Vintage Omega Watch from Sotheby's

samnwn · Mar 20, 2025

Hi Everyone,

I have come across a vintage Omega watch on the website of Sotheby's (https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auc...on_HK1643&utm_medium=email&utm_term=19-Mar-25). However, the description itself did not provide the model reference. The only trace is circa 1944. The dial doesn't look like a Seamaster. Appreciate it if you guys could provide your insights on this watch.

Thanks.

Dan S · Mar 20, 2025

It might not have a particular reference number, and it's certainly not a Seamaster (too early and not waterproof). It is what it is, a very small, hand-winding, 14k gold gents watch. The "IMPORTE DE SUISSE" at the bottom suggests that it may have been nationally cased.

If you had photos of the inside, you could determine the movement caliber and double-check the approximate production date, but I don't know if that would make much of a difference.

paddymoran · Mar 20, 2025

At 32mm (excluding the crown) be mindful that this is a small watch.

S.H. · Mar 20, 2025

Dan S
It might not have a particular reference number, and it's certainly not a Seamaster (too early and not waterproof). It is what it is, a very small, hand-winding, 14k gold gents watch. The "IMPORTE DE SUISSE" at the bottom suggests that it may have been nationally cased.

If you had photos of the inside, you could determine the movement caliber and double-check the approximate production date, but I don't know if that would make much of a difference.

Importe de suisse could mean French market but 14k is a problem: AFAIK you could only use 18k to make gold case cases.

Porteroso · Mar 20, 2025

If this were bigger, this would be a real catch. 32mm a bit small for most.

samnwn · Mar 21, 2025

Thanks all for your insights. Will send the item to Omega for services if they take it. I will pick it up from Sotheby's next month.

DON · Mar 22, 2025

Guessing caliber 28.10 ra sc. early bumper model

speedb · Mar 22, 2025

adding photos for posterity

14643e98d78ef4787508c8b%2Fhk1643-d7jf7-46-12-t3-01.webp

70d4bf69d272aa97d801b4d%2Fhk1643-d7jf7-46-12-t3-03.webp

b7d4be996a438e845eca88b%2Fhk1643-d7jf7-46-12-t3-02.webp

mac_omega · Mar 23, 2025

S samnwn
Will send the item to Omega for services if they take it.

IMO a waist of money
Find a reliable independent watchmaker who is capable of servicing vintage watches - he will do the service for far less than Omega.
Servicing such a movement is not rocket sience...

Dan S · Mar 23, 2025

mac_omega
IMO a waist of money
Find a reliable independent watchmaker who is capable of servicing vintage watches - he will do the service for far less than Omega.
Servicing such a movement is not rocket sience...

Agreed. It looks like the OP already has about $1500 USD into it, and he will be way upside down if he sends it to Omega. And they might even devalue it with replacement parts.

OP, if it's running reasonably well, I'd suggest just wearing it for a few months so you can decide if you really want to keep it long term. Don't invest more money immediately.

Vintage Omega Watch from Sotheby's

samnwn

Dan S

paddymoran

S.H.

Porteroso

samnwn

DON

speedb

mac_omega

Dan S

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