Omega Digital 1 (1602) Brushed or polished??

12 May 2012, 01:13

Hi all

I've been looking for pictures of a NOS Omega Digital 1, to see the original finish on it.

Closest I came was abem's pictures:
http://www.timetrafficker.com/watches/l ... index.html
http://newdwf.com/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=4802

And bucko's
http://www.dwf.nu/Gallery/displayimage. ... 57&pid=727

Mine is almost mirror finish, and I suspect that it is not the original look. But the pictured ones doesn't look very brushed either. What should the finish look like? should I brush it, or leave it as is?

JHH

12 May 2012, 08:23

Hi.

This seems to be a common problem with gold-filled watches. 10 or 14 karat gold is so soft that the brushing is likely to be worn from even moderate use. I have a GF P4 that I like to wear and even with careful use, after a few months of just occasionally lightly touching the case, the surface starts to get a little shiny in places. The Omega case that I had was near mint and you could tell that the original brushing was rather light and delicate (and fragile).

Personally, I would (carefully) rebrush it. A few tips:
1) Masking
Whenever I do a bit of brushing, I use (scotch) tape to cover the areas that I want to leave untouched.The Omega is a little bit challenging due to the polished front bezel.
2) Consistentcy
Make sure to make straight, even strokes.
3) Don't Overdo It
Even though gold fill is much more durable than gold plating, it's still limited. Follow the Hippocratic oath gor watches and endeavor to do no harm. Do as little as possible.

I've actually come to appreciate the look of gold watches in some cases, especially brushed gold, which reflects the sun nicely. I'm looking forward to pictures!

-abe.

12 May 2012, 08:47

The finish on my stainless Steel 1602 is horizontal brushed lines on case front and bracelet and mirror polish finish to the sides. I am certain this is the original finish as the watch has been little worn fron new! The brushing is very fine- what you would expect from about a 600 grade carbide paper so would not show well in digital photos.

13 May 2012, 01:02

Thanks guys!

Seems to be some work waiting for me... I'll do my best! :-)

Some pictures before brushing. 'After' photos will follow... some day... :roll:

http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt33 ... 070621.jpg
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt33 ... 070636.jpg
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt33 ... 070634.jpg

And, yes, it has seen better days... ;-)

JHH

13 May 2012, 16:49

Lillegutt wrote:Thanks guys!

And, yes, it has seen better days...

JHH

But with some TLC and maybe a new glass it will be wonderful again.

What would you guys recommed to use to carry out the rebrushing and what about the mirror finsh around the glass - what is best to get rid of the tiny scratches

13 May 2012, 23:31

Beautiful Omega.

I got the rare opportunity to buy one in a brand new condition from a friend and fellow forum member.
Here are some pictures if that helps you a little.
I will be receiving it somewhere at the end of next month, i'm counting the days/nights like a little kid for his birthday.

As if it came out of the factory yesterday.

To

over is it not? :-D

Regards, Cesar

16 May 2012, 10:01

Hi Cesar, your new Omega is lovely, and with box and paperwork. :mrgreen:

16 May 2012, 23:43

A true beauty! :mrgreen:

I think I would find it difficult to wear. I would be terrified of leaving any marks on it.

I must admit that I like the SS a lot more than the GF, but I still havent found one I can afford... :roll:

So the GF is a good trade off, and can be a daily wearer.

Thanks a lot for the pictures!

JHH

17 May 2012, 17:22

Lillegutt wrote:A true beauty!
I think I would find it difficult to wear. I would be terrified of leaving any marks on it.

I must admit that I like the SS a lot more than the GF, but I still havent found one I can afford... So the GF is a good trade off, and can be a daily wearer.

Thanks a lot for the pictures!

JHH

Hi JHH, my feelings exactly - I would love an SS Digital 1 for a daily wearer but am waiting for 'the right price'

22 Jun 2012, 22:19

Cesar wrote:
I will be receiving it somewhere at the end of next month, i'm counting the days/nights like a little kid for his birthday.

As if it came out of the factory yesterday.

And i am done counting... M:)W:)M