My grandfather left his Omega to me when he passed away and I'm wondering whether to get it refurbished and serviced. I have no idea how long he had it or if it's worth refurbishing, any advice? Many thanks
That's a very original watch. Doesn't look to have been played around with at all. As @redpcar said, let us know where you are and someone can point you in the right direction.
Nice watch that. Good original condition. I'd only tell the watchmaker to give the dial a light brushing down (not redial or refurbish) along with a service. no case polishing either. Get it serviced and a wear the hell out of it!! Any major cosmetic changes will affect the value. It's certainly worth the price of a service.
If you don't like it that much and wouldn't wear it, sell it as-is. Let the buyer have it serviced (they will assume it needs service and figure that into the price anyway). I agree with the above advice about no refurbishing or polishing, it would hurt the value on the open market very much. If you like the watch and would wear it, have the movement serviced. Even if the watch is working fine, they need service about every five years as the lubrication dries up, and at that point you're causing unnecessary wear on the parts. I would still suggest not having it polished or repainting or replacing the dial, however if you're wearing it in memory of your grandfather and you'd like the watch better that way, it's up to you. If you want suggestions for a watchmaker, say where you are. I would not recommend Omega, as refurbishing is what they do, and if all you want is a service there are probably less expensive options.
Thanks all, I'm in Bristol, England. I'd like to wear it as it was precious to him. Any idea on value so I can think about insuring it as well? Thanks Adam
I'm in the UK too but in the Midlands so a bit too far from you for local watchmakers. You can find the BHI list here: http://bhi.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Accredited-Register-WATCHES-V29-20.04.18.pdf As for value, in the current condition it probably wouldn't break £200 at auction. Fully serviced examples sell in the £600+ range. Hopefully, this one's priceless to you.
Watchworks in Bristol have a very high reputation, might be worth showing it to Rocco but I believe he may be ill at present, not sure how big his set up is if so. I am in the midlands too so may speak with Jim privately!
That's interesting. Is the price difference geographical? I've seen at least five similar Seamasters sell over the last two weeks for £200 or less. By the same token I paid £1400 for a 600 last weekend (because it was sitting on a 7912). I am quoting auction prices here at general sale.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/search-results?searchTerm=Omega+seamaster Scroll down past the later models
Those look like auction estimates for upcoming auctions, unless I'm not reading it right. And also, some are in plated/filled cases or cushion case models.