For years I never encountered an Omega 'No-Name' Globemaster, later believing that most of these early calibre 354s exported by Omega to the U.S.and marketed as Globemasters had been redialled in the full Constellation livery.
Such are the riches of an increasingly globalised watch market, that, over the past twelve months, five have surfaced. The first I encountered was a cross-hair dialled example owned by Norman Garbaccio and featured in an earlier post (pictured above).
I had fairly well given up hope of seeing many others, but, knock me over with a feather, four have emerged intact recently, and I'm pleased to say that I acquired one of them. Two of these examples appeared on eBay and were not marketed as the rare pieces they indeed are.
Suffice to say, if you ever encounter one of these truly historical pieces, snap it up!
UPDATE Nov 2.
I have written an essay on 'No-Names' in an attempt to produce something definitive about the origins of these historical American pieces. Please click here to download the file
Could we now expect to see Constellations de-badged to appear rarer?
ReplyDeleteYou never know :)
ReplyDeleteThere are some audacious and enterprising shonksters out there!
I appreciate your comments. I found one of these watches at a pawn shop for 500 U.S. dollars and bought it. I did not know why it did not say Constellation on it but now, thanks to you, I do.
ReplyDeleteYou bought well!
ReplyDeleteThese early Constellation bumpers are a joy to wear.
Regards
desmond
My grandfather left me one several yrs ago and I still have with serial # start 12520***
ReplyDeletein the gold pie pan and cross hairs . I have tried getting information from Omega on it's value and history with no response . Any ideas ?
The serial number dates the watch to around 1952 assembly. The key numbers are on the movement (calibre 352 or 354) and the case number stamped on the back. So if you have it opened and record the numbers, this site will be of value in identifying the watch.
DeleteThe metal content and condition of the case, dial and movement dictates the value of the watch.
If you post the numbers I can point you in the right direction.
Cheers
Desmond
Desmond ,
ReplyDeletethe case # 2652-2 , movement 352 , 17 jewel bumper wind , the case is gold on front and stainless on back with the gold constellation /telescope on back in gold . the face is the rose pan with cross hairs
the condition is very good to excellent . when I took to our local Jeweler to get these numbers . he had offered to purchase which flew up the red flag and I have been searching ever since for info .
I did look at the omega sight and could not find he 2652-2 just 2652
thank you for any help you can give.
Yes, the -2 after 2652 is a case makers batch mark, so your model is a 2652, with what I suspect would be a domed dial. Case is gold plaque or what they call gold cap. Cal 352 adds to the desirability of the piece.
ReplyDeleteNot having see the case or dial, I believe the watch owuld be worth around 1 - 1.2k depending on condition.
Cheers
Desmond
Hi, how can I contact you? I would like to send you some pictures of a no name I came across.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
just post your email. I wont publish ita.
Deletecheers
Desmond
My father gave me his "no name" the he rec'd on his 21st birthday in 1956. I have an insurance appraisal, but am wondering collector value - if any. Calibre 354, Case 2652, SN 11,143,350, movement 13070180. Gold front and back.
ReplyDeleteCollector value amongst informed Omega collectors is high, and it depends on the composition of the case. When you say gold back and front, do you mean the case is solid 18k gold?
DeleteCheers
Desmond
That is correct, the case and back cover are both gold, as is the wristband. I could send a couple of pics if you tell me where. The back cover was engraved for his birthday. The watch has also been to Switzerland for an "overhaul." I have all the pieces they changed out. (And thank you for responding!)
DeleteI won't post your address here because it will alert spam bots and you will be inundated with unwanted emails. Just click on 'View My Complete Profile' in RH column and you can send pics. Also of the stamping on the bracelet clasp if you can manage it.
DeleteCheers
Desmond
Sent.
Delete