Vintage Omega Gold-Filled Open-Face Pocket Watch
Watch (Pocket Watch, Open-Face) · Yellow Gold (specifically a pale yellow to greenish hue common in vintage gold-filled alloys with high silver or nickel content).
Purity: Gold-Filled (typically 12K or 14K outer layer). This is not solid gold; it contains a bonded layer of gold over a base metal (usually brass or nickel), typically 5% of the total metal weight.
Type
Watch (Pocket Watch, Open-Face)
Purity
Gold-Filled (typically 12K or 14K outer layer). This is not solid gold; it contains a bonded layer of gold over a base metal (usually brass or nickel), typically 5% of the total metal weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (specifically a pale yellow to greenish hue common in vintage gold-filled alloys with high silver or nickel content).
Weight
Total weight approx. 80-100 grams. Gold content is minimal (estimated 1-3 grams of actual gold as it is gold-filled).
Description
A classic Omega open-face pocket watch featuring a white enamel dial with double-hour tracks (1-12 and 13-24). The rose gold-toned hands provide a delicate contrast against the weathered dial. The gold-filled case shows the character of over a century of use, representing a time when Omega was solidifying its reputation as a global leader in horology.
Key Features
24-hour military time outer track, sunken sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock, cathedral-style moon hands, and the iconic Omega branding.
Color & Finish
Pale yellow gold with significant patina and surface oxidation. The finish appears originally high-polish but is now heavily aged with micro-scratches and dulling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'OMEGA' brand and Greek Omega symbol are visible on the dial. The case back likely contains a 'Gold Filled' or 'Rolled Gold Plate' stamp along with a serial number, though not visible here.
Dimensions Estimate
Case diameter approx. 45mm to 50mm (Standard Size 16 or 18 in pocket watch terms).
Gemstones & Inlays
None visible. The dial is enamel/porcelain with rose-gold toned metallic cathedral hands.
Clasp & Closure
Bow and Crown: Ribbed winding crown for manual movement; a circular bow for attaching a watch chain.
Chain & Links
N/A - the watch is shown without a chain. The edge of the case is smooth and rounded.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-turned case with a hand-applied enamel dial. The precision of the 24-hour track and the sub-dial integration demonstrates high-tier production for the era.
Authentication Indicators
The font of the 'OMEGA' logo matches historical 1920s typography. The color of the crown versus the case suggests typical gold-fill wear patterns where the base metal begins to show through.
Origin & Maker
Switzerland, Omega SA. Omega is renowned for precision timekeeping and movement durability.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (Circa 1910-1925). The Arabic numerals and Breguet/Cathedral hands are hallmarks of the late Edwardian to early Art Deco transition.
Age Estimate
Approximately 100-110 years old (Estimated production 1915-1925).
Cultural Significance
Pocket watches were the primary status symbol for men before the widespread adoption of wristwatches after WWI; they symbolized punctuality and the industrialization of time.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant crazing (cracking) visible on the porcelain dial. 'Brassing' (wear-through) likely on the case edges. Crystal is heavily scratched or absent. Crown shows wear on the knurling.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value: $150 - $350 USD. The value is almost entirely in the name brand and movement; the gold melt value is negligible (under $50) due to being gold-filled.
Care & Maintenance
Do not submerge in water. Clean only with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Seek a specialized horologist for movement cleaning (COSC) to avoid damaging the antique gears.
Similar Items
Longines 14K Gold-Filled Pocket Watch, Waltham Vanguard Rail Road Watch, Elgin 10K Gold-Filled Open Face.
Interesting Facts
Omega pocket watches were widely issued to British Royal Flying Corps and US Signal Corps during WWI due to their extreme cold and shock resistance.