Dr No
[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
34913
Sometimes, you find treasure . . .
. . . in unlikely places.
I was recently in a distant part of town on personal business, and noticed a pawn shop on the way to my destination. After taking care of the reason that brought me there, I stopped in just to satisfy my curiosity.
"What can I do for you?", says the proprietor.
"I'm interested in vintage Omegas", says I. "Do you have any?"
"Why, yes, there are two in the showcase."
Gulp.
Sure enough, there were two '50s vintage Omegas right under my nose. My eyes first locked on a white dial, yellow gold Constellation chronometer, most likely a ref 2648 . . . unfortunately, it took only a few moments to realize the dial had been refinished and the decagonal crown replaced.
With lowered expectations, I turned to the other watch. It was an 18 kt Seamaster Deluxe with a cal 354 bumper movement in original condition . . .
. . . which duly left the pawn shop in my care. It's been fitted with a brown lizard strap and a plated Seamaster buckle, courtesy mrsnak, and will be off to the watchmaker next week for an overhaul. More photos next week, folks . . .
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2013-08-22 11:55:59
More posts:
Sometimes, you find treasure . . .
. . . in unlikely places. I was recently in a distant part of town on personal business, and noticed a pawn shop on the way to my destination. After taking care of the reason that brought me there, I stopped in just to satisfy my curiosity. "What can I do...
Seems it is your lucky time, Art, my friend!
Excellent catch, Art. Definitely, I have to go back hunting! Enjoy your new treasure, my friend. All the best. Nicolas.
WOW... am so happy for you...
... it has been good years for you, am so happy to see many great pieces you found recently... nice thing always comes quietly and unexpectedly... like what i found my Gubelin travel alarm watch during my recent trip in DC. for this one, compared with you...
Thanks, Stefan! Frankly, I don't think it's especially rare . . .
. . . as the "DeLuxe" designation is from the American importer, and not directly from Omega. It's an American case with a stamped number between the lugs. Still, it's in pretty good original condition with at least six watchmakers marks on the inside of ...
not rare...?
... i must confuse this "de Luxe" with those "Grand Luxe Constellation"models... i remember i read somewhere Grande Luxe is very rare as it housed with superior movement that is selected among the best. anyway, this is my first to see your model - Seamast...
Precisely, Stefan . . .
. . . it's not a "Grand Luxe", but rather, a standard cal 354 movement that was imported by Norman Morris and cased in the States . . .
Stefan, if you ever find a grand Luxe connie please dont get the brick link bracelet
i bought one several years ago from the US. it arrived in Wales with the very famous brick link bracelet, but it had been so polished i really couldnt wear it. i felt like a low class pimp or mafioso (even though it wasnt a Rolex ). i sold it 3 weeks late...
I got to see that puppy up close and personal...
...and it's better than the photo. Super catch for Dr. No!
Thanks very much for the Seamaster buckle, Kurt . . .
. . . that makes this "lucky" watch all the better . . .
Great find!
Hi, Art, Really nice find. You are in a lucky streak, indeed! What are you planning for the overhaul? A light polish to the case, plexi and a new set of hands? Or keep it as it is and just clean the movement? Either way, congrats, and I will be looking fo...
My photo doesn't do it justice, Alex . . .
. . . the hands actually match the aging of the dial and case, so no need of replacement. I realize it appears there's a difference in the photo, but that's not reflected in reality. The case won't be touched, and no need of a new crystal, either . . . on...
Even more charming, then
Hi, Art, It is great news that only the movement requires attention. I look forward in seeing some additional pictures soon, or even better, seeing you wear it during Igott. Take care, Alex
As my customers would say to me...
"The harder you work at it, the luckier you get". Congratulations! As always wear in good health. Regards, Miki
Branch Rickey was credited with saying . . .
. . . "Luck is the residue of design". Really, this was a case of plain dumb luck . . . no effort involved other than paying for it! Best regards, Art
i've got to visit your neck of the woods Art.
i thought i was lucky finding pieces, but everytime you leave the house you stumble over a little gem. a cracking looking piece. cant wait for more pics best G
It's really a shame the Connie was re-dialed, Graham . . .
. . . that would've been an amazing stroke of luck had it been as intact as this Seamaster . . .
what was the quality of...
what was the quality of the redial ? i'm a believer that a very good redial is better than a very poor original, but a poor original is awful best G...
It was obvious enough that I passed on it . . .
. . . and while I've discarded the photos, I showed them to another Omega collector, and he also passed on it. It wasn't an awful job, but I wouldn't make an offer on the watch unless I had an original dial stashed away.
congrats on a nice seamaster
The 50 seamasters are among the nicest and best quality watches Omega ever made, elegant and timeless, once they are overhauled or restaured, they are superb timekeepers. Congrats on your purchase and wear it in good health. regards georges
Thanks, Georges! . . .
. . . this will be my first bumper, and I'm anxious to see how it performs once back from service. It's running a little on the slow side now, but then, so am I ;-) . . .
Congrats on a very nice catch..
I would have also allowed this watch to retain it's vintage beauty and a nice spa treatment only to the movement. Enjoy your Beauty. Thanks for sharing Ed
Thanks, Edward . . .
. . . the only downside is that I'm now tempted to stop at every pawn shop I pass by ;-) . . .
LOL!!! that's what I love about this hobby.
It has the capability of draining our bank account and yet we can never refrain from answering a dealer's calls, never fizzle on a hot lead or hold back from a pawn shop that comes your way. Many more luck to your hunts, ART Cheers Ed
I like...
Hi Art, this is really a beautiful find! I like the particular hour markers of the dial and the De Luxe inscription - rarely seen! I think you should not bother about the American case - you as an American should appreciate this local market model! Enjoy ...
Grazi, Erich . . .
. . . finding this one unexpectedly was a pure joy. The 30T2rg acquired in February also has a special inscription, so perhaps I've the beginnings of a new theme to my collection! Cordially, Art
Congrats Art ...
Your post reminds me of the fact i have to go out a bit more and work a bit less ... . One day i will be as lucky as you my friend ... i hope ... Filip
Ah, but you are lucky, mon ami . . .
. . . after all, you get to see Vlad and G whenever you want, while I have to wait a blue moon ;-) . . .
I just consulted . . .
. . . my guide . . . . . . to see if a trip across the Atlantic was in the cards, and the answer came back . . . . . . ;-) . . ....
even i'll come over from...
even i'll come over from the windy isle. i havent got a read carpet though, just some antique wooden floorboards if thats ok ?? G
dont you mean 'you as...
dont you mean 'you as well, Damn, i'll have to find a prior engagement'...
Great find, Art!
Congrats! That's quite a handsome number. Looking forward to seeing more of it again.
Movement pics coming soon, Davo . . .
. . . same Omega-time, same Omega-channel . . .
Let's just say . . .
. . . it's one of my better acquisitions, and leave it at that ;-) . . .
The movement . . .
. . . is a little on the messy side, with some grit and grime observable under a loupe. Let's see what the watchmaker has to say when he examines it under a scope . . .
Late to the party...
but very happy to learn of your serendipitous experience, Art. Well done! I've found that the unexpected finds are, in some respects, the most rewarding. Best regards, Tony C.
The experience of finding this one . . .
. . . is etched in my memory, Tony. This will probably be my last acquisition for quite a while, so all the better that it came unexpectedly . . .
