Omega

. . . how many crowns does it take to make an Omega whole?" 🤔 Yours truly had wanted an example of the first range of Omega's automatic chronometers for a long time. After the celebrated Centenary issues (ref 2499 and 2500) of 1948 . . . ['48 Ω ref 2499, ...  

. . . like this one . . . . . . are slim and none. While you're looking for an 30T2rg, you should also have your radar trained on the eight automatic references between 2514 and 2521. Most were yellow gold, but there are steel examples, too. Art ...  

. . . is a steel ref 2514. This image is from the Omega Vintage Data Base. I've seen one in-the-metal image on the 'net over the years. It's that rare. ...  

. . . for nothing.

Thank you for sharing this great story. It also points to the problem of vintage collection. If watches are worn, thy will need spare parts when serviced. And those parts are drying up. Your story also shows why it is so important to focus when collecting... 

. . . unto itself. Immensely satisfying when a project comes thru, maddening until it does. So far, I've not been stumped. But the day is coming when a seemingly simple project proves impossible to complete. Best, Art

. . . the first is a Centenary ref 2499, and the second is the subject, a ref 2518. Both are chronometer references, but dissimilar: 33 mm vs 34 mm, 18 kt vs 14 kt, and cal 28.10 JUB vs cal 343. I'll bring both to the next gathering of the alphabet soup g... 

parts would be missing. A part damaged. A bump, lost, anything. Be to careful for the lovely little time clocks. I know people take high care, but sometimes they also face mistakes they want not to have.

. . . into play. I didn't get to this point in a day, nor did I get here without invaluable guidance and assistance from experts like Bill Sohne, Gator, MSN, and Erich. If you want to hunt big game, you need target practice and a guide. It's no different ... 

. . . and glad to know The Purists are still remembered ;-) . . .

. . . I make the effort to restore an Omega to its former glory. The reason, of course, is passion. My attachment to these mechanical marvels is even deeper than I realize. Art

“Happy is the Art that finds the crown.” Great story, photos, and watch!

. . . that ends well." 😌

Thank you for sharing this with us. Congrats your final 2518 + 6 crowns Well done!

. . . full circle, back to where it originally was in 1950. A pity perfectly good (and in the case of the pink version, probably irreplaceable) crowns were either set aside or entirely lost in the process. Best, Art

Oh well, part of the journey I guess. And what a journey! Best regards

You made your own luck by tracking the correct crown. We should call you Columbo ;-)) m.youtube.com

. . . of learning the crowns had been lost to finding the correct type online. It was almost a surreal moment.

With a happy ending.

Your efforts to get the correct crown will bring this watch completely to his original glory and you´ll have it back from your watchmaker to fully enjoy it as you deserve. Have a nice Sunday and a safe and nice week ahead my dear friend. A big hug for you... 

. . . "What a difference . . . . . . a crown makes". ;-)