Name this Omega!

[Circe]

Hi, guys: I got lucky at flea market today and found a vintage Omega. I don't recognize the style - a sunken, embedded watch face in a woven gold, almost ... leopard print? band, both 18k. I know some of you are watch gurus - hi, DF! - so I'd appreciate your expertise. Oh, it's a wind-up watch, 17 jewels, keeps perfect time. Any thoughts in style name or value?

 

[Circe]

Quick iPhone photo:

 

[davi_el_mejor]

Re: Name this Omega!

Quick iPhone photo:

I have nothing more to offer other than Love everything about this photo.

 

[Circe]

Re: Name this Omega!

Heheheheheh - thanks, Danny! I was telling my husband about this, and about how it would feel weird to brag about this IRL, so I was looking forward to posting on PS, and he said, "So they're your gloating coterie?" And I said, "Yes! YES! They are my GLOATERIE."

Perfectly sane, I tell you.

Anyway, here are some slightly better identifying shots - the first one was the best my iPhone could do on short notice.

 

[Circe]

Re: Name this Omega!

And a nicer version of the first one, too, for good measure. I am kind of growing to love it, but it's not my usual style, which is more unisex, white metal ... am wondering if I should try to sell this one and get something like a Cartier Tank, or keep this and have both a cool watch and a cool story. Gloaterie?

 

[VRBeauty]

Re: Name this Omega!

Interesting watch! I'm guessing 1980's? Think Dynasty and shoulder pads, or Flashdance and sweatshirts falling off one shoulder...

But... you have you opened the case to see whether there's a serial number engraved inside the back case? If there is a serial number, you can contact Omega to find out when the watch was manufactured (there are also lists floating around the internet). If not, you'll know your watch was manufactured in 1988 or later. If you have the mfg year you might be able to search for Omega ads from that year...

http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/history/vintage-omegas

ETA - "gloaterie" - perfect!

By the way, your question prompted me to check my vintage omega watch (a very simple small face style) for a serial number. I found it on the movement itself rather than on the case. The serial number - 16373397 - indicates that my watch was manufactured in (drum roll, please!) 1958. http://chronomaddox.com/omega_serial_numbers.html

 

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Name this Omega!

Circe
wish i can help but i know nothing about vintage watches.

 

[Lula]

Re: Name this Omega!

It's gorgeous, and in great shape, too. As a rule, vintage women's watches are far less valuable than men's models. However, Rolex and Omega brands do hold their value better than most brands. And your watch is 18 kt. gold which adds value, although these days too many vintage watches are scrapped for their metal value. From my limited knowledge of vintage watch design, your watch could date anywhere from the 1960s through the 1980s. I'd recommend that you post your questions and some photos on the Finer Times discussion boards. It sometimes takes a while to get an answer, but the posters know their stuff. The information you get from them will help you decide whether to keep it, trade it in, etc. One thing I would recommend is that you take it to a reputable watchmaker and get it cleaned and oiled if you're going to wear it regularly, even if it is keeping accurate time. Winding a dirty watch can damage the movement.
http://www.finertimes.com/discus/index.html
Finer Times and WannaBuyaWatch are two sites that sell vintage Cartier tanks. They sell quickly.

 

[Circe]

Re: Name this Omega!

Interesting watch! I'm guessing 1980's? Think Dynasty and shoulder pads, or Flashdance and sweatshirts falling off one shoulder...

But... you have you opened the case to see whether there's a serial number engraved inside the back case? If there is a serial number, you can contact Omega to find out when the watch was manufactured (there are also lists floating around the internet). If not, you'll know your watch was manufactured in 1988 or later. If you have the mfg year you might be able to search for Omega ads from that year...

http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/history/vintage-omegas

ETA - "gloaterie" - perfect!

By the way, your question prompted me to check my vintage omega watch (a very simple small face style) for a serial number. I found it on the movement itself rather than on the case. The serial number - 16373397 - indicates that my watch was manufactured in (drum roll, please!) 1958. http://chronomaddox.com/omega_serial_numbers.html

VRB - thanks! TO me something about it says 60s/70s - maybe it's the leopard print. But I'll go to my watch guy to get it cleaned and ask him to tell me the serial number! Thanks for that tip. So cool to know the exact year!

Circe
wish i can help but i know nothing about vintage watches.

DF - hey, thanks for all the other great advice you've given me on the topic!

It's gorgeous, and in great shape, too. As a rule, vintage women's watches are far less valuable than men's models. However, Rolex and Omega brands do hold their value better than most brands. And your watch is 18 kt. gold which adds value, although these days too many vintage watches are scrapped for their metal value. From my limited knowledge of vintage watch design, your watch could date anywhere from the 1960s through the 1980s. I'd recommend that you post your questions and some photos on the Finer Times discussion boards. It sometimes takes a while to get an answer, but the posters know their stuff. The information you get from them will help you decide whether to keep it, trade it in, etc. One thing I would recommend is that you take it to a reputable watchmaker and get it cleaned and oiled if you're going to wear it regularly, even if it is keeping accurate time. Winding a dirty watch can damage the movement.
http://www.finertimes.com/discus/index.html
Finer Times and WannaBuyaWatch are two sites that sell vintage Cartier tanks. They sell quickly.

Lula - thank you! I've been wearing it since I got it, and it hasn't even needed winding. I will take it to get cleaned, though (I never knew that - thank you). And I will definitely post to Finer TImes: I didn't know they existed, and they sound like just what I need.

Y'all rock!

 

[pregcurious]

Re: Name this Omega!

You can go ask at Timezone in their Omega forum. I bet they will know.