Hi everyone, first post here I am looking for an Omega dress watch and have the following basic wish list. Would be grateful for some suggestions and guidance - generally available for under $1K - 36-40mm diameter - vintage/classic styling - mechanical (probably 17 jewels) - shock proof (so 1950s and later?) - water resistant (just against accidental spills, etc., not for swimming) - 3-hander (no day, date or stopwatch. Just the date would be ok) - lighter and thinner is better - prefer no numerals - I was born in Geneva in 1971 so it's a bonus if I can get a model from that year and city I assume that a hand-wound watch is generally lighter and thinner so 'automatic' is a feature I am willing to lose if it helps to achieve those goals. I posted some watches which I liked as a style reference. So far, the best Omega I have found is the Omega Genève shown in the image. Would be even better without the 'Genève' script, if possible. Does that sound like the best match for my requirements? Is it water resistant? Does anyone know what the model number might be for the Genève shown here? There are so many Genève models that I am lost trying to find it. Second closest I have found is something like the Seamaster 30 (also in the photos). Am I missing any other good options?
Neither of the Omegas in your post are 36-40mm. They’re both 34mm. If that size is an options you have a sea of models to choose from. If you need 36mm or above I’d suggest a 168.032
Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately the 168.032 seems to include day and date which I definitely want to avoid. If I go with 34mm, which models would you suggest which match my wish list?
I like the same sort of watches that you seem to like but I think you might have to relax some of the prerequisites on your list. Omega watches were generally smaller before WW2 but, after 1950is became bigger. A whopping 34, 34.5, even 35mm, all measurements excluding the crown. Slimmer watches started appear in the mid to late sixties but, by then many purchasers also wanted a date function too. Reliable Omegas (although I suggest you also look at Longines of the 60s/70s) would often use the very reliable 5** series movements. I’m particularly partial to the 552 (no date) & 565 (date) because they’re reliable, repairable and replacement parts are comparatively easy to source. In your position, depending upon your taste and budget, I’d opt either for gold or stainless steel. I’d probably pass on gold capped or plated. The 165.003 (or 165.002) may fit the bill. Constellations are also good. These are my 34/35 mm 165.003s. Some Omega actually wear bigger than their actual diameter, like C case Constellations (but all have a date window) Hope this is helpful.
These are 36mm from the 50s (refs 2640 and 2639). Screwbacks, so more water and dust resistant than some.
Through my relatively short journey in vintage Omegas totally agreed with all above replies. Just want to add that C case ones look slim on wrist (by their case design). Welcome aboard!
There is a date only version, ref 168.028. If you want a 36mm 60’s Omega I’d recommend this. If you’re happy with 34mm I’d agree with @Spruce and go with a 166.002 (date) or 165.002 (no date). There’s are plentiful and available in both Seamaster, Geneve and no name dials.
As @Davidt suggests, 1970 Geneves wear bigger. These are my three automatics with 552/565 movements but you can find a no date manual wind cal 601 quite easily