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[Vintage Omega] Help me ID my vintage omega

baltohusk
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Just got my hands on this timepiece. Man in his 80s sold it to me after it was gifted to him by his uncle many years prior(uncle originally bought it). Owner said it was polished(thats why the gold plating is faded). The hour marker at the 7 mark has been replaced, with a non original(not the best work imo), but the watch still looks stunning. The owner also told me its a seamaster that dates back to 1950-60s. But i would love to know what reference number it might be. I have looked through multiple catalogs without finding this specific model. I have however found a similar model. The link takes you to this model: https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-seamaster-omega-ck-14389. However the one pictured in the catalog is manual, while the one i got is automatic. Would love to hear your insights!
 
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François Pépin
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Hello,

At least, the dial has been poorly redone and the crown looks wrong. The pics are not very good, so I cannot comment on the rest of the watch.

Sorry to bring bad news...

Cheers,
Francois
 
DON
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I might have a replacement index, but would need to know the movement caliber

Bad part. If I have the index. Replacement would need to be removed unless the watchmaker can ascertain the the hole spacing for the posts

DON
 
DaveK
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As mentioned above, the dial on your watch has been repainted at some point. This is absolutely fine if you like it, but, it will exclude most collectors from wanting to buy it should you decide to sell down the road. The case has issues that you’ve noted, and the watch will need a service before any use (cost maybe $200 $300, depending where you live). If you love the watch, great! Get it serviced and wear it in good health. If your plan is to sell it, then you won’t get any more money back out of it

Welcome to the forum, I hope you stick around 👍
 
baltohusk
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DaveK DaveK
As mentioned above, the dial on your watch has been repainted at some point. This is absolutely fine if you like it, but, it will exclude most collectors from wanting to buy it should you decide to sell down the road. The case has issues that you’ve noted, and the watch will need a service before any use (cost maybe $200 $300, depending where you live). If you love the watch, great! Get it serviced and wear it in good health. If your plan is to sell it, then you won’t get any more money back out of it

Welcome to the forum, I hope you stick around 👍
Thanks for the information. If the previous owner told me the truth, which is that it was passed down through the family, i bet they attempted to keep the watch looking good(in their eyes), which has ultimately led to a bit of a downer to vintage watch collectors. I paid about 180 for it, so im not upset as it is basically the cost of the movement. Just realizing it might have not been as nice of a deal as i originally thought. This is my first vintage watch and first comment on this page, glad I received so much feedback. Ive tried to see if i can open the back case, i have the correct tools, yet it seems impossible to get the wedge of the caseback removal blade in an rivet to open the case back. Feels weird to go to a watchmaker just to ask him to open the back of the watch.
 
baltohusk
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DON DON
I might have a replacement index, but would need to know the movement caliber

Bad part. If I have the index. Replacement would need to be removed unless the watchmaker can ascertain the the hole spacing for the posts

DON
Thanks for your message, i think i might try to figure out the exact seamaster model, and find a matching new dial.
 
DaveK
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baltohusk baltohusk
... Feels weird to go to a watchmaker just to ask him to open the back of the watch.

Welcome to watch collecting, you are now one of the weird people 😉

Getting the watch serviced is your next step before wearing it anyway, so a watchmaker won’t mind opening it up and giving you a rough idea of what a service might cost (+/- parts). You can then decide to go all in and get it running, or cut your losses and maybe sell it.

There are some nice distressed leather straps on the market that I think go well with a wabisabi watch, but that will be another $50+ as well.

Either way, feel free to check in in advance of another purchase and the folks here can provide guidance on the watch’s condition etc
 
baltohusk
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DaveK DaveK
Welcome to watch collecting, you are now one of the weird people 😉

Getting the watch serviced is your next step before wearing it anyway, so a watchmaker won’t mind opening it up and giving you a rough idea of what a service might cost (+/- parts). You can then decide to go all in and get it running, or cut your losses and maybe sell it.

There are some nice distressed leather straps on the market that I think go well with a wabisabi watch, but that will be another $50+ as well.

Either way, feel free to check in in advance of another purchase and the folks here can provide guidance on the watch’s condition etc
Dont think i will ever sell it. I'd prefer paying over the market price and getting it restored correctly, then making it someone else's problem. I hope i can give this watch to future generations..
 
baltohusk
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DON DON
I might have a replacement index, but would need to know the movement caliber

Bad part. If I have the index. Replacement would need to be removed unless the watchmaker can ascertain the the hole spacing for the posts

DON
Hey, I was able to have the watch opened and get more information. I'd most likely be interested in the missing index if you have it available. The watch caliber is in great condition. It is an omega cal. 491. The reference on the back refers to 2846-2848. Let me know if you would need more information. The incorrect index got removed, the holes under it are in good condition and "not soldered in" according to the watchmaker.
As of now i see i have two possibilities for this watch. As i am trying to restore it to make it as original as possible, i can (1) restore the dial professionally or (2) wait for an original one to pop up on ebay(however i have noticed most of the dials on ebay are either in horrible condition, or also redials[so this is unlikely]). Let me know if you can help me with this restoration with the index.

Kind regards,

Borja
 
JwRosenthal
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Hi Borja, one of my first vintage Omegas was a basket case in need of help. I went the route of restoration and dumped $800 all in on that watch. It ran great and the redial was very well done- but I couldn’t get over the fact that it was a redial. I sold it at a loss with full disclosure and looked as the money I lost as a learning experience- I don’t buy basket cases anymore.

Spending any money on this watch would be throwing good money after bad. I wouldn’t even service it. Just wear it and enjoy until it dies. During that time, find yourself an all original one you like in great shape.
If you don’t like it exactly the way it is, there is no shame in selling a watch like this with full disclosure of its issues. You would get your money back and someone else would get a watch they want with their eyes wide open.
 
padders
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It is a 2848, but it is in pretty poor condition. As noted above, don't throw money at this, you will never recoup it. The case is beaten up and can't be improved easily, the dial has been repainted and modified and will never attract a collector.
 
baltohusk
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Hi Borja, one of my first vintage Omegas was a basket case in need of help. I went the route of restoration and dumped $800 all in on that watch. It ran great and the redial was very well done- but I couldn’t get over the fact that it was a redial. I sold it at a loss with full disclosure and looked as the money I lost as a learning experience- I don’t buy basket cases anymore.

Spending any money on this watch would be throwing good money after bad. I wouldn’t even service it. Just wear it and enjoy until it dies. During that time, find yourself an all original one you like in great shape.
If you don’t like it exactly the way it is, there is no shame in selling a watch like this with full disclosure of its issues. You would get your money back and someone else would get a watch they want with their eyes wide open.
Thanks for sharing JwRosenthal,
As someone who has gone through this feeling im glad you are giving me this advice. I have reconsidered and will wear it until its death.
Thanks for the advice once again.
Kind regards,
Borja
 
JwRosenthal
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Look at the classified section here, you will see lots of fantastic vintage pieces and the listings are vetted by the mods and members, so the watches are honestly described. You don’t need 200 posts to PM a seller and start a conversation.
 
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