105-012-65 advice requested

Posts
3
Likes
0
So I have a chance to acquire this from the father of a good friend. It’s in fairly rough shape and needs a service with likely a new spring and wind stop(?)
Bezel is pretty much shot and the crown seems to be a service crown. Dial seems original but lume is gone entirely.
Now, to start with, this is basically my grail watch. I want it. I have the resources to clean it up. My regular AD/Omega Boutique says it has to go to Switzerland for service. Finding a period appropriate DON bezel seems nearly impossible.
Are there any private, trusted alternatives you might recommend who could re-lume the hands and service with possible small repair?
I assume some Redditors will be here as well as the omega forum there, so may have seen these pics already in the last day but I didn’t ask for this specific help there. Thanks!

 
Posts
3,027
Likes
6,448
Hello
are you asking for advice about buying it, or just about servicing options?
 
Posts
3,027
Likes
6,448
You don't need to send to Bienne- the ADs always say that but better option is independent watchmaker with Omega parts account and vintage Omega experience, specifically on 321 movement. It should have full movement service which will cost $1000 plus parts. I would take your time and wear it with this bezel which shows uniform wear. DON bezels are obtainable, will cost $1500 and upwards, and you can decide if you want to invest that amount as well as re-lume. The watchmaker will have advice about that, and there are relume specialists that are well known and outstanding.
PM sent
 
Posts
3
Likes
0
Hello
are you asking for advice about buying it, or just about servicing options?
Just servicing. I’m buying it no matter what.
 
Posts
134
Likes
119
Hello and welcome here! We spoke on the reddit thread as well.

i recommend also not sending to Omega.
For reluming, James Hyman is a name that gets floated here for both hands and dial. Coordinating that with your watchmaker to do themselves or sending to someone specialized.
 
Posts
13,203
Likes
22,964
Just be calm when pricing. It may be your grail watch but condition is poor so don’t go nuts with an offer.

I’d usually suggest James Hyman but he’s in the UK and there must be someone closer to you who can do a decent lume job. Also I’d second an independent over Omega
 
Posts
546
Likes
699
Finding a period appropriate DON bezel seems nearly impossible.
Are there any private, trusted alternatives you might recommend who could re-lume the hands and service with possible small repair?
There are many DON bezels currently on eBay, albeit in other countries. I just posted one in the FS forum here if you're interested.

For relumes, I recommend Lukas of Horoluma. He uses "vintage" pigments (ie non-luminova-based), but he is in Germany. Here is a dial/hands he did for me, which I am quite happy with.

 
Posts
162
Likes
179
As others have said I’d seek an independent. I can also make recommendation on who but would be in the uk…

I quite like the worn look but can also understand you wanting to restore it. The only risk with that is if you make it “perfect” will you be scared to wear it