With vintage watches, it’s all about the details. To the average eye this would just look like a standard Omega and, in many cases, it is. The watch is unmarked with no additional text to denote what model line it falls into. It’s not until we dig a little deeper that we uncover some clues as to why this dial is simply signed "Omega Automatic". Typically, we would see some text above the 6 o'clock hour to indicate the model line. In this case it’s absent. However, upon opening the watch, we see a symbol on the caseback: a J with an arrow through it. This is referred to as a casemaker mark. In this case, the mark represents the symbol for a company – An American company named Jonell. So why would Omega, a Swiss watch brand, outsource the production of their cases to America? The answer: Money. You see, laws during the time period of this watch’s creation stipulated that any foreign-made watches imported into the United States were subjected to import fees and taxes. So Omega, like many other brands, imported only the dials and movements to avoid these penalties. The dials and movements were then encased by locally made cases from various companies like Jonell. To complete the package the watch is presented with an original, Omega, USA made flat link style bracelet. Original to the watch.
ABOUT THIS WATCH:
MANUFACTURER: Omega
MODEL: N/A
REFERENCE: KL6312
SERIAL: 1966xxxx
YEAR: 1962
CASE: The 34mm 10kt gold filled bezel over stainless steel back is in very good shape. The gold filled bezel has taken a beautiful rozy patina. The case is strong as the bevel on the bezel is very well preserved. The lugs are also well defined with crisp lines throughout. There are a couple of deeper scratches from previous owners attempts to remove the screw down case back with improper technique or tools. The crystal was replaced sometime in the past. The case is completed by its original crown.
DIAL: The original, non-luminous, champagne linen dial is in fantastic shape. The dial appears to be free of any blemishes, patina, scratches or otherwise imperfections. It sports baton style hour markers and matching dauphine hands.
MOVEMENT: Omega automatic self winding caliber 560 appears to pretty clean. The service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets, runs and is keeping good time.
BRACELET: The watch will come with a bracelet and the pictured strap. The bracelet is an original, USA made omega bracelet that is original to the watch. The clasp does not close tightly and will require some refurbishment which we can do at cost prior to purchase should the buyer elect. The watch will also come with a leather strap.
ACCESSORIES: Comes with the watches original, USA made, omega flat link bracelet.
BOX/PAPERS: No.
WARRANTY: None.
BANK WIRE PRICE: $600 shipped.
