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[Omega] Bought this 1952 Cosmic Moonphase 2486 blindly with a missing crown. It turned out to be the ultimate gamble.

This is probably my absolute favorite Omega in my collection.
I stumbled upon it quite by chance two years ago. It was posted for sale by someone who inherited it from their grandfather and had no use for it. With my experience, the moment I saw the listing, I focused heavily on the dial. Even through the heavily scratched acrylic crystal, I could still tell it was an original dial with correct font proportions. However, I just wasn't sure if the stains and scratches were completely on the crystal or if there was actual damage to the dial itself. But no matter, as long as it's all original. I didn't hesitate or even try to haggle; I bought it immediately. This was despite the seller stating they weren't sure if it worked, and that the original crown had been lost long ago.
To my absolute delight, when the watch arrived, the damage was purely on the surface, just the acrylic crystal that had become scratched and cloudy over time. The moment I removed the crystal, it revealed an original dial in stunning condition, far exceeding my wildest expectations.
It took quite a bit of effort to hunt down a period-correct Omega logo crown and an original stem for this specific Caliber 381 movement. But once it was fully serviced, everything came together perfectly. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
What we have here is an Omega Cosmic Moonphase, Ref. 2486. Based on the serial number, it was produced in 1952 and features a prominent 37mm case. As a vintage Omega enthusiast, this watch is an absolute gem.
The Cosmic Moonphase has always been a grail watch for most vintage Omega collectors. They are becoming increasingly rare and their prices have skyrocketed. Finding one with a clean, original dial is no easy feat. Because Cosmic Moonphases from the 1940s and 1950s lacked waterproof gaskets, most examples found today suffer from heavily degraded dials.
The 1940s and 50s were truly the golden era of triple calendar moonphase watches, with many legendary houses producing them. To this day, vintage triple calendar moonphases from this period remain highly sought after and command immense collectibility.

u/bintimeshop — 3 months ago

Black Gilt Dial

Each vintage watch, with a dial aged by time, is a one-of-a-kind special edition that belongs solely to its owner.

u/bintimeshop — 3 months ago

Black Gilt

Each vintage watch, with a dial aged by time, is a one-of-a-kind special edition that belongs solely to its owner.

u/bintimeshop — 3 months ago

Timeless

From my personal perspective, these design proportions are simply perfect, perfectly balanced from every angle. I often wonder, if they were to release a reissue, why wouldn't they stick to these flawless proportions?

u/bintimeshop — 3 months ago

Timeless

From my personal perspective, these design proportions are simply perfect—perfectly balanced from every angle. I often wonder, if they were to release a reissue, why wouldn't they stick to these flawless proportions?

u/bintimeshop — 3 months ago