Vintage
Dwndler presents a puzzling Omega watch, initially believed to be a Seamaster, but whose reference number 2996 points to a Ranchero. This post explores the intriguing possibility of a factory-original Seamaster dial in a Ranchero case, challenging conventional understanding of Omega's vintage production and offering insights into identifying such 'uncommon' pieces.
i would guess its a Ranchero with replacement dial and hands which sadly makes it pretty much of a nothingness. it is now just a watch that tells the time. however, if you could get a dial and hands you could put it back to what it is supposed to be. i, and our moderator did it many years ago. i bought a ranchero in the wrong case, he had a ranchero case so he married the 2 up for me and hey presto. hope that helps Graham
Hi Dwndler Overall a very nice watch . Ranchero sweep seconds case. I also like the Omega singed band and buckle. As G stated if it had a Ranchero dial and hands... it would be a lot more valuable. Your question is the dial original to the watch... I cant say for sure but it looks like it could be . Remember the Ranchero was not a very popular model when it was introduced and maybe extra cases and fancy dress dials was a way to use up the inventory of cases. Your example looks very dressy! and n
Hi G I totally forgot about that "task"..... Do you still have it .. it was a nice example !! In my opinion the Ranchero case design ( style and waterproof assembly) are unique to this case style. The caseback snaps into the main casebody as opposed to the typical waterproof snapback that snops over a lip on the main casebody. Good Hunting Bill
sorry Bill, it went with all the rest. i had it for a good few years though best G
Hi, firstly a warm welcome to the forum! If I were you I would request an extract from the Omega archive before you invest in a (probably) expensive original Ranchero dial. First you must be sure that this particular movement belongs to this case, and - if yes - then look for an original dial. It is also possible that the whole "interior" of movement+dial+hands derives from a melted down gold Seamaster and has been saved by inserting it in this Ranchero case. You will only get to know the truth
Hi, imho this is all original - i.e. this ref. existed as Ranchero and (perhaps even more commonly) as Seamaster - with more or less plain dial and "normal" hands. I've seen many of those normal Seamasters (btw. sweep center and small seconds) - in consistent original condition. I believe (and also know of) quite a number of those also were "converted" into Ranchero's at a later point, just because of the actual market value - that might be the reason one doesn't find many original Seamasters of
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