Need advice on finding a stolen Omega

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Hi there guys
I do own an Omega Speedy 4.5 bought from Harrods in London in 1976 ( I’m wearing it now actually) but I’m looking for some advice on another matter. My dad gave me his 1956 18ct solid gold Omega back in 2000 as unbeknownst to me he was diagnosed with cancer so I guess he wanted to make sure I got it just in case, as we were moving to the UK for work.
Anyway it got stolen when the house we were in was being repainted. I reported it to the police but well nothing happened there and it wasn’t insured. Anyway he’s gone now but with the reach the internet has I’m hoping it may somehow be recoverable. I don’t have a serial number however this watch is very recognisable for a number of reasons.
Any ideas on how I should proceed?
Take care
 
Zapatta
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Welcome and I'm sorry for your loss.

Do you know what was the model? Probably Dennison cased. Can you describe it? Any photos?
 
JimInOz
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Really sorry to hear about your Dad and the loss of the watch.
To be blunt, I think your chances of recovery are very slim.
An opportunistic thief (read scumbag) working in a person's house isn't looking for collectibles but for something that can be converted to cash as quickly as possible.
If engraved with personal info, it would be even more pressing for the thief or the fence to reduce the watch to scrap gold and either ditch the movement/dial (although they can have value but the shits don't care about that) .

This is only my view from afar, others may have better ideas.
 
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Zapatta Zapatta
Welcome and I'm sorry for your loss.

Do you know what was the model? Probably Dennison cased. Can you describe it? Any photos?
Hi and many thanks
It was an 18ct yellow gold with a Clos de Paris dial and triangular applied hr markers in gold. Centre seconds hand with Omega at 12 o’clock and chronometer officially certified above 6 o’clock. There was green luminescence still visible on the hands and hr markers. The rear case was engraved:
“To Teddy Love Rae 1956”. Oh it had a Perspex glass which was stepped to allow for the seconds hand.
I’m told it was probably a Seamaster but that Omega didn’t always print this on the dial back then.
I did try to inform Omega of the theft when it happened however they could not help me without a serial number.
No not one legible photo I’m afraid.
Be Well
Ed
 
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JimInOz JimInOz
Really sorry to hear about your Dad and the loss of the watch.
To be blunt, I think your chances of recovery are very slim.
An opportunistic thief (read scumbag) working in a person's house isn't looking for collectibles but for something that can be converted to cash as quickly as possible.
If engraved with personal info, it would be even more pressing for the thief or the fence to reduce the watch to scrap gold and either ditch the movement/dial (although they can have value but the shits don't care about that) .

This is only my view from afar, others may have better ideas.
Yes I’m sure you are right. I’m just hoping it may make the rounds as is as I’ve seen other engraved Omegas turn up on eBay as I guess most would assume these things to be from an estate sale. If it were to also be seen or offered I’m hoping to buy it back at current value of course.
Thanks for your reply
Ed
 
JwRosenthal
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It would also be helpful if you let us know exactly when and where it happened. It could have turned up on a pawn and someone bought it- but narrowing the search parameters could help
 
Omegafanman
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Based on what you have advised (and depending when the theft happened) I would just make regular monthly web searches on likely search terms to see if anyone is selling the watch. You can also set up an auto search on eBay which will email you. All a bit of a long shot I am afraid but worth a try. As long as you have a record of the Police report which mentions the very specific engraving that should prove ownership and theft so you can start a reclaim process if you do find it. Having serial numbers, good photos and paperwork plus keeping watches in safe/secure storage (especially when third parties have access to a property) is a useful reminder for everyone - especially when precious metals are visible.
 
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
It would also be helpful if you let us know exactly when and where it happened. It could have turned up on a pawn and someone bought it- but narrowing the search parameters could help
Hi and thanks for the question.
It was in Nth London UK around 2009. It was reported to Paddington Police at the time but I no longer have the paperwork.
Be Well
Ed
 
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Omegafanman Omegafanman
Based on what you have advised (and depending when the theft happened) I would just make regular monthly web searches on likely search terms to see if anyone is selling the watch. You can also set up an auto search on eBay which will email you. All a bit of a long shot I am afraid but worth a try. As long as you have a record of the Police report which mentions the very specific engraving that should prove ownership and theft so you can start a reclaim process if you do find it. Having serial numbers, good photos and paperwork plus keeping watches in safe/secure storage (especially when third parties have access to a property) is a useful reminder for everyone - especially when precious metals are visible.

I normally always wore his watch but at the time I had become worried about damaging it as I was looking after two toddlers and a dog and also moving between residences (on my own) so I’d stopped wearing it as an everyday watch so my attention was diverted for a few days and that was all the thief needed. One of those decisions you wish you could take back but it’s too late!
You know I must have done those types of searches many times and yet
the day I posted here was the very first time I noticed Omega Watch Forum so I tried this too. I did not know about the eBay alert service though so I will look into it. I’m also trying to find some specialist pre-owned Omega dealers in London to contact.
Unfortunately my dad never gave me any box or papers but I’m sure I can still ask for a copy of the original police report.
Be well
Ed
 
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1 1956
I normally always wore his watch but at the time I had become worried about damaging it as I was looking after two toddlers and a dog and also moving between residences (on my own) so I’d stopped wearing it as an everyday watch so my attention was diverted for a few days and that was all the thief needed. One of those decisions you wish you could take back but it’s too late!
You know I must have done those types of searches many times and yet
the day I posted here was the very first time I noticed Omega Watch Forum so I tried this too. I did not know about the eBay alert service though so I will look into it. I’m also trying to find some specialist pre-owned Omega dealers in London to contact.
Unfortunately my dad never gave me any box or papers but I’m sure I can still ask for a copy of the original police report.
Be well
Ed
I don’t want to waste people’s energy on this I’m just hoping someone might see it and remember reading my post
one day. Where there’s life there’s hope kind of thing 😀
 
Omegafanman
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1 1956
I normally always wore his watch but at the time I had become worried about damaging it as I was looking after two toddlers and a dog and also moving between residences (on my own) so I’d stopped wearing it as an everyday watch so my attention was diverted for a few days and that was all the thief needed. One of those decisions you wish you could take back but it’s too late!
You know I must have done those types of searches many times and yet
the day I posted here was the very first time I noticed Omega Watch Forum so I tried this too. I did not know about the eBay alert service though so I will look into it. I’m also trying to find some specialist pre-owned Omega dealers in London to contact.
Unfortunately my dad never gave me any box or papers but I’m sure I can still ask for a copy of the original police report.
Be well
Ed

Without evidence / even with evidence the quickest route might be to buy it back. If it did turn up (and miracles do happen) I suspect you would jump at the chance anyway. With all you have said there is a chance it was sold as parts / melted for metal (sorry) as per post from @JimInOz .
Another option might be to buy a similar watch and have the same engraving / add a few words and start another story to pass on. Wishing you luck.
 
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Omegafanman Omegafanman
Without evidence / even with evidence the quickest route might be to buy it back. If it did turn up (and miracles do happen) I suspect you would jump at the chance anyway. With all you have said there is a chance it was sold as parts / melted for metal (sorry) as per post from @JimInOz .
Another option might be to buy a similar watch and have the same engraving / add a few words and start another story to pass on. Wishing you luck.
Thanks for your reply
Yes I did/do intend to buy it. But you might be right about just replacing it too. Only problem is that so far in what 12 yrs I’ve only seen 1 similar and it was steel/ gold plated. What a shame to melt it down I never considered that, thinking whoever kept it might replace the case back.
Be Well
Ed
Ps still wearing my own 4.5 Speedy everyday tho.
 
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Just an update. Finally found a similar watch on a specialist vintage Omega site in a London UK. Contacted them and they are happy to keep an eye out for the model and let me know when one comes in which I can then purchase.
Thanks for your input
Looking forward to a brighter 2022!
I don’t remember the Seamaster script but then I’m gettin’ old! This is rolled gold. Dads was 18ct but otherwise this is it.
Edited:
 
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