Omega

Could this be a" franken" watch?Cal 550 in 165.020 case?

Are the dial and hands in original state?I suspect the" OMEGA" was replaced because compared to the original I have the letter font on this is thinner and the color is darker as well as the hands they could be re-done too.Also both the dial and hands were re-lume?I haven't make decision to buy this or not,just need your opinion.Looking really nice overall.

Thanks,Skinnyguy

Hi Skinnyguy, as you say, the watch looks to be in very nice overall condition.

The Omega vintage database lists a 24 jewel cal 552 for this watch, but the 17 jewel cal 550 could have been used in some examples for export to the US, where watches over 17 jewels attracted higher taxes. The cal 552 and 550 are identical apart from the automatic winding block, where the 550 uses bronze bushings, and the 552 uses jewelled bearings. If it was important, you could confirm whether the movement was correct for the case by requesting an extract from the archives from Omega based on the movement serial number.

The watch in your pictures appears to agree with the example shown in the Omega vintage database.



The dial printing looks original to my eye, and the dial appears to be in very nice overall condition. The textured finish is particularly attractive. However the luminous dots on the end of the markers do have a green tinge to them, which suggests they may have been added recently, and likewise the colour of the lume on the hands appears a little green, though its hard to tell from the photos.

These are really fairly minor points though, and the watch presents very nicely overall. All these 55X calibres are high grade movements, and are still capable of keeping excellent time. The movement in this watch looks to be in clean condition, and at worst may require a standard service.

You're right,the markers and hands do glow in green and this was added recently confirmed by the watchmaker.He also stated the hands were re-plated too,the gold color of the hands and markers's off a little but he said this was a nice job.Based on your information,Im not too concerned about the movement and the case,as long as I could get a good deal with the seller.

Thx,Skinnyguy

Hi

Well you already got the mother load of info ....  the watch looks great over all and would be a great timekeeper.


Good Hunting

Bill Sohne

I did it today,the watch runs about 8" fast per day.Is it an easy fix with a basic service?I've read somewhere the watch that runs more than 10" per day should need a new hair spring???

The case is 14K bezel and lugs plus SS back with seamonster logo,I just love the original dial...A lot of useful information here.

Thanks a lot all,Skinnyguy

 

Hi,
I think your watch is no text.
Because your case number is 165.020, so calibre is 552, not 550.
Thank you,