It was recently found at a flea market in a basket with lots of junk watches. After a rough life, she deserves a trip to the spa and a good retirement with correct parts installed, and here I need your help, guys. As you see the minute hand is wrong – I’ll of course keep looking at the bay, but where else could I try? Did Omega release other watches with the exact same hands? Should any of you have a spare, please contact me. Could use a crown for her too……. Also, I owe a big thanks to MSNWatch, Archer, and John R Smith for letting me abuse their knowledge and time on this. Pics: Although this is a cal. 333, I guess the minute hand should look similar: Any help appreciated. PS. As you’ve probably already noticed, the dial have lacquer problems. Should anyone know of a safe way to fix it, please tell me Thanks, Paul
Fantastic find Paul! I would have been very cautious trying to touch up on that dial. Can't wait to see some more shots!
Thanks Anders Wish I could say I was the one finding it at the flea market...... Not sure what you mean by “I would have been very cautious trying to touch up on that dial.”?
Just your comment about lacquer issues that had me getting worried. May we see a picture without the scratched plexi?
You might be able to use the hands off a Jumbo Bumper or something similar, but finding one of those might also be a challenge. Looks like it has a nice dial!
The challenge you face is that the hands are solid gold and I don't think Omega has made replacements in many years. You should check with Jules Borel or Ofrei.com. They may have some old stock ones, but they won't be cheap. The dial looks great to me. Maybe a little toning of the lacquer. I wouldn't touch it, just polish the crystal. John needs to update the database for this one. gatorcpa
Thanks gatorcpa I have sent requests to them - we'll see. Problem with the dial is mostly on the "hour marker track". Looks worse on the pic than actual, but still a bit annoying : John have already updated the table. Thanks again, Paul
Mitka at WatchGuy @Mitka did a write up on some cleaning experiments. The main issue is, as far as I can understand, if the printing is on the dial surface or on the varnish / lacquer. It could be worth a go, but I would have bitten my nails until blood was poring before I knew the outcome! http://watchguy.co.uk/cleaning-and-preserving-original-finish-on-dials/
From my own (very limited) experience, I would say that the dial legend and minute track on Centenaries is now very delicate. I would be wary even of brushing the dial with a sable brush - just a light puff from a hand blower, and avoid physical contact. The lacquer deterioration on this one is part of its history and character, and cleaned dials always look slightly odd, somehow. If you do lose some lettering or part of the minute track then it is too late, and it can happen in an instant
Here's another Desmond article that explains how it's done with a gold dial (like a Centenary) http://omega-constellation-collecto.../pie-pan-story-with-fairytale-ending.html?m=1 gatorcpa
Best is to just leave the dial as is and learn to love it. Just think of it as aged... This is a nice survivor!
I love her already and will love her even more, if I could find a correct minute hand Dial will not be touched, but the case will get a little TLC.....
Back from service. Thanks to a heads up from a fellow member (thanks again, Sir) I managed to find a set of hands. Still looking for a correct crown. Watchmaker did awesome work cleaning the dial..... More dusty pics: Paul