70s or 80s Omega Identification

Posts
2
Likes
1
My Grandma gave this to me. It was my Grandfather's watch. What can you tell me about it?
Approximate year?
Model name?
Approximate value?
What could the hand writing on the inside of the caseback mean?
I'd also like to understand how to properly set the day, date, and time.

Thank you for your help

 
Posts
1,307
Likes
1,340
The reference number is 166.0120, plenty to google off of that.. Gold plated case, aftermarket 10k gold-filled (like plated, but a thicker) bracelet. Not much else to say, Omega 1020 movement, serial number places it to ~1972.

Writing on the inside of the case back is a watchmaker's mark. A watchmaker wrote down that he serivced the watch in the middle of 1983.

Value: You can search by the reference number, but: Gold Plate is worth less than stainless/etc, there are quite a few in similar condition for ~$600, which is perhaps the higher end for your watch.

Last 3 sold on ebay were for:
$450, but claimed to be recently serviced (which would cost ~$300). It DID have an original bracelet, though not one in good shape.Case was similar shape to yours.

$600, but basically near mint.

$345: A bit rougher of a dial, but a stainless case.

By my read, yours is $300-$500 as-is at most.

Sentimental value is going to be a majority of the value though, the 1020 movements aren't particularly nice/collectable movements, and the 70s were rough on the mechanical watch industry. IF you want to wear it long-term, it likely needs a service (~$300 to have done).
 
Posts
1,307
Likes
1,340
IMO, a nice light-brown/light-tan suede is going to look best on that (but I'm also addicted to gold + tan suede).

I'd VERY much suggest finding a good watchmaker in your area to give it a clean/service, particularly one who can replace gaskets to make sure it is water tight. It would stink to lose your grandfather's watch because of a handwashing incident. IF it hasn't been touched since 1983, it is very much due!