I joined this forum a couple months ago and have been pouring over the information, trying to absorb all the talk about the mechanisms and details of vintage watches. I've fallen down a rabbit hole and I'm fascinated. I inherited my grandfather's watch 32 years ago and prior to that, it sat in small jewelry box in my father's drawer for 20 years. Basically, this watch has been stashed away for over 50 years.

I found reputable watchmaker who specializes in vintage watches and he sent it into Omega for servicing. I had it polished - a decision I struggled with because I know that lessens the value but I prefer the crisp look and because my sister (when she was young) got a hold of an engraving pen and etched away on the back, I felt it was best to polish it.

I've researched ebay and this forum comparing the different details (minute and hour markers, shape of the hands, etc) but there are so many differences (and fakes) that I'm not sure of the year. I am confident in saying that it's from 1950-1959 but I'd like to narrow that down instead of just a specific decade. Example: Here is a link to one for sale - notice the hands.. The hour hand doesn't reach the marker - Would that be indicative of the year/style?

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/111795842708Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

Then there's this: The minute and hour markers are entirely different than mine
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SUPER-VTG-O...955808?hash=item5b62d20860:g:DrwAAOSwB8NdsyufPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

I was also wondering why people refer to their Omegas as Seamasters yet, like mine, do not actually say Seamaster on the face? Why is that? Is mine a Seamaster?

Anyway, thanks for reading my post. Here are pictures of my newly serviced watch that finally got a strap so it can be enjoyed and cherished.

 

You need to rotate this part 180 degrees, there will be a number visible then, post that photo.

 

And then compare the number with one of the lists:

https://est1897.co.uk/omega-serial-numbers-how-old-is-your-omega-watch

 

Well, I don't have the tools to open it.. I'll have the jeweler open the case again when I'm out and about.

Sorry. I tried to be thorough with pictures. Not quite I guess.

 

AJTT does seem to have photos of a 2862 or 2865, but the info on the 491 indicates that movement was made in 1955, and 140,000 490/ 491 movements were made for use in automatic Seamasters.

 

Since this is a plain snap back (no provision for o-ring), it disqualifies it as a Seamaster, which would be a waterproof case.

 

Thank you! That's great information!

 

Another great tid bit! Thank you!

 

Yes, as mentioned above, all you need is the serial number. Hidden by the rotor.

 

Serial number will be here, this will date the watch within a year or so.