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  1. dbromberg Jan 14, 2017

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    Hi there,
    I'm sure you get this kind of post all the time, so apologies for being a newb. I've enclosed some pictures of an old 18k gold omega watch I own. It hasn't been used in forever, but I wound it a few days ago and it still seems to work and keep good time. The visual condition isn't great. The band is tattered and frayed. The glass has some larger more visible scratches on it, and under the case on the white face appear to be some small rust marks or possibly some other effect from condensation- this watch spent a fair amount of time in a wet, tropical climate. I have a few questions given all of this.
    * I understand that to identify the watch's model I'll need to look at some numbers inside the back of the watch. Can I trust any jeweler to open this, given the watch's condition, or do I need to find a specialist? I was originally going to ask this place in London (http://www.somlo.com/antique-watch-repairs-london/) as they're a restorer that Omega lists, but apparently they won't just open the watch for someone anymore as they're scared of being liable. Any advice for this on how to find someone willing to open this for me to identify?
    * Given the watch's condition, if I want to maintain or increase its value, what you would recommend as far as restorations? Is it more valuable to leave as is, or to replace the glass front for example? Anyone had any experience with spotting inside a watch case and whether that was repairable?
    * And a similar question, and one that I understand if you're uncomfortable answering- if I wanted to go about selling this watch, what would you recommend as far as restoring it (or not), and properly valuing it for sale once I have identified the particular model.
    IMG_20170114_145729666.jpg IMG_20170114_150011589.jpg IMG_20170114_145944056.jpg

    Thanks so much for any help you can give.
    -David
     
  2. dbromberg Jan 15, 2017

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    I've done some additional research this weekend. I managed to get a jeweler to open up the watch so we can see the numbers and give me some information on what it would take to restore. Here's what I found:

    Jeweler believes it's genuine 18k gold
    Reference number: BX6562
    Case had "DandA' marking in it, and 27013, which jeweler believed may have been the case manufacturer and some kind of reference for that.

    Calibre is 410.
    Serial number is 15306141 which puts it at 1956 I believe.

    Now, as to the restoration, there are two main issues. The plastic top is scratched and yellowed, so that would have to be restored. Whatever normal servicing would also have to be done. The crown is in good shape. But the dial would also have to be resurfaced- the spotting is due to lacquer coming off due to moisture and at that point the jeweler said the dial needs resurfacing. The jeweler quoted me £250 for the servicing and changing the top and £200 for resurfacing the dial. Everything else seemed fine. The jeweler didn't seem to know much about the particular model, but said she expected it would run around £1000. Not sure what your opinion of that is.

    Anyway, my main question is whether to go through with the restoration- will that increase the value sufficiently to be worth it? Does the price quoted seem reasonable? Thanks for any help you can provide.
     
  3. Buck2466 Jan 15, 2017

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    If you are keeping it, I would only have the movement fully serviced and the crystal replaced and enjoy the watch. If you are planning on selling, I would not do anything at all, because you'll never get your money back out of the watch. You will decrease the value dramatically by restoring the dial. Originality is everything to a collector and most prefer to let their watchmaker service it to their preferences after they purchase it.
     
    Edward53 likes this.
  4. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Jan 15, 2017

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    Your watch is an Omega "National Production" watch. Swiss Omega movement, but a USA made 18K gold case. Most USA cases were gold plated or solid 14K gold, but there were a very few 18K cases made specifically for American tastes.

    The D&A refers to DiVincenzo and Arienti, a New York based firm that made the case.

    I was able to find a similar watch that was sold at auction some time ago.

    [​IMG]
    http://www.auctioart.de/en/omega_he...21&Aid=600&Lstatus=2&ord=latest&currentpos=32

    This one was identified as 14K, although the reference matches yours. Not sure why that would be.

    Hope this helps.
    gatorcpa
     
  5. dbromberg Jan 16, 2017

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    Thanks, that's very helpful :)