you should avoid this seller in the future as he or she clearly tried to mislead you. The dial is not « nice conserved state » but « restored state ». Before you spend anymore money on any other watch, I suggest you read the wonderful sticky thread entitled « Learn how to fish » which will give you many very valuable pointers on how to identify a restored dial.

It’s a nice looking watch, it should be serviced for regular wear and it will be a nice « wearer ». Best regards