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I took some pictures of a family heirloom that I have. This is an Omega watch that belonged to my Great Grandfather, and was given to me 12 years ago, when I graduated from college. I wear it during really big special life events. My great-uncle had it re-finished before he gave it to me, and presumably, it's REALLY old for a wristwatch. (60 years? 70?) ???

I'm really interested in information about the watch, if anybody can help. I went to the Omega website, and they have a section on vintage Omega identification. This one looks like some of their oldest models, but to ID watches they need a model/serial number. I have no reason to doubt that it's authentic, but there is no number or ANY marking on this watch anywhere, other than the "Omega" brand and symbol on the face, and the symbol also appearing on the winding knob. The watch back is completely smooth, no markings at all.

It looks great and works well, although I've never really used it for consecutive days, to know if it really keeps time well. To be honest, it feels rather lightweight and thin, but I'm wondering if older watches might not be as "chunky" as current models and construction materials.

So again, if anyone is able to help with an ID or such, I'm all ears.

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Chris
Club Member #0070
2009 TT Chrono Evo w/Rose gold, blue face
2009 Airwolf w/black face, Co-Pilot module
2009 TT Lady Cockpit w/Mother-of-Pearl, Diamond face for the wife

A watch from your great grandfather, that is certainly something special. I hope you enjoy it for many years to come and good luck with finding more information on it.

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Jerome

I can't help on the Omega, though I'll check some of my generic reference books to see if I can find anything similar. I know nothing of vintage Omegas myself.

In terms of older watches being less substantial - definitely, partly because of style, partly because there wasn't the understanding of how a case could be manufactured in such a way that shocks could be guided around the movement.

Wristwatches have been around for 100 years or so, but a man's watch pre WWII is still pretty unusual. Very nice piece, and great to have the provenance.

http://www.omega.ch/index.php?id=195

try here Omega site with vintage watches

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What a beautiful watch and with such a pedigree!
It is so hard to date it without a look at the movement but from my little knowledge Omega I think used the elongated Omega emblem up until I think 1970 when they went to the now familiar squat one so your watch is before 1970 which I know you already knew!
Most of those old Omegas have pop off backs which with care can be taken off with the slim blade of a penknife (mask the area's first to avoid scratching) I woulld not worry about it effecting the water resistance as those ones did not have much anyway, the back is more of a dust cover if my two old vintage Omegas are anything to go by!

This is a very rough guess but from what I have researched over the years (not scientific at all) looking at the numbers and indicies on the dial I bet your Omega is from the early 1950's Possibly late 40's. Really though the easiest way is to pop the back off (thinking on it have a watchmaker do it for you, when was the last time it was serviced by the way, I used to get my vintages checked over once every three years just to be on the safe side!) and take a picture of the movement, you will see the movement number and serial number and then stamped on the case back the watch model number ID's, follow the excellent vintage Omega site instructions and they will date the watch for you, they are great like that! also, if you show us the details especially the movement then we can try to help in dating. Thankfully Omega information is very good when it comes to vintage!

It will be great to find out more about this wonderful piece, treat it like a beloved great old aunt and it will still be serving your grand kids in the years to come!

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All the best.
Ian

Thanks, guys. I can't get off the back by sticking in my fingernail, so I'll see if I can take it to a dealer to pop the back off. GREAT info about the symbol and possible age. Thanks!

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Chris
Club Member #0070
2009 TT Chrono Evo w/Rose gold, blue face
2009 Airwolf w/black face, Co-Pilot module
2009 TT Lady Cockpit w/Mother-of-Pearl, Diamond face for the wife

There's also this site:

http://www.omegawatches.com/cu_vintage/ ... r=main.php

I think the registration is pretty painless, and non-obligatory, though I didn't go through it. Of course, if you get a serial off the movement you'll be able to identify it easily.

Good luck. It's a cool vintage watch, but the story and family significance make it a one-of-a-kind. I hope it's something you can keep in the family forever.

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