Omega gentlemens' 14 carat gold filled automatic bumper watch manufactured in 1949.  The case and dial present well and the movement is running strongly and keeping time.  The bumper unit is Omega's first automatic mechanism, introduced in the mid 1940's and produced until the mid 1950's.  They are efficient mechanisms, suitable for every day use.  Bumper watches are among the most highly sought after vintage Omega watches.  Fitted with a new leather strap this vintage watch is ready to wear and enjoy.  The watch is signed in four places, on the dial, case, crown and movement.

I have been collecting vintage watches for over twenty five years and selling them as an enjoyable lifestyle occupation since 2003. I have consistently received excellent feedback and many repeat buyers. Customer satisfaction is very important to me so if you do have any problems please get in touch.  I will always do my best to help. I often assist customers who ask for my help several years after they have purchased a watch from me; so once you have bought a watch, you will remain an important customer. You can email me at jackanpet123@gmail.com to ask any questions.

 

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Case: 14 carat gold filled, in very good condition, measuring approximately 32 mm across, excluding the signed crown (replaced at some time) and 38 mm from lug to lug.  The case is signed Omega on the inside of the rear cover and also hallmarked as 14K gold filled, as is the outside.  The case shows the expected signs of use over the years but  no evidence of abuse, dents or scratches of any significance that I could see to draw to your attention or any obvious signs of brassing.

Movement:  Omega cal. 342 17 jewel automatic bumper movement with a serial number dating the watch to 1949.  It  is running well and keeping time.   The bumper unit is so called because the winding rotor does not travel a full 360 degrees as with modern automatics; instead it travels just over 300 degrees hitting a sprung stop or bumper at the end of its travel.  It then bounces back the other way, hitting a sprung bumper on the other side.  It continues to wind the watch by this hammer action.  When the watch is shaken the bumper mechanism can be felt distinctly but this is rarely felt when the watch is worn.  These movements were constructed by hand by the most experienced Omega watchmakers.  Even when new, bumper movements were the subject of great interest among watch connoisseurs worldwide and today they remain highly sought after by collectors. 

Terms of Sale

I pack my watches very well to avoid damage but very occasionally a problem may occur due to rough treatment in transit or the use of scanning equipment by Customs or the postal services which can magnetise the watch mechanism.  I warrant that the watch you purchase will, when you receive it, be as described in the listing.  If there is a problem when you receive your purchase I provide a no quibble full refund option. Alternatively I will undertake any repairs that are necessary if the watch is damaged or if in any other way differs significantly from the description.  If I have not stated that the watch has been serviced, you may wish to have this work done, particularly if you intend to wear the watch on a daily basis.  On request, I can provide you with details of independent watchmakers to whom you can send your watch for servicing.  

I provide comprehensive details of my watches, including very clear photographs taken with a high resolution macro lens which shows detail not visible to the naked eye.  I also invite you to ask questions if there is anything else you need to know.  Please take care to consider the dimensions of the watch case as if it is a gentlemans’ Art Deco rectangular vintage watch, they were made significantly smaller than contemporary watches. 

You are buying a used watch so there will be signs of use.  Please do not expect quartz accuracy from a vintage watch.  In the 1940’s/1950’s the accepted timekeeping tolerance for a new 17 jewel manual watch was within three minutes a day.  All of my watches are professionally inspected and tested before sale and if they are not running smoothly and keeping reasonable time I have them serviced and/ or have any other work undertaken that is needed to ensure the watch is in running condition.  However please bear in mind that a fault can develop unexpectedly at any time as with any used item so I am unable to provide any on-going warranty. Please also note that I provide no guarantee that my watches are waterproof. I would always strongly recommend keeping any vintage well away from moisture.