1960's Seamaster - Factory Service

padders

If you didn't authorise sending the watch to Switzerland, I don't see how they can hold you to the $150 estimate fee, but that is between you and them. Please feedback on what Omega say. It will be interesting to get a solid data point.

Dan S

Now that I see photos, I'm pretty surprised that the Ohio watchmaker felt that the watch needed to be sent to Switzerland. This is a very basic entry-level piece, worth only a few hundred USD, and probably needs only a standard movement service. I understand that it has sentimental value, but that's no reason to be silly about how much you spend on it.

P Phil505

I have a 60's era Seamaster that I inherited from my father. It has been packed away for a very long time and I don't recall him ever wearing it. The hands move after winding, but it does not keep time accurately, so I decided to have it serviced, mainly because I see it as a classic timepiece. I did some research and sent it to a guy in Dayton, Ohio for servicing but, surprisingly, he recommended that it should be serviced by Omega in Geneva. He shipped to Omega with my consent and I'm waiting for their estimate. In the interim, I found this forum and saw and old post stating that Omega will likely refurbish the watch, which will lower its value. While I'm not overly concerned about the value, I would like to maintain whatever historical significance that the watch has and eventually pass it on to my grandson. What is the current thinking about the pros and cons of Omega factory servicing? Is there another option that I should be looking into?

I apologize for the low quality photos but I took them before any of these questions came up and I don't currently have the watch in my possession.

Thanks!

Horologist

I support the advice and information mentioned in the previous replies!! I kept quiet at first as I really had nothing else to add!!

But when I reflected on it, I could not understand for the life of me why your watchmaker would want to send it to Geneva???? My first impression was that maybe he would not be able to get parts if he is not an authorized Omega service watchmaker. Surely there are many other National/ local authorized service centers that would be able to get parts should the need arise!! This would have been a more feasible option!!
Why?
Upon viewing your images, ( even if the quality is poor), I do believe your story that the watch has had very little use as I see hardly any wear sections on the plated part of the case. Having said this, it would need no more than a movement service and not a complete restoration warranting the need for Omega in Geneva to be involved. The dial looks nice and so does the case. I had exactly that same model which I recall to be a 165.001 (powered by a caliber 550 or 552) by the shape and angle of the lugs from the photos. A better quality photo would confirm it from a 165.002 which would have lugs a little longer and flatter from the .001 model. Yours's looks pristine!! The case on mine was beyond repair, being worn to the point you could see the threads on the stainless steel case back from the crown section and the opposite side as well,
Let us know how this unfolds, but I would be surprised if the quote would be at par with local authorized service centers. They may also want to change the dial for a service dial!! You may consider if you be happy with this???