SHOWTIME again! It is time for post number 1000

Nov 05, 2011,13:41 PM
 

Hi friends,

time passes by rapidly and the number of posts approached the number 1000...

So it was a tough decision where to post it - on HOME, on Patek forum (as I also love vintage PPs) or here on Omega forum...

NOOO!  Not really!  But I think my home is here with you guys!

So I posted a special watch on PP forum for number 999 and number 1000 is going to happen here smile

I think it is a good reason to invite you to raise the glasses on our fabulous vintage oriented Omega forum and take a sip of good stuff with me!



I feel fine amongst you and I appreciate the cultivated and passionate discussion and the vast knowledge shared by you on this forum!

I like to be here and I am proud to be a contributing member of this forum.

However it was a tough call what to show you on this special occasion. Several themes came into my mind: 30 Rg chronometers, olympic SMs,

special rectangles (which I like a lot), early Cal. 30 and 30 SC T1, ....  was hard to decide, but there should be some topics left for the next 1000th posts.

I know that you are curious to "unwrap" the goodies with me... come on, lets have a look!



Most of you will know by the color of the leather what will show up soon - and the warranty booklet gives you a hint about the period

the watch was manufactured...

Sorry guys, NO  diving watch, NO Speedy, NO WD Railmaster   :-(

It is more dressy...



The picture does not unveil too much yet... we must go a little closer.




Now you know the facts, but the picture does not do the watch justice, we have to do a close up!



It is a rare De Luxe SM  Ref. 14368 in near mint condition inside and out.

It has the boldest dial I have ever seen on a dress version SM yet.

I found this watch on a cheap non original leather replacement strap, guess the original bracelet had been scrapped before.

So I started the hunt and found a NOS period Omega strap - see picture below.

I think it matches very well, but I had the original bracelet in my thoughts and the hunt was continued.

I have been lucky to find this bracelet on an ordinary gold SM and luckily the gold color matched perfectly.

Here is the watch with her leather "shoes".




I am torn between both options, this strap is period original NOS and matches well - on the other hand the De Luxe SM was sold with the

special pattern bracelet which is the icing on the cake.

Please let me know your thoughts!  What would you wear?  Bracelet in summer, strap in winter - a good solution, eh?

Now some case details, the hidden lugs from below...




The case still shows a lot of its factory finish - brushing (graining) and contrasting polished parts.

And finally here is the movement:



It is a full rotor Cal. 501 opposed to the earlier versions of the De Luxe SM Ref. 14324  which had the bumper Cal. 352

The 352 is more beautiful and desirable from the aesthetics: special regulator and the special finish of the wheels, but I do not like the bump when wearing these watches...

I prefer the smooth movement of the rotor...  I know, I know!  I am one of the few people who prefers the feeling of the rotor powered machine -

most vintage collectors want to feel the bump and are keen of this feeling... sorry not me...  but we all know, it is personal taste...

Hope you appreciate these watch as much as I do...

HAGWE

Erich




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Salute, Erich!

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : November 5th, 2011-14:14
Congrats on your first 1K! Looking forward to the next..! Stunning SM! Best Blomman

Damn, Erich. Another great catch!

 
 By: amanico : November 5th, 2011-14:18
I' m not very fan of the bracelets, but it is just me and my curious taste... I would happily wear it with a light honey croc strap. This dial is fantastic, with these heart shaped applied indexes and the honey comb " heart ". What to say, except that you... 

The idea of...

 
 By: mac_omega : November 7th, 2011-22:12
Hi Nicolas, The idea of a honey colored croc strap is convincing, could look perfect... But I guess that this particular SM will be worn only on special occasions, it is not an every day watch due to it´s rarity. Thank you very much for your kind words - ... 

If I had a watch like this in this same condition

 
 By: MSNWatch : November 8th, 2011-03:26
I wouldn't wear it even during special occasions - one ding and value drops!

A stunning piece

 
 By: MSNWatch : November 5th, 2011-15:12
Congratulations on 1,000 posts here - worth 10,000 posts in any other watch forum. That thousand number is also made more meaningful since most of your posts are substantive and educational. Wish I had a watch like that. My version - the older cousin to y...  

Each of them has her ...

 
 By: mac_omega : November 9th, 2011-13:10
Mike, each of them has her merits. The cal. 352 is more beautifully executed/finished - the Cal. 501 chronometer version is more uncommon... but: both of them are beautiful. your´s is a keeper by sure! kind regards Erich

Still hope to own a version like yours someday

 
 By: MSNWatch : November 11th, 2011-14:43
And you are right about the prices of vintage omegas - definitely an upward trend in terms of prices. Some underappreciated segments though where deals can still be found. I think we here at the purists are at least partly responsible for this since we ar... 

Begin to love more and more of these vintage omega.

 
 By: TdotBean : November 5th, 2011-16:41
Your post certainly help a lot in the appreciation of these wonderful treasure. Congratulation on this magnificent watch. Regards Tyler

If you really...

 
 By: mac_omega : November 11th, 2011-05:44
Hi Tyler, If you really like these vintage Omegas you better start buying them soon as they are going up steadily... kind regards Erich

Thanks for the heads up, Erich

 
 By: TdotBean : November 11th, 2011-05:51
I notice the price are not the same since last year. Crazy! With any luck I might end up with a 30T2 Rg SC Regards Tyler

Certainly worthy for 1000th post. Great vintage piece [nt]

 
 By: watch-guy.com : November 5th, 2011-18:23
No message body

Absolutely gorgeous.

 
 By: grumio : November 5th, 2011-19:30
Fantastic condition, great dial, unusual lugs, box & papers, and with a period bracelet & strap ! A watch like this could be the centrepiece of any vintage Omega collection. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing. Look forward to the next 1000 posts. gru... 

Beautiful.

 
 By: RJW : November 5th, 2011-20:58
Congratulations on this milestone post. Looking forward to continuing being informed and educated by your posts. Thanks Erich. Regards, Richard.

Great post 1000

 
 By: grigo : November 6th, 2011-00:49
Keep up the good work. I feel that the gold colored leather strap does not provide anything as far as highlighting the dial of the watch goes. Best regards, George

Congratulations..

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : November 6th, 2011-01:00
... on your 1000post, and what posts. Great insights from a true Omegaexpertgentlemen. I have learned a lot from your insights, especially on the older dress watches. The watch, a true beauty..and great story that you had to hunt to bring this beauty back... 

Congratulations on 1000 and thanks for all your thoughtful posts

 
 By: Ginger : November 6th, 2011-06:42
Erich - I always look forward to your comments. On this one I prefer the gold bracelet, and not just for myself as a woman. I think in a vintage watch it does not imply conspicuous consumption or vulgarity that is often associated (at least by Europeans) ... 

Exceptional!

 
 By: Tony C. : November 6th, 2011-08:03
Hi Erich, Thanks for posting that remarkable example. What a beauty! Cheers, Tony C.

In The States, Erich, "Showtime" is best known as . . .

 
 By: Dr No : November 6th, 2011-11:45
. . . a reference to arguably the greatest professional sports team ever assembled, the Los Angeles Lakers led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, between 1979 and 1989, who won five NBA championships in nine years. "Showtime" is also a most fitting... 

I had to...

 
 By: mac_omega : November 13th, 2011-11:38
Hi Art, first of all I want to thank you for your very kind words - you made my day! I had to laugh that you compared my collection with the showtime of the basketball league... Keep your fingers crossed for me - I am preparing the catch of a big "fish"..... 

Well done! Congrats! [nt]

 
 By: Davo : November 6th, 2011-14:27
No message body

I love it!

 
 By: hockey : November 6th, 2011-15:33
Very good post once again Erich. It is a pleasure to have you as a valuable contributing member of this forum. The watch is spectacular. You can tell it was only worn on special occasions, the case is in remarkable condition as is the movement. It must be... 

congrats Erich, very well-chosen DeLuxe SM for your 1000th post...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : November 7th, 2011-04:14
... very happy to warm welcome your well-thought 1000th post and to see your well-chosen watch for such significant occasion! love your choice... this DeLuxe Seamaster housed in Cal. 501 looks superb to me. for me. Cal. 501 was one of the movements i have... 

Congratulations on your 1000th post!

 
 By: patrick_y : November 7th, 2011-09:40
Congratulations on your 1000th post and looking forward to many more. I say that watch looks great on a bracelet. Maybe a bracelet all year round would be in order.

Congrats, fantastic Seamaster....

 
 By: tdn.dk : November 8th, 2011-12:51
Best Thomas