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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 16:38:05 GMT -6
So, having some time on my hands today and having been truly bitten by the pocket watch bug I am perusing ebay where I see an old Omega dialled pocket watch with an hour to go, no reserve, in working condition keeping time and at 1 bid of $30.. Well, I had to didn't I! The seller carefully marked that it was NOT an Omega but rather an Omega dial with a Regina movement. Not having heard of Regina I did some quick research (Something the I hope the seller does not do before shipping it to me!). Turns out Regina were a Swiss watch making company who's trademark name was purchased by Omega in 1911. They were, it turns out from what I have read so far, a sub brand of Omega, the movements were made to fit North American watch cases and often sold as store brand watches. This one though it seems has the brand Omega dial with the Regina movement. The seller listed it as working and keeping good time though it has a couple of hairline cracks on the dial and a scratch on the inside of the nickel silver case back. The images were a bit fuzzy but they should give an idea of what it will be like when it gets here next week. I reckon it was worth a shot, especially seeing as I won it for... $33! I am really happy with this one. I will wait for conformation of all of these from anyone here more knowledgeable about this company and its relationship with Omega but I think I got something of a bargain!
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Post by ajdh on Jan 23, 2014 16:45:06 GMT -6
You can't go wrong at that price, congratulations.
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 16:50:00 GMT -6
Thanks Adrian, you really can't go wrong at that price! Here is a better picture of the movement. It is nicely finished. Looking into it a bit more I think the dial and movement came from Switzerland and it was cased here in Canada or the US as the case was made by the American Watch Case Company.
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Baco Noir
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Name: Roger
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 23, 2014 17:04:15 GMT -6
Very cool! You know, if it does need a cleaning, Al works on pocket watches too! He serviced my great grandfather's Elgin and even tracked down and bought a donor movement at a cheap price to replace a broken jewel.
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 17:04:58 GMT -6
OK, and some more research is that this was a Omega for the Canadian market watch made for railroad use, it gets better and better!
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 17:10:31 GMT -6
Thanks Roger, I will keep that in mind. I am so looking forward to seeing Al's handiwork on Saturday with Carls new incoming!
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 18:02:01 GMT -6
And a bit more info. I managed to see the numbers on the movement These numbers can be found in Omega's movement numbers. I looks like my watch dates from between 1916-27
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Baco Noir
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Name: Roger
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 23, 2014 18:15:43 GMT -6
What a great find. I hope it's running well and in even better condition than the blurry photos show.
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 18:23:49 GMT -6
I know Roger! The more I dig, the more I like. The guy has sold a few watches and looking at his feedback all the folks have been pleased with them. I wonder what is good to bring back the lustre of Nickel Silver? I don't want it perfect but just a nice lustre.
I am hoping it will be here by this time next week.
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Post by katgirl on Jan 23, 2014 18:51:36 GMT -6
Nice find, Ian! I would ask Al's advice about polishing/refinishing. I've always wanted a pocket watch, but fear it may seem too macho....
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Baco Noir
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Name: Roger
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Post by Baco Noir on Jan 23, 2014 19:30:56 GMT -6
Nice find, Ian! I would ask Al's advice about polishing/refinishing. I've always wanted a pocket watch, but fear it may seem too macho.... They made them in a wide variety of sizes and there were women's specific models. And I concur on asking Al about what to use to clean it up. He did a nice job on mine without making it shiny!
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Post by ianmedium on Jan 23, 2014 23:39:34 GMT -6
Rogers right Kat, there are plenty of sizes, the gold one I got is very small. This Omega though is a size 16 which is quite large. I will take a picture of them side by side.
The finish you describe is what I am going for. I will wait till it gets here as one picture is not too fuzzy and it looks like its got a good shine, all shall be revealed next week, can't wait.
I love the Westbury but its a high beat movement, this will be a nice slow beat movement and I love the sound of those!
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Post by carl on Jan 24, 2014 0:17:44 GMT -6
Ian, this does look like a great find! Although I really think highly of Otto Friedl and the German watchmaker, my instinct would be to get Al's opinion. And if he can take on the work, would be worth the extra cost of shipping. And, it's within Canada, so you don't have to muck about with Customs! That is what was so nice about getting the Sterling, just shipped with no Customs hassle. Even the mail can end up in Customs for ages. Lots to talk about Saturday. I really want to see that Omega pocket watch on your beautiful iPad Air screen! Well, it was either get an iPad or get the Sterling, and I'm glad I got the Sterling. After seeing photos on your iPad, that is definitely going to be my next major purchase! Cheers, Carl Whoops! Sorry to ramble on, guys. I'm so used to sending Ian many PMs the past few days, I forget that I'm in an active thread
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Post by iceman on Jan 24, 2014 1:48:16 GMT -6
Great find Ian
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