Unpopular opinion: ladies cocktail dress watch. Found one but is it authentic? Help!

aether · Sep 25, 2023

Hi everyone!

I recently started looking at vintage omega ladies watches and fell in love with how unique they are.I realise that there isn't much value in them beyond the material they are made out of, which I think is a shame. But that's ok, I understand.

I found a watch that I like but I'm not sure if it's authentic or not, and I would really like to know for my peace of mind. I'm also curious to know the model number and the history behind it. The seller is a store that specialises in estate jewellery, they list the movement and model number for most of the watches they sell but they didn't include it for this one.

I didn't attempt to open it myself, I tried to go to an omega store but they refused to touch it and said that it needs to be sent to Switzerland for any kind of service or to even be opened. I'm a bit apprehensive about going to a random watchmaker because I can already see scratches where someone tried to open it (maybe the seller?).

I've attached photos of the watch from different angles. I noticed that the "12" hour marker is not very straight so I don't know if that's a concern?

Anyway, so I felt a bit lost until I found this forum and started reading the discussions, there's so much knowledge here! Unfortunately I still don't know enough to be able to identify this watch or tell if it's genuine so I would really appreciate the help, thank you!

Syrte · Sep 25, 2023

Welcome @aether, congratulations on having read so carefully the forum’s recommendations for posting vintage watches.
Not all watches have a model name or number, based on the styling this one looks like a classic 1960s cocktail watch.
there isn’t much of an incentive for anyone to fake a watch like this,
As there isn’t much of a market for those.
This may be an Omega movement packed in a locally made case and bracelet.

However I hope you haven’t spent too much for it, in the future I would strongly recommend posting queries before purchasing. Those watches are not rare and you can afford to be very picky about condition.

gatorcpa · Sep 25, 2023

The watch looks good from the outside. The issue here is that we cannot tell if this watch is steel, white 14K gold or 18K gold.

At the very least, I would take the watch to a different jeweler for an evaluation of the case and bracelet metal as well as the stones. If this case is solid gold, it is likely that the diamonds are real. They look to be a bit larger and more numerous than the ones you would normally see on a tiny watch like this.

You really should do a search in your area for an independent watchmaker who can clean and oil the movement. They can safely open the watch and you can take pictures of the inside of the caseback and movement.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

Canuck · Sep 25, 2023

I’d feel a bit better calling it real if I had it in hand. That not being possible, I’ll step out on a limb (but only a little bit), and call it the real thing. The markings inside the case would provide assurance that it is real. But look carefully at the components on the buckle for stampings like 14 k (or .585], or 18 k (or .750].

Syrte · Sep 26, 2023

There’s many threads here with watchmaker recommendations, you can do a search or create your own query if you don’t find any that’s suitable.

DON · Sep 26, 2023

Looks like someone tried (or did) open it with a butter knife. That can be cleaned up. Omega store are sales people and not watch makers.

Diamonds appear to be genuine. Fakes they hide the backs which are coated to reflect light.

Any Omega markings on the end of the band? Imported movements and cased here. Dial may have been refinished and 12 index post bent slightly which is why it's not straight

Try the AWCI to locate a watchmaker near you, but always ask for an est. first and then ask here if reasonable. That is if you want it serviced. If you just want it opened to check the case maker (if any name inside) or genuine case. Ask how much to open it. Can't think it would be more than $10 - $15

AWCI https://awci.memberclicks.net/find-a-professional

X350 XJR · Sep 26, 2023

Appears to be a hallmark of some sort on the back.

Genuine Omega, I'd say yes but not sure if the diamonds are factory. Many of these were jewelers specials with genuine movements and or cases adorned by local jewelers, fairly common back in the day.

Screen Shot 2023-09-26 at 10.24.41 AM.png

aether · Sep 26, 2023

Thanks everyone for your replies and insight, I really appreciate it.
You're right, It makes sense that no one would go through the trouble of faking it since it's not really in demand.

There's an 18k marking on the buckle but no omega marking. I'll take it in for an evaluation of the metal and stones and look for a watchmaker to open up the case. It seems to be running ok, not sure if it needs a service? I'm guessing the previous owner tried to take care of it as much as possible.

@DON lol at butter knife, I don't know what they were thinking. Thanks for the explanation and the tip, I'll definitely ask for pricing first before they do anything.

@X350 XJR wow, I didn't notice that at all. It's so tiny, I'll ask about it when I take it in.

Evitzee · Sep 26, 2023

If the diamonds are real that is where the value is, and some for the 18k gold. But overall, as a watch, the value isn't very much. This is one of those examples where it's worth more dead than alive.

Vitezi · Sep 26, 2023

A aether
and the history behind it.

Based solely on the style of the watch I daresay your watch dates to the early/mid 1960s. Although I could not find your exact watch in a period catalog, it does seem that Omega was producing a variety of diamond cocktail watches during that period. Here are a few examples from period catalogs and advertising, circa 1963-1965:

Unpopular opinion: ladies cocktail dress watch. Found one but is it authentic? Help!

aether

Syrte

gatorcpa

Canuck

Syrte

DON

X350 XJR

aether

Evitzee

Vitezi

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