I got both of these watches in the 70s from a friend of mine. The condition you see is how I received from him. The Flight Master does not have a bracelet but both watches still work except the Flight Master return button on the bottom right is missing the cap as shown in the photo. I would like to send these back to Omega. With all the scratches in the case around each watch would it be advisable to let Omega try to polish and finish these out when they have the watches? Also where would I get a replacement bracelet for the flightmaster?
They are both fantastic pieces! Definitely not worth letting omega deal with them as they will replace all the character out of them from all I’ve heard. Far better to put them in the hands of a vintage omega specialist who, with some tlc, will sympathetically clean, service and restore them to their current glory.
A service and a crystal polish/replacement is all they need. Depending on which country you’re based, the good folk here will be able to point you in the right direction.
I live in the southern part of the United States. Very interested in having them properly repaired/restored. And appreciate any help and how to go about doing this.
I live in the southern part of the United States. Very interested in having them properly repaired/restored. And appreciate any help and how to go about doing this.
Can’t wait to see the restoration that’s possible on these. Especially the flightmaster that looks like it has potential. The Big Blue looks stunning as is and hopefully just requires a full service and some TLC cleaning.
This is back of both watches. Pretty scratched. Not sure what can be done there. I sent message to name give in previous post and will see what his ideas are.
1) Find a recommended independent watchmaker/repairer with access to Omega parts who will do exactly what you want in relation to preserving the originality of the watches. This is likely to be the lower cost option as it will probably not involve the replacement of dials and hands and unless you find a specialist, will not involve refinishing the cases to factory standard.
2) Send it to Omega. They will restore the watches to as near "new" condition as feasible and may also be able to refinish the case to the original look. This will probably cost $$$. Be aware that Omega will replace any parts they consider do not meet their standards with service replacements (but I believe will return to you the items replaced so if you decide to reverse these changes in future you can).
If you go down 1) you will (hopefully) have watches that retain some of the signs of age/honest use/patina. These are watches that appeal to those who value originality and may well find ready buyers in future if you decide to sell.
If you go down 2), and providing you get the original parts that are replaced back, you will have watches that look pretty much new and are fully functional with working lume. They will also come with a (2 year?) guarantee. I would suggest that they will not be as attractive to buyers as broadly described in 1), but may appeal to a wider watch buying market.
If you intend keeping both, then what you have done is entirely down to you and what you will be happy to wear. There is no absolutely correct correct way of approaching this. Take a little time, weigh up the pros and cons of different approaches and decide.
