Omega

Hi friends.

Have one lying around somewhere which is a ref. 2169 with the same dial and from what I recall a pretty similar 35mm screwback case. 

It really looks nice!

late 40's?

Best.

René

Hello Hoi,

nice watch you have here!

I can not help with a ref# but at least I can assure you that the number on the outside of case back is the factory original serial number!

Normally these "outside" serial numbers are always associated with other inscriptions as we all know - a serial number on the outer edge of the case back is very uncommon though.

I have a ref 2254 with this kind of very uncommonly placed serial number of the same time period and have an extract from Omega as proof of authenticity for the watch.

I think the only way to find out the ref# is to order an extract from Omega.

kind regards

Erich

Thank you Erich.

...is the earliest numerical reference number that Omega called "Seamaster":

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However, it was not marked on the dial.  I've seen numerous vintage ads for unmarked Seamasters. 

The Omega database shows about a dozen different Seamaster references listed as originating in 1949.  I'm sure that there were many of that group which were introduced around the same time, so it may not be possible to say which one was truly first, unless it is specified in one of Omega's two reference books.

Hope this helps,

gatorcpa

Because it was not marked (seamaster) on the dial, should we call it a Seamaster ? This message has been edited by hoipolloi on 2012-02-13 07:57:15

...there really are no rules. The late 1940's/early 1950's was just a very jumbled period for Omega.

Here are some pages from a 1950 Omega Catalog:

Even in this catalog (probably Swiss or French- note the Fr.'s), the reference numbers do not match the nornal Omega references we use today.

Omega wasn't consistent about putting any model names on the dials until the introduction of the Constellation in 1952.  Even then, there were variations without model names (like the original Globemasters).  Also, some later references were produced with and without the Seamaster name depending on the market.

Generally, I defer to the Omega database if I can't find any information to the contrary,

gatorcpa

Hi Gator,

you are right about the ref## in the catalogs, they are quite different from the "real" ref## which can be found in the case backs (if available).

The reason?  Were the ref## in the catalogs just only for marketing purpose? Strange, isn´t it?

Please show us some more pages of your catalog - would be much appreciated!

kind regards

Erich 

... in my Photobucket account.  I'm not sure if I am allowed publish the link.  My user name on Photobucket is same as here.  Go under "Watch Photos", then "1950 Omega Catalog".

gatorcpa

Hi Gator,

thank you very much for your kind information!

It worked very well. I am always keen on this old publications...

kind regards

erich

Hi Guys

Typically , depending on who this catalog was for..  The local distributor of Omega watches might only wanted to use a 3 digit number for  sales ordering process .   I guess in there minds who would think that you need more then 1000 unique watch IDs ? ahahahahahahahaha


Bill

Hi Gator...

I would not go as far as "Omega wasn't consistent" .....

i think your tripping over the beginnings Omega marketing and the art of "BRANDING"..... 

They did have named model watches in the past like the Marine, Armure, the doctor watch that I forget the name of  ( see if they printed it on the dial !! I bet i would have remembered it !).

So After the war and with the introduction of the Seamaster.  I remember seeing early ads saying the " New Seamaster  ...." with illustrations of the watch and the dial not signed. Then soon there after I noticed more and more marked dial Ads... 

By 1952 with the intro of the Connie....  Omega appeared to be much more brand aware.... " Globemaster "and regional naming changes due to Trademark / copyright or local translation issues of a name happen.

Then when Omega introduced the Geneve line it was even a better marketing and branding .... 

I just find it very interesting...


Good Hunting

Bill Sohne

was Medicus for the center seconds doctor's watch from the late 1930s

Found it in my stash of parts (don't know how it got there but it did...)  Here are some quick and dirty photos - didn't have the patience to white balance correctly under the poor lighting conditions but you get the idea. 

Thanks a lot, Mike.

Don't really know how uncommon the watch is.  I suppose it is infrequent enough that it is not included in the omega vintage database. 

if the number on the caseback refers to the 'serial number' it doesnt coincide with the serial number of the movement so its possible that the movement has at some time been changed for one that just happens to be older.

just a thought

Graham

Hi

Omega movement serial number and case serial number ( pre 1945 or so).   Almost never matched !! and this is typical.   I think the only time it match was on the 10,000,000 watch produced where they synced up the case and movement serial number ( and maybe 10,000,001 ) . ...

Good Hunting

Bill

Hi Graham.

n.t.