Unknown Omega Watch - any help appreciated!!!

Posts
2
Likes
2
I recently purchased a vintage Omega watch at a garage sale. The owner told me it was his grandfathers watch and that he did not know too much about it and was getting rid of it. I've been trying to identify it and get an idea of what it's worth, as I'm sure it's worth more than what I paid for it. Trouble is, it doesn't have a model name at all... i've looked online at thousands of images of vintage Omega's but I can't seem to find an identical one. I took it into an Omega shop in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and they also could not identify it with anything in their "Omega Bible" (granted they did say that not all watches were listed in this massive catalogue!), although they did say that it appeared to look like an old SeaMaster. They suggested I get an extract from the Archives, but I understand I may not get the correct info and the cost of getting this is more than what I paid for the watch! Was hoping I could get some info on this watch.
Watch Case 33mm
420 caliber
ser no. 14245704
watch case 192647
17 jewels

Any help appreciated...

Thanks!

Andy
 
Posts
16,732
Likes
35,083
First, congratulations on picking up something better than a clapped out lawn mower at a garage sale.

Not all Omega models had names, some were simply "Gents Omega Watch".
Especially those where only the movement was exported to countries outside Switzerland where local agents had them cased by local case makers. The 9ct case is usually found in UK, Australia and some other countries.

Many watches in that era reached Australia as bare movements and cases were made for them by Australian companies, notably Handley in Melbourne.

The manual wind caliber 420 was introduced in 1951 and your serial number dates the movement to about 1955.

I think the dial has been "refreshed" or re-painted, not unusual during the 1950s/60s, hands may be replacements and the crown may also be a "Bestfit" replacement.

If you got it for less than the cost of a clapped out lawn mower, it's a decent grab, get it serviced and enjoy it.
 
Posts
2
Likes
2
First, congratulations on picking up something better than a clapped out lawn mower at a garage sale.

Not all Omega models had names, some were simply "Gents Omega Watch".
Especially those where only the movement was exported to countries outside Switzerland where local agents had them cased by local case makers. The 9ct case is usually found in UK, Australia and some other countries.

Many watches in that era reached Australia as bare movements and cases were made for them by Australian companies, notably Handley in Melbourne.

The manual wind caliber 420 was introduced in 1951 and your serial number dates the movement to about 1955.

I think the dial has been "refreshed" or re-painted, not unusual during the 1950s/60s, hands may be replacements and the crown may also be a "Bestfit" replacement.

If you got it for less than the cost of a clapped out lawn mower, it's a decent grab, get it serviced and enjoy it.
Thanks for the info Jim.
Can you tell me anything about the 9ct inscription/hallmark? Is this solid 9ct gold??
 
Posts
224
Likes
411
yes this should be 9kt solid gold unless it is stated "plaque", plated, gold filled, etc
 
Posts
21,658
Likes
49,081
Is this solid 9ct gold??

Haha. Solid 9ct gold. I see what you did there. ::rimshot::

Welcome to OF, and keep searching those garage sales!