Vintage Omega Automatic 24-Jewel Movement, Caliber 550/560 Series
Watch Movement (Gold-Toned Mechanical) · Yellow Gold Gilt; The warm, traditional yellow tone is achieved through electroplating or chemical gilding of movement plates and the oscillating weight.
Purity: Gold-Plated/Gilt Finish; This item is not solid gold but features a decorative gold gilding or plating over brass and steel components (approx. 0% solid gold content).
Type
Watch Movement (Gold-Toned Mechanical)
Purity
Gold-Plated/Gilt Finish; This item is not solid gold but features a decorative gold gilding or plating over brass and steel components (approx. 0% solid gold content).
Gold Type
Yellow Gold Gilt; The warm, traditional yellow tone is achieved through electroplating or chemical gilding of movement plates and the oscillating weight.
Weight
25-30 grams (Total movement weight including steel and brass parts).
Description
An exposed vintage Omega automatic watch movement featuring a signature gold-toned finish and characteristic oscillating weight. This high-grade mechanical heart showcases the meticulous engineering of Swiss watchmaking, with visible gears, rubies, and a branded rotor. It appears to have been removed from a damaged or scrapped case.
Key Features
24-jewel count indicating a high-end caliber; automatic winding rotor with Omega branding; 'Incabloc' shock protection visible on the balance jewel.
Color & Finish
Rich yellow gold-tone finish on the rotor and bridges with circular graining and perlage; the underlying case remnants show heavy oxidation and grey patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraved 'OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS' on the rotor; 'TWENTY-FOUR 24 JEWELS' on the bridge; 'Ω' logo; Caliber number and serial number usually located under the balance wheel (not fully visible).
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 28mm in diameter (standard vintage caliber size); movement thickness approx 5-6mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
24 Synthetic Ruby jewels used as friction-reduction bearings for the gears and balance staff.
Clasp & Closure
Mechanical interlock; the movement would traditionally be held in place by casing screws or a tension ring inside a watch case.
Chain & Links
N/A; Internal mechanical gear train and escapement construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision Swiss engineering; hand-assembled with beveled edges on bridges and high-precision gear cutting.
Authentication Indicators
Correct Omega font styles for the era; high-quality finishing on bridge edges; presence of functional ruby jewels; specific copper/gold alloy plating used by Omega.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland; Manufactured by Omega SA, known for high-precision horological engineering.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - 1960s); Stylistic indicators include the copper-toned/gold-toned plating typical of Omega's high-grade movements from this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1968 based on the 24-jewel automatic bridge configuration and rotor design.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Golden Age' of mechanical watchmaking before the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s.
Condition Notes
Fair. The movement is exposed to dust and moisture; the outer case/housing is severely damaged or corroded; functionality is unknown; requires professional overhaul.
Value Estimate
$100 - $250 (USD) as a parts movement or project piece; value is in the mechanical parts and brand name, not gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry and away from magnets. Do not attempt to polish; requires horological cleaning in specialized solvents by a watchmaker.
Similar Items
Other Omega calibers like the 561 or 564 (Chronometer grade); Longines or Rolex movements of the same era (Rolex typically used rhodium plating).
Interesting Facts
Omega's gold-colored movements were not just for aesthetics; the plating protected the brass plates from oxidation before modern stainless steels were used for all components.