Omega Caliber 333 Movement Collection Overview

Dr No · 2022-01-15T00:39:07Z

Dr No completes his Omega chronometer movement collection with a rare Caliber 333 in a Ref. 2493. Explore vintage Omega calibers and collecting insights.

Dr No, a respected collector, shares a significant milestone in his horological journey: the acquisition of an Omega caliber 333, housed in a circa 1949 Reference 2493. This addition brings him closer to completing his comprehensive collection of Omega chronometer movements. His post offers a rare glimpse into the dedication required to assemble a collection defined by specific, historically important calibers.

. . . ca '49, powering a ref 2493.

This addition essentially completes my Omega chronometer collection - every chronometer movement except one is now represented. Cal 333 was available only in four references: 2493, 2515, 2519, and 2657. (It may also have been installed in late production ref 2500 Centenaries, but I'm not entirely sure about that.)

The lone holdout would be cal 30.10 JUB, seen only in first generation ref 2500 Centenary chronometers, but as there's a ref 2499 in my collection already I'm not actively pursuing acquisition of a 2500.

These pics were taken earlier today on my watchmaker's bench; I hope to be wearing the 2493 by the time baseball season comes around.

Art

Key Points from the Discussion

The Omega caliber 333 was exclusively available in four references: 2493, 2515, 2519, and 2657. It may also have been fitted in late production Reference 2500 Centenary models.
Dr No's chronometer collection includes a diverse range of calibers: 30T2rg, 30T2SCrg, 28.10 JUB, 333, 343, 352, 504, 505, and 602. He notes that the caliber 30.10 JUB, found in first-generation Reference 2500 Centenary chronometers, remains the sole holdout for his collection goal.
When servicing vintage Omega watches, issues like incorrect crown tubes and stems can lead to compromised fit and altered appearance, necessitating careful restoration to maintain integrity.
The Reference 2410, a rare chronometer, features a 35.5mm screwed back case, distinguishing it from the more common jumbo References 2366 and 2367 which typically have snap backs.
A fellow collector inquired about the Omega Reference 2505-8 with a Caliber 265 movement, seeking advice on parts availability, identifying 'Frankensteins,' and winding sensitivity.
The condition of the ratchet wheel is a critical detail for collectors, as a damaged one can detract significantly from an otherwise well-preserved chronometer movement.

The Discussion

TheMadDruid

Jan 15, 2022

Congratulations are in order.

Quite a collection you’ve assembled of Omega chronometers. Of course, hurray Yankees.

Dr No

Jan 15, 2022

Just saw the slim odds of my Raiders winning the Superbowl next month . . .

. . . so chances are it's going to be another season of frustration. As for the Dodgers, decades of near misses and utter failures have hardened my sensibilities. No tears shed if they lose again. 😢

BigAppleBill

Jan 15, 2022

That’s a very clean and impressive movement especially for that age. Would love to see the dial side too.

Dr No

Jan 15, 2022

A dial view will have to wait until the watch is back home . . .

. . . a few months from now, judging by my watchmaker's usual turnaround. It's immaculate, that much I can say. Art

mhz vph

Jan 15, 2022

Congrats!

Lovely watch and one marking quite a collecting milestone.

Dr No

Jan 15, 2022

The list of chronometer movements in my collection . . .

. . . is: 30T2rg manual wind 30T2SCrg manual wind 28.10 JUB bumper auto 333 bumper auto 343 bumper auto 352 bumper auto 504 full rotor auto 505 full rotor auto 602 manual wind I'm not collecting later auto chronometers, although there's an opening for a cal 551 if I can ever find a third-generation Seamaster. I'll never own every chronometer reference - that goal is for a collector with an unlimited appetite. But owning every caliber was a goal I'd set a long time ago, so scoring this latest add

Omega Caliber 333 Movement Collection Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

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