Omega

The trade itself was pretty complicated, but I do believe I came out on top.

Firstly I listed a Maurice Lacroix Jour et Nuit for sale and was approached by someone offering a trade. He offered 2 watches, the now well publicised Seamaster deville kleerback and a 9 month old Longines hydroconquest with box and papers. Personally I think the kleerback was enough of a trade due to its rarity and it being a 1964, but I wasn't about to argue. The Longines wasn't a watch that really interested me as I have enough new 300m watches so I listed it for sale.

A couple of weeks ago whilst perusing another forum I saw a pretty nice Seamaster 751 day date chronometer. I showed the link to Bill and a couple of others with more knowledge than me and got the ok so approached the owner who accepted a straight swap for the Longines, so we each posted the watches from opposite parts of the world. The Seamaster arrived today and apart from some marks on the dial it is far better than I could have expected.

The case reference is 168.034, the cushion case released in 1970 according to Omega archives. It also comes on an 1171 bracelet with the correct end pieces for this case. A bonus of some value.
The top of the case is still clearly brushed in the original radial pattern and the sides are well polished with only a couple of scratches near the crown.

The caseback is in near perfect condition with none of the polishing often seen on watches of this age. The crown may not be original as it looks smaller than others I have seen whilst googling the watch, but the unmarked crystal has the Omega logo to the centre.

The dial is the lovely sparkly silver one seen mainly on this and the 564 Seamaster. The square faceted markers and the hands are perfect. The dial is quite obviously original(I'm asking to be wrong here). Overall the case and bracelet are in excellent condition so I can't explain how the dial got damaged. I would guess that the original glass got smashed causing the marks.

Bill did say to me that this case has the 'floating' shock protected movement. I'm not sure what its made of or how it works so if anyone can enlighten me i would be most grateful. The 751 calibre chronometer certified movement looks to be in excellent condition. It dates to 1970, the first year this case was made, but was originally released in 1967. I 'believe' that this was the first day date movement made by Omega. The day is not quick set, but the date change uses the pump action on the crown as originated by the 565 calibre(?).

I know that this watch doesn't date from 1964, but it is still a watch I intend to keep in my collection. I believe this is an uncommon piece, especially in this case. Bill did say that this case shape is not as desirable as the other case, but I've had it on my wrist for an hour and I really like it. At 38mm its a good size for the age and even today it looks good on the wrist. So, the result of my trades are me letting one modern watch go and gaining 2 uncommon vintage pieces by my favourite brand. I think you will also agree that I got the better part of this shuffle. Here are some pictures for your delectation.

Enjoy,

Graham.

This message has been edited by Dr No on 2012-10-22 10:23:27

I'm using a tablet which doesnt enable wysiwyg. Perhaps i need to go back to my laptop.

G

Compose the post without the WYSISYG and do a preview. Adjust and repeat until is OK to publish.

Cheers,

Nilo

Isnt it quicker to use my laptop?

I have a notebook and a iMac but they stay on my home office.

I carry a tablet all over the house and they are easier to access.

Cheers,

Nilo

(Sent from an old iPad. The Samsung is charging. )

But prefer the features going thru browser on tablet.


This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2012-10-24 19:42:16

. . . call in your secretary!

Any Omega chronometer is a score, and to get one as neatly as you've just done doubles the pleasure.  I recently found what looks to be an original black dial cal 503 Seamaster Calendar, circa '56 or '57, in my vicinity, but since I've already got a cal 504 Connie, I'm going to pass so that my neighbor mrsnak has a chance to snag one of Omega's loveliest designs from the estate of the original owner. 

Cordially,

Art

A butler, that call him "My Lord" and pours him tea.

Yesterday we saw "Gosford Park".
Interesting movie.

Cheers,

Nilo

If i lived in the age of gosforth park i would be the farm labourer tugging his forelock to his Lordship. Theres no wealth in my background. Both of my great grandmothers were in service before they got married. That means they were servants in posh houses. Not good, but a steady job.

G

Your far too nice for your own good Art. You should let snak scratch around for the leftovers :)

Only joking of course.
I was very pleased to get this even though it doesnt fit into my main theme.

Best
G

. . . but Kurt is a true Omegaphile.  He's got a lot of pieces, but none that could be considered rare; if this SM turns out to be what I think it is, it'll be the capstone of his collection.

2 hobbies is a bad thing Art. It means you have to make choices :)

G

. . . as your secretary ;-) . . . 

Graham,

Congratulations. I love this case shape (I call this C-shaped, but I can be wrong) that dresses with perfection.

I love those 70's watches and I'm always searching for a good one. They are quite rare here on tropical lands.
The hot weather combined with moisture destroys vintage dials and is very frequent to locate ones with the dial redone.

Yesterday on our traditional flea market I was able to see multiple nice Constellations all with their dials badly redone.

Copying the moderator, yours was a "Good hunting", for sure.

Cheers,

Nilo

Thanks Nilo,  but it was again, just a lucky find. I often wonder if there is such a thing as fate as i seem to fall over desirable pieces without too much searching.

This isnt a C case. The C case has longer lugs and effectively looks like a C on its side, hence the name.

This watch originally came on a leather strap with the option of the 1171 bracelet. I'm very pleased the option was chosen.

If i knew how to do it i would post the omega archive page so that everyone can clearly see it, but i cant figure out how to do it.

Best
G

Graham,

Let's see how it shows.

I wish someone can explain what Omega means with "Floating" movement.

Cheers,

Nilo

From Omega Vintage Database:

Reference

ST 168.0034

International collection

1970

Movement

Type: Automatic chronometer certified

Caliber number: 751

Created in 1967
24 jewels
"Floating" movement

Functions

Day-date

Case

Stainless steel

Case back

Screw-in

Dial

Metal, with square hour markers and luminous metal hands.

Crystal

Armoured hesalite

Bracelet

Leather

Water resistance

60 meters

Thanks for adding that Nilo.

I think the floating movement involves a brass ring and some rubber bits that work as shock protection for the whole movement. Bill pointed out the fact that there is a gap between the dial and the chapter ring so the movement and dial have space to move a small amount.

I think thats what he meant anyway :)

G

Looks alot like mine cal. 752

omega.watchprosite.com

Best

Thomas

 

Thanks Thomas.
Its the same case, slightly different ref to cover the chronometer movement.

Yours is very nice indeed.

Best

G

Looks in good condition too
Hope your well down south..??

Any more new toys incoming..??

Speak soon dude,

Andy.

Hi bud, long time no hear, have you been on some candle lit sewage eating retreat again ;)

No more incomibg as i think i have had quite enough for this year, however never say never as there are so many goodies popping up into my radar. Funds are the only issue.

Got big daddy and his wife coming to stay on saturday so lots of plans to make.

Look after yourself
G

Was my birthday last Fri which linked in with a yoga weekend too..!! Some great pics too

Glad your well dude and I'm sure we'll meet soon when something in London gets arranged for Xmas..!!

Moi.

We possibly have an antipodean in London mid november which would be perfect. Not too close to jesus' big day so not too busy.

Missing you already
G

Missing you too dude..!!

Moi.

I bet you're pleased with that one.

Cheers

Yep, you bet :)

I'll wear it if theres time for a beer in Laurences schedule.

Best
G

No message body

1970 seems to be at the start of the size increase. 38mm is a big jump from 34mm a few years before which makes it a watch you can wear every day without it screaming out 'vintage'.

Best
G

... lovely dial ... but i'm not a great fan of those indexes ... .

I will remember not to let you wear it when you come to visit

Grtz
G