Vintage Ownership Questions and Concerns

I have recently started searching for an Omega 2179 "U.S. Army" watch but I have a few newbie questions that I'd like to get cleared up before I get too far into this.

1. Is this the sort of watch that could be worn everyday even though it is 80 years old? Would I have to avoid rain, warm climate, ...clapping?

2. Is the 30T2 SC a relatively easy to service movement with easy to find parts? Would I have to pay a lot or wait a long time for parts if something were to go wrong?

3. I don't really have a trust worthy watchmaker in my back pocket. Is there a recommended watchmaker in the American Mid-West (Southern Indiana area)?

4. Should I be concerned about prolonged exposure to radium or radon gas?

5. Even if all these questions have answers that I probably won't like, is it still worth it to go after something this cool?

5. Yes.

It is a cool watch but have to tried it on? I think it’s just under 35mm and some people may find that too small for modern tastes.

1. Is this the sort of watch that could be worn everyday even though it is 80 years old? Would I have to avoid rain, warm climate, ...clapping?

- Definitely a watch that can be worn everyday. Everyday does not mean every condition. The radium is definitely fragile and although it is a waterproof case i would not suggest using it when raining or at least have it be in contact with the element. Also be careful while washing your hands thats a given with any vintage watch.

2. Is the 30T2 SC a relatively easy to service movement with easy to find parts? Would I have to pay a lot or wait a long time for parts if something were to go wrong?

- The 30t2 movement is a very robust movement and great for daily wear. Servicing is fairly easy and any skilled watchmaker can service it. As for cost it should be standard.

3. I don't really have a trust worthy watchmaker in my back pocket. Is there a recommended watchmaker in the American Mid-West (Southern Indiana area)?

- Maybe you could do a thread for watchmaker recommendations in your area. Word of mouth is often the best way IMO.

4. Should I be concerned about prolonged exposure to radium or radon gas?

- That i think varies from one person to another and is personnal. It is definitely not safe but radiation is everywhere around us. Having your cellphone on you all day is also a concern.

5. Even if all these questions have answers that I probably won't like, is it still worth it to go after something this cool?

- Do it. The CK2179 is a great looking watch, great size and wears super well.

I wear my vintage watches like this, helps protect them from damage.

Thank you all for the thoughtful advice! Apologies, but I think I might have misrepresented myself a bit here. I do have some modern watches, mechanical and digital, and a G-Shock for when I really start clapping vigorously. But I am definitely new to the vintage market and I consider the cost of the watch I'm interested in to be a considerable sum of money. I just don't want to be disappointed with a watch that I can only wear extremely sparingly because it is fragile. Nor do I want to be disappointed with a non-functioning watch because I can't find someone to service it or find parts. Going for a more modern, robust watch for my first vintage is probably good advice, but I must admit that I am completely besotted with the CK2179.

I have non-shockmounted not-waterproof watches and I don't do anything special with them. I have even shot a Colt .45 Automatic wearing these watches.

In 30 years of owning and wearing such watches, I have never damaged one.

But that's me.

Tom

I may be the minority here, but I'm not exceedingly rich so I can't collect multiple vintage pieces. In fact, I put all my money into an Omega 2451 321 Chronograph, and I daily wear it. Forum members may disagree, but I love this watch and love to see it on my wrist throughout the day. Putting it simple, it makes me happy to wear it.

I do have a watchmaker I work with, but because my watch is a 321, it will likely have to go back to Omega if/when service time comes up. On a side note... I have thought about purchasing a spare 321 movement that may not be working to have extra parts on hand.

So I guess my answer to your question is get the watch, be careful with it (don't abuse it), and enjoy!

I guess my next question should be do I hold out for an example that has the U.S. Army engraving? Or just go with the best dial? I do typically wear my watches dial-side-up, but that engraving is too cool...

That depends on your goal. But, "listen to your heart" is useful advice.

Tom