This was my fathers watch in daily use from the 1940s and 50s which I wanted to give to my daughter. It was not running, the dial was questionably in need of attention so I returned it to Omega Switzerland for a full repair, service and refurbishment. This is the result and is in daily use by my daughter. We are both happy and I guess that's what counts although I do wonder whether we should have left the dial alone from a value point of view although it was Omega's considered opinion the the dial did need to be done. Any thoughts?

 

I think it looks great, and is now in condition to be enjoyed and stay with the family for many years to come.

I wouldn't worry too much about having changed the dial... and that ship has sailed in any event.

 

That watch was in pretty startlingly good condition considering the age, with some light patina on the dial. You have hurt the value, but as I suspect it will never be sold, the fact its getting worn and you are both happy I what's important....

 

Forgot to mention that I also have this matching fob watch which I've just returned to Omega Switzerland for a refurbishment quote.

 

Many thanks for your comments! My daughter loves the watch and no doubt will pass it on to the next family generation. By that time it may have got its old patina back!

 

...and the next generation will have it redialed again.....

 

I really like the dial as is was but you picked the right people to restore it and id guess its having been restored by them would hurt the value far less than having anyone else do it.

 

Are you aware what the case reference is for this watch?

 

Your daughter enjoys it and that is all that counts. Omega did a lovely job.

 

I'm not convinced the dial of the wristwatch wasn't a refinished dial before you sent it.

Hardcore collectors sniff at it but most normal people would be pleased and I say, wear it like it was meant to do in the first place, and be happy!

Personally, I think your pocket watch has a previously-refinished dial as well.

 

Soooooooo this is one of those places where things get blurry. Would I have had Omega redo the dial? As a collector, no. As a family heirloom and a drop dead lovely watch? Absolutely! Omega did a great job. This is a Factory restoration, and a good one. It’s not a questionable redial. We’ve seen killer work from JLC, VC and Patek on these forums. Add Omega to the list. I’m also sure as with the houses I referenced, this was a significant investment.

 

Zombie-thread re-dial shaming.

 

Yikes, second whiskey. No worries. I love a brilliant factory restoration. @Richard H ... let’s see the pocket watch!

 

Hey, 6 years is only a horological heartbeat!
I'm stoked that we are talking oldies instead of PO's or Speedy's!

Off to a good start!

 

What in particular leads you believe either is refinished?

 

Both sub seconds have severely off-center printing.

 

Don't think so. Looks good to me. Kind regards. Achim

 

Time to head over to EBay

 

I don't think either of the original dials are redials, but I could be wrong. I was curious to see what case reference his one was, as I've only ever seen my Omega with pontife hands in a 2186 case, so I wanted to confirm if his one was a 2180 or 2186 as the latter could help prove the legitimacy of my watch (See display pic). I have considered that my one might have indeed originated life in a 2319 case - I am just hoping to be proved wrong.

 

I don't see it.

Maybe the vinegar talking though.