Who says 13 . . .

Apr 20, 2019,21:41 PM
 

. . . is an unlucky number?

smile

Several months ago, my vintage Omega collection numbered an even dozen chronomètres.  Six 30T2rg variants, three Connies, a ref 2499 Jubilee, a second-generation SM cal 505, and the sole Genève chronometer reference.

Not a bad haul over the years.  I was content. 

"Who needs another?", said I to myself.  "It's hard enough giving my harem the attention it deserves.  Enough's enough!"

Then, I saw a listing on eBay for . . .



[seller's photo]

. . . this.

Reference 2494.  Not common.  An early Seamaster reference; Tony C has one, but not many others in this community.  And, marked 2494-2; most 2494s are cross-referenced with 2657, the sub-seconds variant.  This one was marked with just ref 2494, sans cross-reference.  Another mark of distinction.

Cal 352 movement.  In and of themselves, not terribly uncommon.  But, fitted to a ref 2494?  Highly uncommon.  I can recall seeing two others.  Most 2494s are not chronometers at all.  The handful that are, like Tony C's, have cal 354 movements, which passed chronometer testing but lack the finish and regulation of the cal 352.

Look closely.  No 'Seamaster' on the dial.  Correct for the earliest production variants.  And unique in my experience; I've never seen another without 'Seamaster' script.

36 mm case.  Technically a jumbo.  And screwed back.  An uncommon configuration.  Actually, highly uncommon. 

Original Seamaster clover crown.  Check!

Steel case with pink gold hands and markers.  My heart is thumping!

Pink gold bezel.

I'm done.

I wanted this watch more than anything.

Then, I saw where it was located.

Argentina.

My heart sank.

Acquiring watches on eBay was nothing new, but overseas?  So many horror stories . . . not worth the risk for costly acquisitions.  The seller had negative feedback . . . no encouragement there.

I posted my interest in it on the Wrist Scan forum, expressing my desire but lamenting its location.

In steps Abel! 

To make a long story short, Abel volunteered to acquire the watch for me.  With his friend in Buenos Ares, he searched for the seller.  There were twists and turns, ups and downs.  After several weeks of investigating, finally locating and negotiating, we had come to a standoff.  The seller was noncommittal.  

Abel had expended so much time and effort on my behalf that I felt guilty for engaging his assistance.  So I said, "Abel, let's call it quits.  This guy is simply too difficult to deal with.  It's not worth it."

Weeks later, a bolt from the blue.  A representative of the seller walked into Abel's friend's office with the 2494 in hand.  The Omega had come to us!

Abel sent a pm.  "Art, the owner is willing to part with it for X $.  What do you say?"

I thought about it for three seconds.  That was two seconds too many.

"Let's do it!", said I.  And so it finally changed hands.  Abel posted pics and his story last month on this forum.  It arrived Wednesday, and retrieved from the local Post Office Thursday.  Unpacked at West Coast Bill's house Friday.  And now, one of the rarest Omega chronometers I've come across is on my wrist this Easter weekend.





As thrilled as I am to have scored this once-in-a-lifetime target, I'm even more gratified to have been Abel's partner in its capture.  He did all the work, for which I'm grateful beyond words.

Close-ups courtesy West Coast Bill (who happens to be a devoted collector of Ω automatic chronometers).
















I'll take photos with a macro lens in the coming days and share them in this thread. 

Mille grazie, Abel.

Enthralled,

Art





More posts: Seamaster

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Great catch!

 
 By: claes_t : April 20th, 2019-22:04
...and a lovely story. Thank you for sharing Best

That it is, claes . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 20th, 2019-22:09
. . . I've a few great catches, but this is probably the greatest. And certainly the most gratifying. Best, Art

You are daring my friend, just from photos and you can deduce the watch authenticity 👍🏻👏🏻

 
 By: Clueless_Collector : April 20th, 2019-22:07
Sometimes we have to take the leap of faith, no pain no gain. Amazing story and so nice to know the forum here have a great friend Abel from Brazil 🇧🇷...Bravo. Congratulations, Art.

If only I'd spent as much time studying in college . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 20th, 2019-22:12
. . . as I have over vintage Omega ;-) . . .

Amazing story and glad to be part of a community like this...

 
 By: KMII : April 20th, 2019-22:35
Where people on opposite sides of the world so gladly and selflessly help each other 👌🏻 And a fantastic watch you scored, too 😊

Without Abel's help, I'd never have even . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 20th, 2019-22:43
. . . bothered. It's really on his account that I now own it. We - Abel and myself - refer to this Omega as our 'Special Project'. Our friendship goes back many years, but this Special Project of ours cemented it. He truly is a friend for life. We're most... 

Thank you so much my friend!! I’m moved by

 
 By: Subexplorer : April 21st, 2019-07:42
Your kind words indeed! I wish this Special Project Omega will bring much joy to you and will always remind you about our friendship!! All the best! Abel

That it is, Dirk . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 20th, 2019-22:46
. . . that it is ;-) . . .

Grazi, Don Nico! . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 21st, 2019-00:52
. . . and here's hoping you'll be able to see the Special Project in the metal someday. Best, Art

Your previous hints to an incoming piece were absolutely inadequate.

 
 By: TheMadDruid : April 21st, 2019-00:25
A Praetorian Guard procession with trumpets blaring next time. Fabulous.

There's a Tiffany 2364 in my collection . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 21st, 2019-00:58
. . . a jumbo 2366 chronometer, and a black engraved dial Connie accented in rose gold. This one is rarer than all but the Tiffany. I doubt more than a score were produced in this configuration. Art

Great story of friendship...

 
 By: Cpt Scarlet : April 21st, 2019-01:32
The true essence of this forum. Enjoy in good health and happiness.

Thanks, Captain! I expect it will be a few months . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 21st, 2019-14:04
. . . before I get to enjoy my latest vintage acquisition on my wrist. Abel said he observed timing results of ~ - 3 minutes per day. So off to my watchmaker first for servicing. Looking for an authentic pink gold Omega buckle, and of course a proper stra... 

Congrats Art, great find !

 
 By: DrStrong : April 21st, 2019-02:48
just love the classic shape of the lugs and the two tone case !

I merely found it, Jeff . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 21st, 2019-14:05
. . . Abel did all the heavy lifting. It's every bit his trophy as much as mine . . .

You are DrNo, aren't you ?

 
 By: DrStrong : April 21st, 2019-23:42
every vilain has its "muscle" to do the hard work ;-p

"La mia famiglia . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 22nd, 2019-13:48
. . . la tua famiglia." ;-)

Ha ha ha!! [nt]

 
 By: Subexplorer : April 25th, 2019-19:37

Lol! [nt]

 
 By: Subexplorer : April 25th, 2019-19:37

Hello dear Art!! I’m so happy to read your post and view your pictures...

 
 By: Subexplorer : April 21st, 2019-07:26
... with this rare Omega finally in your hands! It was a thrilling experience for me and feel privileged to be able to help you in the hunt of this piece. I knew how much you liked it and how special it was. I firmly believe some pieces are meant to resid... 

I never mentioned your daughter's involvement . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 21st, 2019-14:17
. . . which was essential to our adventure! She brought the precious Omega to America on her wrist, and mailed it expertly wrapped with an endearing card. Thanks, Eugenia! Warmest, Art ...  

A great story......

 
 By: Biezmez : April 24th, 2019-08:14
....a nice watch and true teamwork. Many congrats on the find, so lucky to be a part of such a helpful community. Chris.

Thanks, Chris. As the owner of a similarly rare Ω . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 24th, 2019-11:24
. . . you're in the best position to appreciate these obscure variations on common themes. The markers of your ref 2515 are unique in my experience. Best, Art