zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Help,

: 2 omegas from the 1940's

: Cal: 30-t2 rg, Fine regulator sells for
: +/-$2850
: (says cronometre on dial)
: Cal: 30-t2 pc sells for +/-$1000
: (also says cronometre on dial)

: The questions: How could one distinguish the 2
: watches when bargain hunting?
: Why the big difference in price?
: Are they not both similar ie. the classic 30 mm
: watch or is the ist one mentioned "the
: one" in terms of the records the 30 mm
: achieved?

>>> They can be distinguished by opening them. If the movement is equipped with the fine-regulating device (eccentric screw) it's a chronometer, if there is a standard regulating lever it's not. The caliber designation is engraved under the balance wheel: when reading the extension "Rg" it's OK. Dials are very often 'refreshed' or 'redone' and are not a reliable indication since anything can be added later-on, such as 'Chronometre' (mind the French spelling of the name). If spelled 'Chronometer' the English way, it is suspect anyway.

The Chronometre model was manufactured from 1943 to approx. 1948 and in limited numbers only. For that reason they are quite rare and sell for a much higher price. Technically speaking there is not much difference between the standard model and the Chronometer Rg model, only some cosmetic additions to satisfy the buyer for the higher price he paid. It is mainly the 'aura' and image that these models (still) do possess. Some movements were engraved "Chronometre -adjusted in 5 pos." but for the US market only, not in Europe.
COSC bulletins did not exist in those days. Testing and certification were carried out by the manufacturer himself. Factory-models that were entered into the Chronometer-competitions were not equipped with the typical fine-regulating device. This construction was only for the customer-models and had no added beneficial properties for the required high-accuracy of the factory competion-movements. The extension 'PC' stands for 'Pare-Choc' which means schock-protected (by Incabloc). <<<