Can anyone offer help with this watch please

S Sockie

Also, in a matter of days, I’ve gone from been given the impression that there were issues with the watch’s originality, to now realising that the watch is 100% original and unusual.

The chap who inspected the watch commented that the watch case back was entirely clean inside, and the gasket intact. There was only a single area of dirt around the crown stem, which gave him the impression that the watch had never been opened before.

Peemacgee

@Sockie
I personally think that £500 is very expensive for a standard service - by around (at least) £200.
As I queried earlier, I wonder what the jeweller’s mark up is?

S Sockie

I have no idea. These were the comments of the shop owner. The person servicing the watch will be a different place.

S Sockie

So, I have been given a quote for my watch service. The details are lifted from an email, as follows:

"Omega Constellation.
Movement 16725365, circa 1958
Calibre 504.
Case ref ST2943.2.SC

Your Omega Constellation watch has now been examined and our estimate is as below.

It is our opinion that the dial, hands and bracelet appear to be original to the watch. You require to take into account that in the 1950’s, many watch companies, including Omega, had their dials, hands etc. manufactured and supplied to them by various and many third party companies. And typestyles could slightly vary depending on what company was used?

1. The existing crown will be used.
2. The hands will be cleaned as best possible.
3. The dial left as is.
4. And the acrylic with inverted cyclops, after being removed to be cleaned, will be replaced after polishing as best possible. Please be aware there still may be marks visible?

The cost to service as detailed below and including replacing movement parts showing signs of rust, will be £495.00 including Vat at 20%

This includes a 24-month vintage warranty for the work carried out and the estimated time for completion is aprx’ 8 working weeks’.

(And a complimentary Omega travelling case)

When servicing your Omega, the following work may be undertaken.

Some items may not be applicable to your specific watch.

1. Open the case, remove the movement.
2. Remove the hands and dial from the movement.
3. Strip down the movement into its individual components.
4. Check whether the watch parts function correctly, checking for rust or wear.
5. Determine if any parts require replacing. Estimate to client if required.
6. Wash the stripped-down movement in cleaning machine with specific baths.
7. Assemble and lubricate the movement. (Several different grades of lubricant may be used when lubricating a watch)
8. Adjust the movement in accordance with our quality criteria.
9. Fit the dial and the hands.
10. Bench test & final adjustment of the movement.
11. Ultrasonic cleaning of the case and bracelet.
12. Valeting/polishing of the case and the bracelet unless expressly requested not to by the client.
13. Re-assemble the case.
14. Close the case and check the water-resistance.
15. Set the correct time on the watch, check the cleanliness and the functioning of the assembled watch.
16. Bench test over 24 hours. If not satisfactory, the watch is returned to the technician for the necessary corrections.
17. Fit the bracelet or strap and carry out a final check before returning the watch to you."

Does this seem all in order? Is it right that I should decline to have the case and bracelet polished? Would forum members suggest anything else? Am I better off replacing the acrylic lens altogether with a new one and keeping the original one with the inverted cyclops, or taking the chance on having it polished, and accepting that some marks will remain?

Thanks again for your advice.

ChrisN

I wonder if this is from STS? With the 2 year warranty and free travel case, it might be them. Others will know about this. The list of work is generic so, I'd imagine it is a large company - note the phrase "Some items may not be applicable...".

I would ask what a "vintage warranty" means with regards to a normal warranty.

If it were me, I would keep the original crystal and save the money. They are easily scratched so, you'll quickly accumulate scratches anyway. I like a new crystal as well but, they aren't cheap anymore and polishing can often make them look almost new.

If you do change the crystal you don't need to have the date magnifier if you prefer without and I feel that's a cleaner look.

It is a significant amount, if parts are to be added on top, and as noted part of that will be for the jeweller. If all parts are included, then it could be a fair deal - parts for these 50s calibres are not cheap and a mainspring plus some wheels and screws will add significantly to the total. You may only need a mainspring plus a case clamp/screw due to corrosion but when it is stripped, they may find wear in the pivots and so on.

I wish you luck with it - just be sure that what you want is written down and agreed.

Regards, Chris

padders

Yes that does sound awfully like STS. I believe that their retail price for a watch up to 50 years old is £450 inc VAT so assuming this watch falls into that price band (the watch is older but they are flexible) the shop are adding £50 for handling it, not too bad by some standards but or course they would probably be paying a lower trade rate so their margin is in fact higher. One would maybe save £50 by dealing with STS direct. As you say, STS will have access to parts and may have to change several if this is tired. I would imagine 'vintage warranty' means that water Ingress is not covered.

ChrisN

That would make sense as keeping the crown probably means the water resistance will be compromised.

If it is STS, would that £450/500 include all movement parts? Point 5 in that list could mean that some parts are not in that quote.

Cheers, Chris

S Sockie

Saving £50, but I would then have two lots of insured postage to pay on top at my expense.

Jimmcb

What another great article. Jim