Do I need to get my Vintage Watch serviced right away?

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Tas3689

·Jun 23, 2022

I just purchased my first vintage watch off of Chrono24, a 1966 Omega Constellation Pie Pan dial in Rose Gold. The watch looks outstanding in photographs, appears authentic, and the seller has good reviews. However, it does not indicate in the listing whether the watch has been serviced or not. He says that it is running well and was hardly ever worn, but does not specify about servicing.

I messaged him about this but I haven't received a response yet. Assuming the watch has not been serviced, is that something I need to do right away, even if the watch appears to be running ok?

Also, where would I go to have something like that done? If the watch has all original parts, do I need to be wary of sending it in to Omega for servicing? I heard they tend to replace parts, crowns, etc.

Thank you!

 

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Dan S

·Jun 23, 2022

It's a matter of personal preference. There are already many threads on the topic that you can find with a search. You might want to start by posting photos so the experts can vet it for you.

 

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TimeODanaos

·Jun 23, 2022

Just as a little bit of forum etiquette, please show us some pictures of your watch - it sounds nice.
And you can help gather good advice on servicing if you tell us where you are.

 

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dsio

·Jun 23, 2022·Ash @ ΩF

Tas3689

I just purchased my first vintage watch off of Chrono24, a 1966 Omega Constellation Pie Pan dial in Rose Gold. The watch looks outstanding in photographs, appears authentic, and the seller has good reviews. However, it does not indicate in the listing whether the watch has been serviced or not. He says that it is running well and was hardly ever worn, but does not specify about servicing.

I messaged him about this but I haven't received a response yet. Assuming the watch has not been serviced, is that something I need to do right away, even if the watch appears to be running ok?

Also, where would I go to have something like that done? If the watch has all original parts, do I need to be wary of sending it in to Omega for servicing? I heard they tend to replace parts, crowns, etc.

Thank you!

I would get it serviced by a qualified independent with an Omega parts account, you don’t want a rotor with a worn bushing rubbing against the inside of your nice gold case if you can avoid it.

 

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Tas3689

·Jun 23, 2022

TimeODanaos

Just as a little bit of forum etiquette, please show us some pictures of your watch - it sounds nice.
And you can help gather good advice on servicing if you tell us where you are.

I haven’t received the watch yet, but these are the photographs from the sales listing:

Also, I’m located in South Florida

 

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norb1967

·Jun 23, 2022

Lovely watch. I’m in the same boat as you, except with a private seller. As I plan to wear mine daily, for the sake of peace of mind I’m going to get it serviced. Find a reputable private watchmaker (forums are great, I can suggest you some names in the UK if you’re based here).

 

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Thomas Morse

·Jun 23, 2022

someone else here likened it to buying a used car. You would probably get a service done and change the oil.

 

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TexOmega

·Jun 23, 2022

I'm blinded, but can see a change-of-direction on the lugs, somewhat. These 18kt cases can get a bit soft after 50-60 years.

Post pix when in hand and in natural light.


Welcome

 

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TimeODanaos

·Jun 23, 2022

Thanks OP for posting - looks really nice! Not heard great things about Omega Miami, so hold on until Florida locals get here and can advise.

 

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BlackTalon

·Jun 23, 2022·This Space for Rent

Rotor has some wear so chances are it is rubbing on the caseback. If the photos weren't so horrendously overexposed it would be easier to see things like that.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Jun 23, 2022

Regardless of whether it actually gets serviced, you bring it to your watchmaker and if she says yes, do it, and if she says not yet, don't.

I was in a similar situation, asked my watchmaker, he said that there is oil in the pivots, and we can service if and when you want.

 

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Donn Chambers

·Jun 24, 2022

“Running well, hardly worn” in seller-speak means “it works, but needs a service.” 😉

 

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Archer

·Jun 24, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

It has not been serviced. No watchmaker of any repute would leave an old yellow gasket in a watch that is clearly not in good condition, if they serviced the watch.

 

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bmpennington

·Jun 24, 2022

I wouldn't bother servicing a watch until it is needed. It is not like a car. I also usually find someone local that is reputable. It costs less and the turn around time is much faster. If it were under warranty, then that would be different.

 

B

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bonzodog

·Jun 24, 2022

For piece of mind ,I would get it serviced.A good independent watch maker would be my choice.

 

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kaplan

·Jun 24, 2022

Like any mechanical equipment, upkeep will make sure it'll not develop wear, but like any service, done by the wrong people, it does more damage than good

My opinion is, as long as you keep the watch out of water, you can pretty much get any part replaced, so no need to rush with today's market for spares

If you happen to form a good relationship with a reputable and kind handed watchmaker, it might be fun to get it serviced every few years, the risk is damage to dial/hands, that's why any watchmaker won't do

 

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airansun

·Jun 24, 2022

To me, part of respecting quality mechanical things is keeping them serviced.

That’s a beautiful watch and it deserves to be treated well.

 

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140dave

·Jun 24, 2022

I don’t think the important question (IMO) has been asked; do you plan on wearing the watch regularly or is it for “The Collection”?

For me, if I plan to wear it with any frequency I always have it serviced. If I am getting it more-so for the collection value and not as a wearer then I service when and if there is an issue.

 

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Tas3689

·Jun 24, 2022

140dave

I don’t think the important question (IMO) has been asked; do you plan on wearing the watch regularly or is it for “The Collection”?

For me, if I plan to wear it with any frequency I always have it serviced. If I am getting it more-so for the collection value and not as a wearer then I service when and if there is an issue.

I plan on wearing this one, the whole fun for me is wearing the watches. I may try to baby it a little and be extra careful with it around water, but I see myself wearing this one a lot if it looks like it does in the pictures.

 

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Dug

·Jun 24, 2022

Were it me, I'd go with the experience on here.
@Archer says it hasn't been serviced and you really don't want rotor rub spoiling the inside case back of what looks to be a beauty.
It would be unseen but you'd always know it was there!