Hello
I'm a newly here and looking for advice and hoping you guys could help.
I have this old Omega watch, that's pretty beat up, inside the case it has the serial number 9744497. I know nothing else about it, other than it runs smooth as silk and keeps perfect time. The back of the case is smooth, no engraving. The pictures make it look worse than it is.
Any help identifying it would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Gareth

 

Google is your friend here. The reference is CK 2023. The calibre 23.5?

https://www.google.nl/search?biw=1280&bih=590&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=Ke4UW9a-KYn6wAKtwKM4&q=omega CK2023&oq=omega CK2023&gs_l=img.3...3563.4071.0.4766.2.2.0.0.0.0.58.107.2.2.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0....0.iKcnDkf1WFA

 

Also featured here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-on-identification-for-1939-omega.28465/

Oddly, the one in the OP has a plated case whereas it is described as fully stainless in the period adds. Was this a normal practise? That reference numbers were shared between different case materials?

 

The Keeper of Knowledge for that period may be able to help.

Calling the Keeper ( @Tire-comedon ).

 

Wow gosh guys, I wasn't expecting a reply so quickly.
I see what you mean about stainless steel, mine doesn't look stainless in anyway unless it's a coating which has been warn away to a brass like quality.
Also the writing on the case looks different, on my one it looks a lot smaller, more delicate. Could it just be some of it has faded over time.
Cheers guys.
Also do you know what sort of strap it would have had?
Gareth

 

If you look at the text in the back it says "Fond Acier Inoxydable" - the "Fond" refers to the caseback, meaning that that particular part is in stainless steel (Acier Inoxydable). It is also found on watches with gold plating, for instance. The rest of the case is some sort of base metal (could well be brass), which has been surface treated.

 

Amazing, thanks.
Do people get watches like this redone, new faces and improved cases, or replacement cases. I'd love to see it looking like new, but don't want to destroy something aged and possibly valuable.
It's kinda beautiful as it is.

 

Possibly a nickel plated brass case which wasn't unusual at the time.
I think it's an attractive watch, if a little bit worn out.
A movement service and a tidy up (NO POLISHING) and it would be OK to wear.

 

Thanks, the movement is crisp, unbelievably smooth. I think that's what I like about it.
Could you explain no polishing?

 

That's cool, it's good to get a second opinion.
Do you know where to get a strap from that would be fitting for it?
Thanks

 

While the movement may be "crisp", it's obviously in need of servicing, so that is your first objective.

The case has been worn to the point where all surface finish has been reduced by time and wear, just like us all.

If it was mine I'd get the movement serviced. The case gently washed in a neutral based dish wash liquid, the dial cleaned with a cobweb brush moistened in angel's tears, and a new crystal.

Then I'd put it on a new leather strap with new spring bars and only wear it when riding my Ariel Red Hunter along quiet country roads on an Autumn evening.

 

Speaking of single malt Scotch.....

 

Well, everything has already been said : cal 26.5 SOB (probably T2), ref 2023 (the CK letters stand for stainless steel/staybrite case, so not applicable here, probably a ref MG2023, MG standing for nickel plated metal).

 

Even if the movement is working perfectly now, all its lubricants are long gone. It will wear out sooner rather than later if you do not give it a preventive service.

 

If you look on this previous thread that was linked above and scroll down (https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-on-identification-for-1939-omega.28465/) you will see some period advertising that shows original straps. It looks like unpadded pebbled pigskin with contrast stitching, but you can see for yourself.

 

Hey Guys
Just wanted to say thanks for your help with identifying this watch.
I've decided to sell it and use the money towards something else, just didn't want you guys to see it for sale and think I've just been using your help in an ungrateful way.
Thanks again and hopefully I'll soon be buying something off here.
Best