Ijtan
·-Added this amazing ref 168.0057 to my collection.-
I had my previous omega vintage television styled case stolen and as such was looking for a new watch. I chanced upon this watch within a week and bargained for it. After a bargain, it costed me $500 SGD or USD376, including its bracelet. Some appraisal websites appraise it to be USD$1600 due to its collectability
Fascinated by the day date complication, i studied it in detail and found it to be a 1972 model with a gold cap crown and case back.
From my notes
1.Caliber 1021 movement (28800bph)
2. 1970-1972 C case designed by Gerald Genta in 1964
3. 18k solid gold case and back ? Clarified it was Stainless Steel
4. Ref. 1680057
5. Champagne gold dial with gold markers
6. Stainless Steel metal strap?
7. Last in house calibre?
8. Mineral crystal
It appears to be quite similar to Globemaster annual calander and its quite a steal, considering the price of new omegas! Day-Dates complications are increasingly rare for Omega and I think I'm quite bless to own this piece. My next Grail watch will be a Speedmaster Day-Date!
I'm considering to have the bracelet replaced for genuine leather soon, just like the globemaster.
I found this while researching and I quote:
"Truly an exceptional beautiful beast you got there! It's a full gold version which you guesses right, it got cal 1021. It came around 1972, early 70s if I recall, designed for Omega by Gerald Genta. Finding one is rare enough. And seems that yours "suffered" an over polished case which the satin finish is almost gone I think.... You could give it to a watchmaker nearby you to make it how it should be. Supposed to be he flagship of Omega at the time given by its first high frequency calibre that runs at rate 28800 bph or 4Hz, which in its time was regarded as the fast beat calibre. And its movement is pretty thin too, around 3-4 mm in height, including the oscillating weight which is pretty cool to have. But I still don't know why most collectors does not consider these hidden jewels from Omega. The problem is the thin movement. It's thin enough, that some times the reverser wheel would break easily. And yeah, finishing wise... It's not as stunning as the three digits calibres. And sadly for manufacturing sake, the finishing are left behind for its effectiveness during manufacturing process. Don't worry it's still got a very nice finishing but not as elaborate as the three digit calibres, which is why most collectors have less regard. Pretty sad because this one deserves more attention, as without this, Omega would've never been as it is today.... It is supposed to be a historical piece. It opened up the opportunity of Omega to do some futuristic approach in watchmaking, with it's first and the last in-house high frequency Omega calibres. I would say congratulation to you and your piece. What you got there is an historically important piece for omega, a hidden jewel that went under the radar for the most of the connoisseurs."
1680057
------------------------
Update 24 April
I had my watch seen and serviced in ChinaTown Singapore by a local watchrepairer
Location:
C.W.P. Clock & Parts
#03-172, 34 Upper Cross St, 058340
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b96i1dxws7NacD8f8
The watch was regulated and oiled
I had my previous omega vintage television styled case stolen and as such was looking for a new watch. I chanced upon this watch within a week and bargained for it. After a bargain, it costed me $500 SGD or USD376, including its bracelet. Some appraisal websites appraise it to be USD$1600 due to its collectability
Fascinated by the day date complication, i studied it in detail and found it to be a 1972 model with a gold cap crown and case back.
From my notes
1.Caliber 1021 movement (28800bph)
2. 1970-1972 C case designed by Gerald Genta in 1964
3. 18k solid gold case and back ? Clarified it was Stainless Steel
4. Ref. 1680057
5. Champagne gold dial with gold markers
6. Stainless Steel metal strap?
7. Last in house calibre?
8. Mineral crystal
It appears to be quite similar to Globemaster annual calander and its quite a steal, considering the price of new omegas! Day-Dates complications are increasingly rare for Omega and I think I'm quite bless to own this piece. My next Grail watch will be a Speedmaster Day-Date!
I'm considering to have the bracelet replaced for genuine leather soon, just like the globemaster.
I found this while researching and I quote:
"Truly an exceptional beautiful beast you got there! It's a full gold version which you guesses right, it got cal 1021. It came around 1972, early 70s if I recall, designed for Omega by Gerald Genta. Finding one is rare enough. And seems that yours "suffered" an over polished case which the satin finish is almost gone I think.... You could give it to a watchmaker nearby you to make it how it should be. Supposed to be he flagship of Omega at the time given by its first high frequency calibre that runs at rate 28800 bph or 4Hz, which in its time was regarded as the fast beat calibre. And its movement is pretty thin too, around 3-4 mm in height, including the oscillating weight which is pretty cool to have. But I still don't know why most collectors does not consider these hidden jewels from Omega. The problem is the thin movement. It's thin enough, that some times the reverser wheel would break easily. And yeah, finishing wise... It's not as stunning as the three digits calibres. And sadly for manufacturing sake, the finishing are left behind for its effectiveness during manufacturing process. Don't worry it's still got a very nice finishing but not as elaborate as the three digit calibres, which is why most collectors have less regard. Pretty sad because this one deserves more attention, as without this, Omega would've never been as it is today.... It is supposed to be a historical piece. It opened up the opportunity of Omega to do some futuristic approach in watchmaking, with it's first and the last in-house high frequency Omega calibres. I would say congratulation to you and your piece. What you got there is an historically important piece for omega, a hidden jewel that went under the radar for the most of the connoisseurs."
1680057
------------------------
Update 24 April
I had my watch seen and serviced in ChinaTown Singapore by a local watchrepairer
Location:
C.W.P. Clock & Parts
#03-172, 34 Upper Cross St, 058340
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b96i1dxws7NacD8f8
The watch was regulated and oiled
Edited: