Tony C.
1239
The problem with the notion...
that a lack of coat(s) of shellac denotes a dial that is not original, is that it is difficult – if not impossible – to explain how and/or why anyone would produce an otherwise perfect example. An independent artisan who was (or is) capable of producing dials that are virtually indistinguishable from originals would make much more money doing high-end dial restorations. It does not make sense – except when there are other signs suggesting that the dial in question is not original.
I have no doubt that both this Omega dial and my 666 dial were originally manufactured by their respective company's sub-contractors. As to why some less-than-perfect examples appear on occasion, I suspect the simple answer is that, especially 50 years ago, quality control was also less than perfect.
Living, learning, and collecting...
As many vintage watch collectors would agree, perhaps the greatest pleasure in collecting is actually the process itself. There are, of course, a number a different factors that contribute to the process, including the patience required in order to find a...
I remember Bill showing me that watch a couple of times
and its size combined with the pretty rose gold sheen combine to form a compelling piece. That NOS dial completes the watch and makes it quite the beauty.
Lovely …
Well Tony, that Geneve is absolutely stunning. This is what high-end vintage Omega collecting is about. I didn’t peek at the pictures before finishing your text and it was a great read. I really love the warmth of the rose gold from this period and the di...
So true, Tony
I would say that learning is also the most exciting and enjoying thing when collecting, with a strange outcome: The more you learn, the less you know, because while discovering next details and informations, what you were sure about becomes uncertain... S...
Thank you , Nicolas...
we agree, as usual! I don't own many pure dress watches, but this one has risen to the top of the list! Best regards, Tony C.
A perfect match..
.., perhaps made in heaven? Beautiful watch and well written story! enjoy, Ben.
beautiful Tony and with a journey to match the end result
you were a lucky man to be sat next to Bill as that one ocassion has resulted in you journeying through the maze that are vintage Omegas. the end result is sublime. best Graham
Thanks very much, Graham...
and you're right, I was very lucky to have been seated next to Bill! Best regards, Tony
Wow .... fantastic Tony...
Hey Tony The watch looks great !!! It really took my breath away... Enjoy it !! Best Bill Sohne
Hey I was lucky to sit next to Tony...
Hi G At that get together... Everyone was bring out new watches.... While the guy next to me brought out a vintage IWC and I brought out a few Omegas. Then we both brought out a Grand Seiko... I knew I was sitting next to the right guy for dinner that nig...
Ah Bill, that special Grand Seiko...
Ah Bill, that special Grand Seiko moment. if 2 people in US, at the same dinner table, both have grand Seiko's you know you are going to get along. :) best Graham
Bill is so friendly I can remember the day I picked him up from a Bangkok airport.
I knew he was coming to town so I offered shuttle service from airport to hotel. He arrived on a late flight and we ended up chatting watches in hotel lobby until very late. One advice he gave me that night altered my perception quite positively. After li...
Nice watch TonyC....
I would'nt worry too much about the piece not being screwback, that kind of thinking can easilly lead you down 'i'm a snob and too good for you St'..which you've obviously discovered is not the best of wickets. If somebody made the ultimate watch in massi...
Thank you, Catherine...
Here are some photos of the watch prior to the dial replacement and polish. As you can see, the case must have suffered from quite a bit of oxidation, as the 'before and after' disparity is quite clear! I was too thick to realize it before the polishing, ...
Looks a bonny watch there ^ ^ ^ ^ ^...
This message has been edited by C.vallely5 on 2009-09-30 07:52:09...
Is it reflection....
....just shows, looks for all the world that the minute markers are short of the chapter between 9&10.
No, if i was refering to that i would have mentioned it...
.....minute markers....butt-up....between 9&10....reflection or out of plumb.
Nope, just checked with a loupe...
it must be distortion caused by the reflection. Thanks for motivating me to check, though, as it would have gone straight to eBay had there been a tiny flaw. ;>)` TC
Just shows....
....bizarre how a reflection can distort just between the two markers. Thanks for double-checking.
Actually Tony i can see it now....
....on your second pic, with the watch tipped slightly. I must say the dial looks very matte though in that pic, is it like that in reality, i'd have been expecting to see some shellac around the index's...looks very dry.
Perhaps...
I'm not sure about the shellac issue. With regards to my ref. 666 Ingenieur, you were quite right about the dial appearing not to have the coat of shellac. In this case, however, it looks normal to my eye in person, and at all "dry". Having said that, it ...
One other point to consider...
is that new (or NOS) dials often tend not to look warm under artificial lighting. This one, like most, really shows best under natural light.
'CoatSSSSS' of Shellac Tony.....
...Yes i'm familiar with that type of 666 dial and have been priveledged to handle more than half a dozen up close, all were finished to type..thats the reason i asked about yours. That said if your dial was a reprint then whoever executed it was exceedin...
The problem with the notion...
that a lack of coat(s) of shellac denotes a dial that is not original, is that it is difficult – if not impossible – to explain how and/or why anyone would produce an otherwise perfect example. An independent artisan who was (or is) capable of producing d...
hmmm.....intresting....
...i've played it that way around and added everthing that i have ever seen..whilst it's safe to say that yes quality control may well have not been what it is now... the forgetting to shellac a specific type of dial 5 or 6 times (a costly move) only ever...
actually that is one if my rules...
Hi Catherine I sold it based on it was a snapback and kept a different watch that was a screwback. My own personal wearing preference. I happen to easily perspire and I have been know to fog up alot of snapback watches. I do have snapbacks in my collectio...
That sounds like a pretty good....
...excuse to me Mr. Sohne (evaluating why you need a spec opposed to purchasing what other people think they need). I had folk tell me a specific type of period chronograph was nice but it should really have been screwback, when i asked them why they kind...
I remember that trip!!
Hi Ruckdee I remember that trip well... The teak palace, the buddas and the getting the robes!!! hehehehehe Meeting Andy Tolley at the fleamarket... That night we did stay up very late but was it really "Wisdom" or jet lag . Best regards Bill ps we gota f...
enjoyed reading your learning...
many thanks Tony, reading your article which i agree totally and reflect what i wanted to say in mind as well. one thing i mostly agreed is that during this journey, the most valuable reward is to know a lot of good friends regardless whether how many nic...
Thanks very much, Stefan...
I've enjoyed observing your journey as well. Best regards, Tony C.
The truly remarkable aspect of the story is . . .
. . . in having found the correct dial at all, some five decades after the original production run . . . the likelihood of this occurring before the advent of the internet must be nil. Congratulations on your truly new Geneve, Tony . . . it's almost as th...
Thank you, Art...
now you need to come up with a good excuse to travel to NY so that we can reprise our last enjoyable dinner! And you are quite right about the impact of the 'net; I doubt that I would be collecting without it! Best regards, Tony C.
Oh my this one is just amazingly gorgeous
wear it in best of health little bit jelaously :0)) Damian
Thanks for sharing... lovely!
I have recently become more and more interested in some of the vintage Omega connie's. While I know that doing extensive homework is critical, I am wondering if anyone has any advice for finding reputable dealers / sellers. I certainly don't know enough a...
if you ever want any...
if you ever want any advice on the online auction sites feel free to PM me as i buy quite a few of my watches from there without a problem. i know my way around that site with my eyes closed and all the things to do to ensure a trouble free purchase. i al...