f300 Geneve : Questions

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Moe Syszlak

·Feb 2, 2020

I recently inherited this f300 Geneve. Lacking in any kind of knowledge about it I found your forum. I've posted as many pics as I can and would appreciate some general information about it. It'd be great if forum members could confirm it's in it's original box. I don't think it's been altered in any way and the manual is still with it. General info such as Year of Manufacture, is it original, where to get it serviced, how often, service costs, and a rough value would all be very much appreciated.

 

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JackDaniels83

·Feb 2, 2020

The Omega caliber 1260 is actually an ESA 9164 movement. The reference of your watch is 198.031 and it was made in 1973 or 74. The movement itself is very reliable, but prone to damage due to wrong handling during battery replacement. They do not need a service until something is wrong. When the second hand tuns while you set the time (only test this clockwise if service history is unknown) service is overdue.

People who actually service them are getting rare. Parts are still available used and new.

 

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padders

·Feb 2, 2020·Oooo subtitles!

Circa 1970-75 model 198.031. Box could be original, it is of the period but they were more often seen in f300 branded boxes. Value is not massive, if working correctly maybe £300/$400. If not then as little as £100/$150. Servicing options will depend on where in the world you are but your choices are limited due to the specialist nature of the f300 hummer movement.

The box actually looks more like the 1501 box usually seen with 60s Speedmasters but could be a different later one.

Edited: Feb 2, 2020

 

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Gav1967

·Feb 2, 2020

Hi there and welcome.
I am no great expert but can tell you a little to get you started
You have a gold plated C case (cushion case) watch. The movement is f300 electric movement sometimes called a tuning fork movement or a "hummer". Thus called because when it's running you can hold it to your ear and hear it humming.
This model is typically from the early 70's but a closer date can only be given by seeing the numbers inside the watch case.

In terms of servicing it may just need a battery change which would be very cheap but if the movement itself is not working then this would be more expensive and need someone with the skills in this type of watch.

Others on here will be able to suggest someone near to you if that's required.

Search "Omega c case f300 geneve" in Google and you will find more info

 

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VetPsychWars

·Feb 2, 2020

That strap is horrendous but the watch is nice. 😀

People who have experience with tuning fork watches would be a good bet. This one might be worth sending in for factory service just because of parts availability.

There is a lying sack named Bob (mybob.net) in Illinois USA you should avoid like the plague. Allegedly serviced an Accutron for me and it was filthy when it came back. My watchmaker was horrified.

Tom

 

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nkb

·Feb 3, 2020

The gold plated buckle is in good condition and looks original so it's worth something.

 

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Deafboy

·Feb 3, 2020·His Holiness Puer Surdus

Rob Berkavicius does an excellent job to service these watches at a reasonable price.
It's not a garden variety watch. Most watchmakers do not have the experience or proper tools to service it.

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Feb 3, 2020

Nice piece you inherited. I can second Tom's testimonial, I sent my Astronaut to Bob at mybob.net and he did a horrible job with it, it didn't keep time and was filthy when it was returned to me.

 

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VetPsychWars

·Feb 3, 2020

Waltesefalcon

Nice piece you inherited. I can second Tom's testimonial, I sent my Astronaut to Bob at mybob.net and he did a horrible job with it, it didn't keep time and was filthy when it was returned to me.

He claims that Bulova endorses him. I wrote Bulova and they do not. They may take further action.

Tom

 

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Waltesefalcon

·Feb 4, 2020

VetPsychWars

He claims that Bulova endorses him. I wrote Bulova and they do not. They may take further action.

Tom

That would be a welcome move on Bulova's part.

 

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Moe Syszlak

·Feb 6, 2020

Thanks for all your replies and advice. I appreciate each and every one. I agree with VetPsychWars comment that the strap leaves a lot to be desired. Was wondering if anyone had ever seen / appreciated / disliked one of these with a gold bracelet. Or would that just spoil the thing ? The buckle seems to be authentic so sticking with a better leather strap might be the way to go ? All comments appreciated. Thanks again.

 

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VetPsychWars

·Feb 6, 2020

Some nice straps on this site:

https://www.watchobsession.co.uk

Hirsch is good. Rios is good. A reddish-brown crocodile would be pretty spiffy.

Tom

 

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VetPsychWars

·Feb 6, 2020

The bracelet is 1068/654. Your jeweler can call Omega to see whether it is still available.

Tom