First post so please go easy.

I have discovered this ‘Omega’ watch in the family and would be grateful to receive any info about it, I’m told that it was purchased in approx 1966 for a price of 40 pounds in Hong Kong. It was used for a year or so, and then hasn’t been used since. It’s never been opened, serviced or cleaned and is in its original as supplied condition.

I would like to know whether it appears to be genuine, and if so what I then need to do re: servicing and replacement parts, cleaning etc. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide.

 

Looks very good, cross hair is always nice.
Take care of the bracelet, is quite expensive too!
For service: Here on the forum Official Omega Service is not a recommended place to go to with vintage watches...
In which country do you live?

 

The bracelet has more value than the wathc itself
the watch looks genuine but the bezel appears to be a litlle of. Change the crystal and clean the case and it should look better. On theses watches the back does not open, the movement is taken off by removing the bezel+crystal.

 

Service the movement, polish the crystal and that watch will look like a million bucks.

 

yep it's better to keep the original crystal (if it is original) than having it changed.

 

All those marks appear to be on the crystal and the dial underneath is probably in very nice shape. The scratches will probably polish out. Great watch!

You are probably already getting offers to buy the bracelet......

ETA: the watch is not later than 1962.

 

Why do you know this? The bracelet is stamped 1/61 but the dial looks like it could be from the mid sixties, no?

 

@RAE Is there an OMEGA logo in the centre of the crystal?

I'd be concerned seeing this (case not properly closed):



And there seem to be signs of humidity in the inside, judging by the spots on the minute hand.

But maybe I do not get it right from the pictures.

 

Thanks for the information to date everyone, it’s much appreciated.

I don’t have the watch to hand at the moment but will check and confirm.

Any ideas on a model number etc ? Many thanks.

 

I edited my above post.

I'd vote for a ref. 166.020 with. cal. 562, but there are experts around that can tell for sure.

 

The dial has the "coathanger" S in Seamaster which is not seen outside that period. 1/61 is a very good fit for the watch.

 

Thank you very much for pointing this out.

 

That's not the caseback that's not closed properly - it's the bezel. The case is a unishell.

 

I know this case is a unishell, but I never opened one myself.

If you think this looks fine, all the better.

Edit: I didn't mention a caseback?

 

Have checked the watch and there isn’t an omega logo on the glass.
The bezel appears relatively flush from 3pm to 11pm, but from 11pm to 3pm there is a slight gap.
There are some discolourisatoon marks on the luminous part of both hands but particularly the minute hand.
I’m told the watch has not been opened since the time of supply and has basically been stored in a bowl open to household elements, rather than a case.
Any more info greatly appreciated, particularly about refurb and service (and costs) as I want to wear this watch as I’ve discovered it in the family.
Many thanks for your expertise.

 

Fair point. I assumed you were saying the case back wasn't closed.

I think the watch looks great though, just like I like to buy them.

OP what country are you in? We'll be able to recommend a suitable place for service. You'll be looking at £200 absolute minimum from an independent but very possibility more. Omega will charge around £700+

 

Many thanks Davidt- Staffordshire/north west would be convenient for service etc.

 

And if it was serviced etc, how much might it valued at if that’s not a rude or vulgar question to ask. I did see an almost identical vintage bracelet being sold on eBay separately for quite a lot of money when I researched upon discovery this weekend. The watch is a family piece and will therefore be staying in the family.

 

Depends on the dial - whether there are any scratches (or are they all on the crystal) and whether the dial has become dull with age. I suspect it hasn't and will look very nice with a new crystal.

I'd guess around £700 (possibly a bit more) for a serviced example in the UK. Depending on condition and how many links it has the bracelet could be worthy to £1500-2000.

 

I'm in the north of the UK and I have sent watches to Mitka and WatchGuy who both do great work.

If you wanted to spend a bit more and get Omega certified work you could go to Swiss Time Services or Simon Freese.