Manual wind or automatic. Melvin Hollenberg August 7, Some cases were used for two different models. Oxana May 3, Can someone identify the meaning of the code breakdown?
Find the date of an Omega by serial number
Either if you chose to hoard them by dial and case variation, or simply by caliber, even only between and La Belle Époque of the Omega pocket watch creationit could be a theme for a lifetime. Their quality was so impressing — compared to the technological advance of the early 20th century — that it is simply impossible to find a correspondent in modern times, dating a vintage omega pocket watch. Sincewith little exception, most of the manufacture had serial numbers both on dial side plate and on the bridge side.
Omega did not use a matching number serial system for case and movements like Longinesbut chose a close range unpaired serials instead, while the gap between the two gradually increased during time. So I would always look first for the movement serial as for the production period or for the high end production as dating a vintage omega pocket watch the period when the serial batch has been pre-assigned while for the case serial as for the period close to delivery.
It is not unusual to see stock leftovers sold much later then the production date like cal. However, most of the top quality manufacture like chronometers, took years to finish, although they were assigned early serials numbers say in the 2.
Only the movement numbers came in batches, in a sort of chronology per caliber production, while two movements with consecutive serials could have different finishing ie: one gilt, one nickeled and different delivery period. While case numbers can be seen randomly paired with movements, with absolutely no chronology.
Which means that if the Omega movement 5. Absolutely no logic. And although Omega case serial is usually higher then the movement serial number, occasionally we can find movement serial number higher than the case number. In these cases, you should use the movement serial case number to approximate the delivery date.
Dating a vintage omega pocket watch would add that it is impossible to find an Omega case serial in the 2 Mill. range and these movements were massively exported to the American continent without any casing, but there are many other European deliveries, including goliath or lower quality movements, observed with 2 Mill.
range movement serials, paired with 3 or 5 Mill. case serials. The above charts, may not be the ultimate, but are based on a long observation period, compiling elements from various sources. They will not always correspond with the AJTT or other available charts, dating a vintage omega pocket watch.
One does not have dating a vintage omega pocket watch always agree with, and i will gladly accept any amendment or solid contribution.
I am working hard on improving and breaking the movement serial chart into smaller sequences, compiling as much variables as possible. The chart will never be as accurate as an Extract from the Omega Archivebut it can give an idea of about how old is your watch.
However, dating Omega pocket watches is not the only complicated thing. Counting jewels or grading your watch may prove harder then dating, at least when it comes to the early specimens.
Read more on how to grade your Omega pocket watch here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment, dating a vintage omega pocket watch. Javascript is disabled in your web browser.
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I would add that it is impossible to find an Omega case serial in the 2 Mill. range and these movements were massively exported to the American continent without any casing, but there are many other European deliveries, including goliath or lower quality movements, observed with 2 Mill.
range movement serials, paired with 3 or 5 Mill. case serials. The above charts, may not be the ultimate, but are based on a long observation period, compiling elements from various sources.
They will not always correspond with the AJTT or other available charts. One does not have to always agree with, and i will gladly accept any amendment or solid contribution. I am working hard on improving and breaking the movement serial chart into smaller sequences, compiling as much variables as possible.
The chart will never be as accurate as an Extract from the Omega Archive , but it can give an idea of about how old is your watch. However, dating Omega pocket watches is not the only complicated thing. Counting jewels or grading your watch may prove harder then dating, at least when it comes to the early specimens. Read more on how to grade your Omega pocket watch here.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Javascript is disabled in your web browser. Please enable it see how. All Blog. From the late s on, the number was located on one of the bridges, often the same one as the serial number. Every Omega movement has a serial number.
In pocket watches from the early s, you can find it on the dial side of the baseplate. In other words, you have to disassemble the watch to access it. Later on, the serial was always on one of the bridges. You can find a list of serial numbers for Omega at Chronomaddox , a useful Omega resource created by the late Chuck Maddox.
Speedies have a separate list, compiled by Roman Hartmann, and you can check it here. For example, the 30T2 PC and 30T2 PC AM are both signed 30T2 PC, because the only difference is an anti-magnetic balance in the AM version. The Ranfft movement archive entries for movements of various Omega families list differences between particular movements of a calibre family. For example, when you see a cal. The 30T2 had a few chronometer versions, all of a higher grade than the non-chronometer versions.
These have the suffix RG in the number. You can easily recognize the RG by its distinctive regulator. This is — and will always be — wrong. No exceptions. This is nothing more than a 5XX base without the automatic winding assembly.
Of course, the barrel is different as well. They were mostly used in the Geneve collection. However, a few Seamaster De Ville models had it as well. Theoretically, it fits in a case intended for a 5XX. Until the s, the only supplier of chronograph movements for Omega was Lemania.
One of the best-known ones is the cal. CH27 C12, later known as the cal. There are, however, differences between the CH27 C12 and the The is always marked as such and always has copper-colored plating. Still, they have a few problems worth noting. You need to be extremely careful with signs of issues with the rotor. When it wears out, the rotor will start rubbing against the bridge on which it sits upper bridge for automatic device , and against the case back. The edge on the rotor will have a noticeable loss of plating.
So will the upper bridge, most likely. The inner side of the case back will have a characteristic circular trace on it. When you see that, best skip that one. It may be that the issue has been repaired. But can you be sure? You can often spot them by an inconsistent tone of the plating throughout the various components. Of course, some parts will change color due to the different solutions they were cleaned in during a service.
Another example of frankenising is using parts from Tissot counterparts in movements, which the two brands shared. So, the parts are interchangeable. If you see something like that, skip that one. The general rule is that Omegas have all the relevant markings on the inner side of the case back.
These should include a reference or serial number, the Omega stamp in a triangular frame, and the case material. Sometimes, and that usually applies to the s and s pieces, you can also find some info about the manufacturer of the case. For example, the two collections made for the Swedish market — the Suveran, and the Officer.
These had the markings on the outside of the case back. Also, many US market models were cased locally, in cases made by American suppliers. These often had the case material marked on the outside. Notable exceptions include the Naiad and Medicus models, which did sometimes have the reference stamped on the case back. The case serials follow the same code as the serial numbers found on movements. Omega has a record of pairing movements and cases from batches made within a considerable period.
This especially applies to chronometers equipped with the 30T2 RG all variants of the RG. A two-letter case material code preceded every Omega reference. This was rarely found on the case. It was also — at times — not very consistent. For example, with 3-, 4- and 5-digit reference numbers, the standard code for stainless steel was CK.
Still, there were models in stainless steel, where the code was MI. Remember that if a reference was made in a few case material versions, the base reference number will always be the same. In the late s, Omega introduced a short-lived 5-digit system, paired with the same material codes as the 4-digit system. In , Omega introduced a new system of case reference numbers. By the s, it was changed again, to a 7-digit system. Still, the principle remains the same for both systems, that the first three digits define the characteristics of a watch.
A key for this can be found here , along with case material codes for 6- and 7-digit reference numbers. So, if you look at the ordinary Speedmaster reference, Keep in mind, that the OVD might require you to add a 0 after the period in a 6-digit reference to look it up. For example, a While models with ordinary reference numbers were available in the US, Omega has made some watches for the US market only.
Only a few of these are listed in the OVD. Some cases were used for two different models. The difference between them could be a completely different dial and handset. Sometimes, though, it was the movement. Now and then, one reference could have been used with two or three different movements. Apart from one reference spanning over two or three generations of a used movement, this is also the case with pieces made for the US market.
The movement in these had a different number due to a different lower jewel count. They had fewer jewels to avoid a higher import tariff in the US.
One reference could have belonged to two collections at the same time for example, Seamaster and Geneve , and yet the watch was also available with no collection name on the dial.
A noteworthy example of a shared reference is the Seamaster , which was also available as a Geneve. But there, the Seamaster always had the hippocampus logo on the back. Keep in mind that a reference that was shared between different collections was a thing of the s and s.
In the s, a Seamaster reference on a watch with an unmarked dial only means that the watch was available without the collection name. Also, for a Seamaster made before ca. That logo appeared on SM cases only from very late in For a reference introduced before , the absence of the logo on a specimen from or is nothing strange. This only applies to watches that were made for the US and UK markets.
Steel cases were always made in Switzerland, along with the rest of the watch. However, gold-plated and gold-filled ones for the US market were made by local suppliers, like Wadsworth.
In the UK, solid gold cases, especially the ones with the typical British purity of 9ct, were made locally by Dennison ALD. A Dennison Omega case always has the following markings:. These will have a US import code OXG on the balance cock, and a lower jewel count. This is true for almost all families of Omega rotor automatics: 4XX, 50X, 55X, 56X, 59X, 71X, and 1XXX series.
For example, the jewel count is the only difference between the and , and , , and And so on. You can find the details of the differences in the Ranfft archive. Every entry for movements within a particular family list the differences between the movements within that family. Keep in mind that some vintage models are faked very often, especially the Constellation.
You can find a detailed guide to authenticate Constellation cases at Omega Constellation Collectors , which is the resource for Constellations. All of this might seem very complicated. As a challenge. Hi Melvin, I find your webpage and posts very interesting but nothing about the Omega watch that my son purchased for my wife! It is a 26mm 18K case with a 25 Jewel movement. The case has the markings you have indicated with the serial BA in it. Looks like the original stamping but another number was added Any idea whether or not this is ledigit?
Hi there guys , I have a very old omega pocket watch with a Labrador movement in working condition, the case is USA made ,made of two plates of gold with plate of composition between and to wear 20 years and a serial no underneath.
The dial has no omega markings on it , but one can see the numbers where hand painted on , how valuable is a piece like this , keeps beautiful time to this day Regards Raymond mather. You can check eBay or auction sites for similar sold items. Took great interest in this article. Can you tell me if there is anything else I should be looking for when I go see it in person? I was hoping you could help me. I have received this vintage OMEGA watch from my mother in law and she said that it belonged to her father.
Even Though it looks like a very old watch but still in very good condition. It looks like a gold watch, because it looks like a gold case. Herewith, the information I know is below. There are no other details that I could see.
I have looked all over to try to identify this watch, but cannot find a watch that exactly looks like it.. I am sure it is not a fake. I took some photos of this watch to show you Please find the attached watch images Could you please identify this watch for me..? Do you have any ideas? Thank you very much in advance. I have already sent you some watch images to your email address. Hi I have just acquired a vintage omega watch from my late father and was wondering how to tell what model and year it is.
Hi I was hoping you could help me. My grand father had an omega seamaster 30t2 on the face of the watch. It is gold in colour, not sure if it is gold plated? I popped the back open and it says omega watch co.
And 17 rubies. There is also a number hardly legible on the inside of the back plate, and it looks like a B at the end. It looks more like it has been scratched in, rather that clearly marked. There is no other details that I could see. I have looked all over to try and identify this watch, bu, cannot find a watch that looks like it.. We think my grand father got this during WW 2… any ideas.
Hi, it would be better to have a watchmaker do it. The movement is a so you need a stem for that, but it needs to be one in two parts. At the time, Omega Watches was located in the building in which I lived in NYC, and my father purchased it directly from them. Can you help me identify the model?
Please send some pictures of the front and back, plus some pictures of the inside of the case back and the movement to info wahawatches. The back has the Hypocampus and is no-removeable. The watch was serviced but I failed to ask the shop to take pictures and its been so long that they do not have the records of movement or reference number.
If you send me your email, I can send pics of dial and case back.. Just curious about what I have.. Good day! Do you happen to know anything about it? Please send some pictures of the dial, the movement and the inside of the case back to info wahawatches. Any help would be appreciated. Hi, please send some pictures of the movement and the inside of the case back to info wahawatches.
Hi , I have this OmegaElectronic f Hz Seamaster Chronometer watch. Is there any possibility the case material can be solid Gold?
The serial number at the back of the case is CD It also bear other tiny inscription of which i find it difficult to read. This tiny inscription is not in any of pictures here. Hi, it could be solid gold. Please send pictures of the watch and especially the inside of the case back to info wahawatches. I have an Omega De Ville from my father and want to know is it Gold Plated or it is Pure Gold. He says that the watch is pure gold but after checking the serial number from the back in the Omega website I see that the model is gold plated.
On the back of the watch, it has a stamp 18k 0. Hi Excellent information on Omega watches…very knowledgeable!
I recently purchased an Omega oversized ? Cal Kind regards Pete. Hi Pete, please send some pictures of the front and back, plus some pictures of the inside of the case back and the movement to info wahawatches.
A brand new Omega quartz watch from around Do you have any information on these watches? HI I am having terrible trouble trying to identify my grandfathers watch. its solid 18K Gold and it only has the Omega triangle seal on back, the numbers , a small numbered stamp ? and the gold purity stamp. I am too scared to open the case to get the serial number can anyone determine anything about this watch based on this information?
be more than happy to email photos. Please send some pictures to info wahawatches. Hello Could you ID an old Omega wrist watch my myself Could I send a photo of the watch to you? It has a 30T2 movement and this particular watch is from around I have a 14k gold OMEGA ladies bracelet watch. Can someone identify the meaning of the code breakdown? DD Thank you for your help.
Lost movement out of my Gents 14Kt yellow gold Omega had watch since just wondering if possible to get a movement and what would the apx coast would be , some how the movement got out? Had the watch for 56 years still have the outer case and crystal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Bill k. on eBay or a watch forum. Please send a picture of the inside of the case back to info wahawatches. Hello, I have Omega Ladymatic, crosshair dial. serial number indicates it was produced in Not sure if it is stainless steel or white gold. Serial number Can you please provide more information. Hello, I have an inherited ladies Omega watch and on the back inside cover it says Omega Watch Co. Any ideas. Many thanks. Hi, please send some pictures including the movement and the inside of the case back to info wahawatches.
A really helpful information. Great summary. Thank you very much. In the picture you show an Omega Seamaster De Ville unishell with the reference number Does it have something to do with the deliveries to America? Cheers, Marc. Hi, Marc. That one has been a bit of a mystery. Mystery… A few some of these cases were sent to Morris USA with a completely configured by Omega. So not only the movements but the whole watch with case made by SWISS. Have you heard anything about this theory?
Great article! Thank you! It has a serial number under back cover and another serial number on a movement Is it possible that they differ? On the inside there is Omega logo without triangle. Could you help me with the year? Regards, Oxana. good day from california. i recently bought a 30mm Omega watch. it is indeed a beauty. it is gold plated. no marking on the back casing.
but on the inside there is Omega logo, no triangle then it says Omega. below that it reads The movement itself has a serial of Unadjusted 15 jewels and has a 3 digit OX6 i believe. Also reads OMEGA WATCH Co Swiss. trying to find out what year this is. the front of the watch is a white dial and has small seconds hand on bottom. manual wind. any info would help. Hi, George. The serial number indicates that the watch is from ca The 3 digits are the US import code OXG, which is the code for Omega.
thanks for the quick reply. much appreciated.
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