Vintage 1952 Omega pocket watch with welded lugs

 A 1952 Omega pocket watch with welded lugs would actually be a bit unusual, since most conversion-style watches were done with older pocket watch movements from the 1910s–1930s, not the 1950s. Let me break this down:

• Conversion Style:

  • Watchmakers (and sometimes owners) took a small pocket watch, often 30–40mm in diameter, and added wire lugs (soldered or welded onto the case) so it could be worn with a strap.

  • These conversions were especially common in Europe during WWI and shortly after, before purpose-built wristwatches became mainstream.

• Omega Pocket Watch Movements:

  • Omega’s Cal. 38.5L T1/T2 and similar calibers were commonly used in early wristwatches.

  • In the 1950s, Omega was producing more refined wristwatches (Seamaster, Constellation, etc.), so a 1952-dated pocket watch with welded lugs is most likely a later conversion done by a watchmaker or collector — not something Omega would have produced at the factory.

• Collectibility:

  • These conversions can be very charming and unique but are generally considered “frankenwatches” by collectors (since they are not factory-original wristwatches).

  • Value is typically lower than a factory-made Omega wristwatch from the same era — but some people love them for their size and vintage charm.

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