Hi,

hello to everyone, i am new on forum. I recently decided to buy and renovate 1950s omega.

I believe the starting point is to understand the original specification on the watch. Can you please advice if there is a easy way to verify original details on my watch. I expect that based on ref number i should be able to trace back some history an spec...

Regards,
Piotr

 

Hi and welcome to the forum!
I am still a novice compared to many here, but I am afraid that you have picked a most difficult project.
The case is severely worn, the dial damaged, the crystal is shot and we haven't even gotten to the movement yet!

As gentlemanly as I can possibly say this, would it be possible to pick a different project and return this or consider it a parts watch?

I'm afraid this will be a extremely difficult and expensive project on a watch that is not deemed very valuable by most.

Again, welcome and thanks for joining us! May I suggest inquiring here before your next purchase? There are many helpful experts here.

By the way, I believe it to be a 1960's model, I would need the numbers from inside to be more exact.
Others are more knowledgeable and may join us.

 

Hello and welcome.

Your watch is actually from the 1960s, probably powered by a caliber 610/611 hand wind movement. To be perfectly honest it is really not a candidate for renovation. The case is so badly worn that repair is not possible, your only option would be to source a replacement case. The dial looks original but is in poor condition, sourcing a replacement will be costly and difficult as well.

The movement is removed from the front of the case after removing the crown (split stem) and crystal. This will reveal the reference number stamped inside the case back as well as the movement serial number and caliber.

Value on these plated Geneves is not high, perhaps $350-400 in excellent to mint condition so sourcing a case and dial alone will likely exceed the value of the watch.

 

Hi,
Thanks for quick response. I know this is not ideal piece, but the plan is to contact dedicated watchmaker (not omega service) and put some attention/love tomy omega.

Regards,
Piotr

 

Good luck!
Your watchmaker will be excited to hear the news, he will be able to afford more holiday gifts.
Keep us posted.

 

Hi,
I know UB, but want to save it
Was able to open watch case and see mechanism:
132.019SP
27045360 (1969)
Caliber 613

Regards,
Piotr

 

I have to agree here and add that that is possibly the heaviest worn gold plated case of a 1960s Omega that I have ever seen. A really bad begin point for a vintage restoration especially with that damaged dial.

I would put it down to experience and start again.

 

I will at least price the work with specialist, if i find one... My friend just received renovated 1950s doxa and the results are ourstanding - you should see this watch before.

Will keep you posted

Regards,
Piotr

 

Hi Piotr,
From the Omega database:


Genève
Gents' leather strap
Reference
ST 132.0019
International collection
1959
Movement
Type: Manual winding (mechanical)
Caliber number: 611 / 613
Cal. 611
Created in 1959, 17 jewels
Cal. 613
Created in 1966, 17 jewels
Central sweep-second hand
Functions
Date
Case
Stainless steel
Case back
Press-in
Dial
Metal, with metal hands. Different dial options.
Crystal
Hesalite
Bracelet
Leather
Water resistance
No

back to search results 1/1

 

Thanks UB.

Visited few shops this morning and had interesting discussion with one watchmaker i decide to try.
He already looked at mechanism. this is what we agreed on:
1. dial: i need to buy new (already sent the request to Omega - will see how much)
2. case: he can try to refurbish and gold plate (with 24 carats). Some scratches are deep and might be difficult to get polished surface and shiny results; gold is cheap here, so i decided to try.
3. glass: it is not original from omega. He will try to polish but probably will be replaced with new one.
4. mechanism (photo attached): serviced 6 times - last 3: '99, '03 and '06. will be checked and proper serviced, but seems to be OK - keeps the right time so far

Regards,
Piotr

 

I don't think you will have much luck with your request for a dial. If you receive any answer at all from them then it will probably be along the lines that the watch will need to go to Bienne for a full restoration.

That will probably be quoted at a minimum of 1000 euros as you need a dial and the case also looks like a write off, so when they see it they will want to replace that too.

Replating that case will never bring it back to anything like original condition. It has not only lost its plating but also its shape. It is very well worn and the shape of the case has been "softened" through polishing.

I fear that what you will end up with will not be very pleasing to the eye.

I think it would be possible to find a specimen of this reference in excellent shape for 300-400 Euros. I think you could very easily exceed spending this amount on a dial, crown and service, never mind about the case.

At the end of the day it is your watch but it looks like a very serious money pit to me.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

Agreed again. I am already scared of seeing feedback ($$$) from omega service
I know one watchmaker (in PL) who does the magic tricks to the dials. Have seen his last job on 50years old doxa - nice. Will think what to do once i see refurbished glass and case...

Regards,
Piotr

 

Also, why would you replate in 24ct gold? It'll be a different colour....

 

As one of our wiser fishermen once quoted,

"A boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into".

I see a hole on your wrist.

Unless there is sentimental value to the watch, you are seriously over capitalising.

Purely offered as advice and in no way criticising your ambitions.

Cheers

Jim

 

Mothra,
You made a very valid point! But the reason is simple: i dont like yellow yellow gold. Just not my colour.

I set fix budget and i stick with it
No worries guys, i dont mind to see you all give hones opinion - that is good and i am in fact pleased.

Regards,
Piotr

 

I think that's probably the best reason for doing 24ct gold there is! Good luck - lots of pictures please....

 

hi,
back from watchmaker:
1. Case is now gold plated (24ct) - love a colour, as watch looks waaaay better now. Not sure if the images show it, but i see 2 places /case's edge/ where plating does not look ideal. You were right about places where case was really damaged - the good thing is that i dont see it when i wear watch
2. Omega logo at a crown almost dispersed
3. Glass has been replaced
4. Strap replaced (ZRC) with lock gold plated.

Still looking for dial and omega strap lock. I am really happy with the progress and interim results (i am not an expect, so my expectation are lower than yours Cost so far: $79 (gold plating /case + strap lock/, glass, leather strap and service).

Regards,
Piotr

 

I can't even find a service for less than $250, much less all that plus a service.

 

Its got to be said, you are making the most of what you got. As Pvt said, ridiculous pricing....