Omega Genève Watch

Q: What is the Omega Genève line, and when were most models produced?
A: Genève is Omega’s classic dress‑watch family. It first appeared in the 1950s and, by the late 1960s and 1970s, became a popular, good‑quality entry point into the brand. Designs range from minimalist round dress watches to bolder 70s shapes, with both manual‑wind and automatic movements.

Q: Is the case solid gold or gold‑plated, and what does “Plaqué Or G 20 Microns” mean on many Genève watches?
A: Many vintage Genève models were made with gold‑plated cases rather than solid gold. Markings such as “Plaqué Or G 20 Microns” indicate an electroplated layer of gold (often around 20 microns thick) over a base metal, with a stainless‑steel back. Avoid abrasive polishing on plated cases; gentle wipe‑downs with a soft cloth are best. Re‑plating is possible if wear develops, but it alters originality and should be done by a specialist.

Q: Can I shower or swim with a vintage Genève?
A: We recommend keeping vintage dress watches away from water. Even if a period spec states 3 bar/30 m, ageing gaskets and snap‑on backs/crowns mean real‑world resistance is limited. Treat it as splash‑only unless it has just passed a professional pressure test—and avoid showering, swimming or saunas altogether.

Q: Is this model manual‑wind or automatic, and how should I wind and set it safely?
A: The Genève family was produced with both manual and automatic movements. If yours is manual, wind it once a day off the wrist, turning the crown slowly until you feel gentle resistance (do not force past this point). If automatic, wearing it regularly will keep it running; a watch winder can be used if preferred. For any date model, avoid changing the date when the hands show roughly 9 pm to 3 am to protect the mechanism; set the time to around 5 o’clock first, then adjust the date.

Q: What strap size does a vintage Genève typically use, and can I change the strap?
A: Most classic round Genève dress models from the late 1960s–70s use an 18 mm lug width (some are close variants). Straps are secured with standard spring bars, so swapping to leather, suede or a period‑style strap is straightforward. We can confirm the exact lug width for this watch on request.

Q: How accurate should I expect a serviced vintage Omega to be?
A: Accuracy varies by movement, condition and wear. As a guide, a well‑serviced vintage mechanical Omega often runs within about ±10–20 seconds per day in normal use. Chronometer‑certified movements are held to stricter tolerances, but most Genève dress watches were not chronometer models. If you notice larger deviations, a simple regulation or service usually helps.

Q: How often should I service a vintage Genève?
A: Plan on a full mechanical service approximately every 3–5 years (more frequently if heavily worn or if you rely on water‑resistance tests). Omega’s modern co‑axial models can stretch longer, but vintage pieces benefit from the traditional interval. Between services, have gaskets and timekeeping checked if the watch has had any moisture exposure or a hard knock.

Q: What accessories are included with this item?
A: This piece is sold without accessories. Everything included is always listed in the Accessories section of the product page; if an item such as a box or papers is not listed there, it is not included.

Q: How do you authenticate this watch?
A: Every watch at A Retro Tale is examined by specialists using multi‑point checks of the case, dial, movement, engravings, and period‑correct parts. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and are happy to share additional photographs or details on request.