Omega Geneve

Aug 09, 2008,00:15 AM
 

Dear All,

I have been enjoying the simple design of this 1960’s Omega Geneve over the last few months. I understand that it was a bit of a ‘workhorse’ model in its day, but I think Omega were very good at this type of watch. I am new to these historical pieces and I would be very thankful if you could share your knowledge or experience with the Geneve and perhaps some images to show the different iterations over the years.

From what I can find on the Web, the Geneve was produced in the 1960’s and the serial number on this movement (29866083) indicates production in 1970. The movement is the hand wound Cal. 601, 27.9x3.85mm, 17 rubies, 19,800vph (2.75Hz), adjusted in two positions with a 50 hour power reserve. I read that the Cal. 601 was “Omega’s last in-house hand wound calibre” and was used in its low to mid level watches. What does this mean and can anyone tell me more?

The reference stamped on the case back is 135.070. I understand that this means leather strap (1), centre seconds with no date (3), hand wind (5) and case made in 1970 (.070). Am I on the right track here? Great that Omega would provide this sort of information on each watch.

The case itself looks to be gold plated (I assume that is what the “20 microns” on the case back refers to) and is not in great condition. It is 34mm in diameter but has a large crystal and uncluttered dial so wears quite large. Most importantly it has been keeping brilliant time since a service and is very pleasurable to wind.

I look forward to learning a lot more about vintage Omega’s.

Thanks for your time.

Andrew



















  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Humble contribution

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 9th, 2008-07:13
...  

Can you tell us more?

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-01:04
Hi Damian Thanks for the image. Can you tell us any more about the watch, it's production date, how it came into your possession? Very nice. Andrew

What I know is

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 10th, 2008-08:24
that the production year is same as my birthyear we are both 33 years old now it was a gift from my wifes aunth (she is 89 years old now it's as all my pieces manual wind REFERENCE ST 136.0102 International collection 1974 Movement Type: Manual winding (m... 

Great, Damian!

 
 By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-08:54
A watch which is born the same year than you!!! A Keeper, for sure! I'm crazy ab out this kind of watches, but only have one, for the moment... and, as a coincidence, this is also an ..Omega. Best. Nicolas

Agreed and also

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 10th, 2008-09:10
what's more important I must find one with this year producton for Junior :0) Damian

Easy!

 
 By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-09:27
I have some suggestions for you...LOLOL JLC Polaris, or if you play it on the Family Tradition, This would be an Omega Alaska project... Ask, and you'll be served! ROFL Nicolas

Or

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 10th, 2008-09:32
Kermit or PAM 0 or 5 or 111 or 112 or 183 or 210 or Tradition or Sppedy Snoopy just to name few LOL But you 2 suggestion are as valid as mine specially POLARISSSSSS

Now you're cheating, Damian

 
 By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-09:38
We're speaking of watches released in 2008... LOL Nicolas

Just greedy

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : August 10th, 2008-09:44

Do you mean a 1964 Omega?

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:12
Dear fellow Dragon, Do you mean you have an Omega from our birth year? Could you post photos if you haven't before? When I came across this Omega I had hoped that it might be from my birth year and was (only slightly) disappointed when I worked out it was... 

My Dear D.U friend

 
 By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-22:18
You already saw my ' 64 Omega... I'm quite sure, but if you didn't.. Here it is: Best. Nicolas...  

I do remember...

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-22:33

Time and place

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:16

Great find, Andrew . . .

 
 By: Dr No : August 9th, 2008-09:24
. . . it looks to be in excellent condition, and your wrist shots portray how well a simple dial design can appear in a watch that today would be considered undersized . . . cordially, Art

It’s the simplicity that works…

 
 By: AndrewD : August 9th, 2008-21:49
Thanks Art, The dial is in good condition. The case appears to have had a not particularly professional polish, although this is not very obvious except on close inspection. I don’t know if this is something that can be repaired with a re-polish or not. I... 

that is a lovely Geneve

 
 By: ChristianDK : August 10th, 2008-03:34
It is a lovely watch and it looks very well restored. where did you have yours restored, Omega, Switzerland or watchmaker? I have one as well (ultrathin) from the 60ties ingold. Used to be my grandads. I left it at the bank vault but next time I go Ill ge... 

Unknown history

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-05:08
Hi Christian, I wish I knew more about this watch, but I don't. I found it unexpectedly a few months ago in an antique shop that specialised more in furniture than anything else. I had it cleaned and lubricated and my watchmaker said the movement looked h... 

Great watch.... nice photos...

 
 By: Bill Sohne : August 10th, 2008-06:35
Hi Andrew Great watch. The Geneve line in the late 50s it was Omega top line of watches. In the late 60s Omega change the direction and made the Geneve line the "low" cost entry point. Omega's target was the "next generation" and so made case designs with... 

History lesson

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:42

This could be the reason...

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:00
Hi Art, Jester just started this thread on HOME and I think it could be one of the reasons that my 34mm Geneve looks relatively larger. My theory is that it is the combination of gold case, light coloured dial, uncluttered face (no date, simple markers), ... 

This Geneve was my first Omega,

 
 By: SteveG : August 10th, 2008-09:49
I was attracted to its timeless dress design and the view through the aftermarket display back. As Bill Sohne has amply explained, while 60s Geneves such as yours and mine were no longer at the top tier of Omega's offerings, they are by no means poorly de...  

Family History

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:53
Thanks Steve, Beautiful Geneve. There are obvious family traits in the markers and case. Nice to see how Omega was able to evolve the design. My dial has a brushed surface which catches the light very nicely. I assume it is made from aluminium. Lovely mov... 

Brilliant pics, Steeve G, of a sublime watch

 
 By: amanico : August 10th, 2008-23:18
As always, Steeve, your pics are candy for the eyes. You're absolutely right, this watch is timeless. I'm really in love with this very balanced dial, sober, elegant, and powerful at the smae time! Thanks for sharing such a beauty! Nicolas

A new strap?

 
 By: AndrewD : August 10th, 2008-15:56