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Can anyone tell me anything about this watch my father left me? And some advice.

djjk
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Edit: added photo of the inside of the back case.

My father left me his watch (pics below). From what I can tell this was made in 1950 based on the serial number. 14K gold Star Watch Case F-6536. I believe it's an Automatic Bumper. The watch band is not the original, but a gold one my mom got him later on. Anything else you can tell me about the model of the watch, or if it's been redailed or restored improperly?

_20220903_003338.JPG DSC_5302.JPG _20220907_025502.JPG _20220907_025905.JPG _20220907_025954.JPG _20220907_025655.JPG _20220908_163153.JPG

I want to fix it up and wear it as a memento of my dad. It works when I wind it up, but it hasn't been serviced in many years. I took it to my local watch repair shop (who I trust) and he offered to do the service for $275. But I also took it to the official Swatch Omega service center, which is local, where they offered to service it for $550 (by sending it to Switzerland). The local watch repairman has worked on vintage Omegas and other vintage watches. Do you think it's better to go with official service center, or let my local guy service it? Money is not the issue. I just want to know if the official service center for current Omegas is really the best place to go for vintage watches?

I also wanted to restore it to more like its original version, so I ordered an official Omega calf leather band (the one the Omega service center suggested), which will come this week. Whoever I choose to service it, will hopefully put the watch band on.

I was also looking for a vintage box to keep it in. Found this box (pics included) on Ebay for $25. Claims to be a late forties box. Is it legit? The watch in the box image looks very similar to my dad's watch, though it has more Arabic numerals on the dial. So I thought it would work well. Interestingly enough the guy at the official service center gave me a free modern Omega watchbox, so now I have two.
DSC_5356.JPG DSC_5357.JPG

Anything anyone here can share with me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.
Edited:
 
watchyouwant
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Looks ok so far. Go with the local Watchmaker, if you want to preserve your Father's memory.
 
w154
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I don’t think that’s gold filled. According to the caseback marking it should be solid 14k.
 
djjk
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w154 w154
I don’t think that’s gold filled. According to the caseback marking it should be solid 14k.
Thank you. Good to know. I kept on thinking it was gold filled after reading other posts about similar watches (not this exact one) that were gold filled.
 
gatorcpa
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The box you bought was not made for your watch. It is a modern fantasy. Here is a typical 1950’s style Omega box:

upload_2022-9-7_7-41-9.png


https://www.ebay.com/itm/125498907551?

There was very little uniformity from Omega regarding boxes at that time.
gatorcpa
 
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krogerfoot
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Just in case it isn’t clear, the advice you’re getting is that a local independent watchmaker will put the watch in working order without replacing the original dial or other components, so you’ll be able to wear and enjoy the watch your father owned. Omega takes a different view of vintage watches and is likely to return it to you with the original components replaced by modern parts, destroying its value and charm in the opinion of most of the collectors and enthusiasts here.

I think it’s a beautiful watch—I think the dial is original and the case looks sharp and unpolished, a rarity for a gold watch of that era. A light brown calfskin or pigskin watch will be a great addition. It will likely last another lifetime with regular service. Definitely entrust it to a competent independent watchmaker.
 
agee
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Great to hear you’ll wear the watch in memory of your Dad. I like your mesh band. Is it marked Duchess on the clasp? Is it gold or gold filled?
 
Larry S
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To put a fine point on it. This needs nothing but a movement service at your local watchmaker. Lovely piece.
 
Franco
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Local independent is best, tell him to only clean the case, crown and bracelet in the ultrasonic bath (no polishing or anything to the case). All the rest left as it is (may be crystal polished), complete service to the movement.
The reference should be in the inside of the caseback.
That box is almost ridiculous how fake it is.
 
djjk
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krogerfoot krogerfoot
Just in case it isn’t clear, the advice you’re getting is that a local independent watchmaker will put the watch in working order without replacing the original dial or other components, so you’ll be able to wear and enjoy the watch your father owned. Omega takes a different view of vintage watches and is likely to return it to you with the original components replaced by modern parts, destroying its value and charm in the opinion of most of the collectors and enthusiasts here.

I think it’s a beautiful watch—I think the dial is original and the case looks sharp and unpolished, a rarity for a gold watch of that era. A light brown calfskin or pigskin watch will be a great addition. It will likely last another lifetime with regular service. Definitely entrust it to a competent independent watchmaker.

Thank you. I was unaware that Swatch-Omega might replace antique parts with modern ones. Although, now looking at their estimate, I see in the fine print that they claim they have the right to, if you use them for service. That's a huge "no" for me, in my book. I'll use my local repairman.
Edited:
 
djjk
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Franco Franco
That box is almost ridiculous how fake it is.

Good to know. Thank you.
 
djjk
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agee agee
Great to hear you’ll wear the watch in memory of your Dad. I like your mesh band. Is it marked Duchess on the clasp? Is it gold or gold filled?
There's a small 14k written on the back corner of the clasp, nothing else. Does that mean mean gold or gold filled? I didn't see any other writing, but it's kind of dirty and need a good cleaning. Any advice on how to do that that?
 
janice&fred
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djjk djjk
There's a small 14k written on the back corner of the clasp, nothing else. Does that mean mean gold or gold filled? I didn't see any other writing, but it's kind of dirty and need a good cleaning. Any advice on how to do that that?

Should be solid gold according to that hallmark. Just soak it in soapy water and rinse it and you should be good to go.
 
djjk
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
The box you bought was not made for your watch. It is a modern fantasy. Here is a typical 1950’s style Omega box:

upload_2022-9-7_7-41-9.png


https://www.ebay.com/itm/125498907551?

There was very little uniformity from Omega regarding boxes at that time.
gatorcpa

Thank you for the information and the link.
 
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janice&fred
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Oh by the way...gorgeous watch you got there and I agree with all the fine advice you have gotten so far!
 
djjk
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Just a follow up question. I see that some Automatic bumpers from this time were also Seamasters, even though the dial didn't indicate it. How do you know which one is which?
 
gatorcpa
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djjk djjk
Just a follow up question. I see that some Automatic bumpers from this time were also Seamasters, even though the dial didn't indicate it. How do you know which one is which?
You are correct. When the first Seamasters were made, from 1948 through the early 1950’s, they did not have the Seamaster name on the dial. However, they could be distinguished by having screwback cases with “O”-rings inside.

Your watch seems to have a press-in back, so it is not a Seamaster. But it is a very nice 14K gold Omega in very good condition for its age.
gatorcpa
 
djjk
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
You are correct. When the first Seamasters were made, from 1948 through the early 1950’s, they did not have the Seamaster name on the dial. However, they could be distinguished by having screwback cases with “O”-rings inside.

Your watch seems to have a press-in back, so it is not a Seamaster. But it is a very nice 14K gold Omega in very good condition for its age.
gatorcpa

Thank you!
 
Dan S
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Great heirloom, I agree to give the local watchmaker a try. If we can see the inside of the case-back in sharp focus, we might provide more information.
 
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