Grandpa's chronograph - fix it or let it rest in peace?

RE: serial numbers - its not unusual for difference in numbers. I believe its 100% genuine.
I have a few omegas where the number doesn't match in the same million, it's fine.
Given the history, its an amazing watch.
That looks easily serviceable by any vintage watch expert who isn't hamfisted.

Nice. I’m sure you’re happy you kept didn’t stop looking for it.

Ageed: Service and...update this thread as it would be great to hear that it’s been brought back to life.

Great watch.

Do not send to omega - there are a number of watchmakers that can treat this with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Worth investing in.

Folks, what would this be worth?

While selling such a wonderful watch is not ideal, the OP should be aware what such a watch is worth

3500$ US? that seems fair given that it is a stainless steel model with good dial.

That seems awfully low, but I’m not an expert on this at all

This one was sold for 26k- it is a black dial and is in better shape than op’s, and has the hodinkee premium. But still...

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/...987-caliber-33-3-movement?variant=22547975300

That’s why I bring up prices. Sellers like OP work in a darkness with regards to prices, and I don’t want somebody to sell well under market

that watch has no price. and probably will never have in a long while. 😉

@izydor, that is such a nice piece and deserves very sympathetic handling. Reviving it would be a great story to read about here on OF.

Since no one has suggested an actual watchmaker so far here are two from the UK, both with excellent reputations.

http://watchguy.co.uk/about/
https://swisstimeservices.co.uk

@Archer, how much work do you recon is lurking in this piece to rescue it without destroying its charm?

I'm not trying to be a naysayer in terms of the "preserving family history" - I get it, but not everyone has that luxury if they essentially just hit a minor jackpot when it comes to the value of an item. I'm not saying that from any knowledge of what one of these is worth, by the way - just that I think that the advice to keep something just because it is "part of the family history" isn't always realistic when someone has something that could be worth as much as a low end new car. Even I would think twice about something like that...

What a beauty! +1 for Swiss Time Services too

Thank you Guys for all your input, comments and suggestions. I really appreciate that.

And I'm even more excited about the watch now. 😉

My first though was to get it completely restored - redial, polish, etc. Then I went through number of threads here and there and understood it's not the way to go. You confirmed it and convinced me to limit the scope of restoration as much as possible, keeping the watch "original", but "usable". Thanks!

Guess I'm gonna ask to clean (not polish) the case, especially around the crystal and lugs. Hope this can be done with minimal interference.
Next, the dial. As suggested, numerals stay as they are. I don't like the look, but if it's original then I'll get used to it. (Doesn't look that bad from the distance, lol.)
I assume that all the dirt can be safely removed? Like one in the first photo, right subdial, above "15" marker?
There are some stains on the dial near the edge, like those near "35" min/sec marker. Should I get this cleaned?
Thanks for all the advices, those already given and upcoming! 😀

Selling vs keeping vs wearing. I think I'd regret selling this. A lot. Also wouldn't like to keep it locked in a bank. I want to enjoy the watch, as I do with others I currently own. Even if everyone around don't give a damn about what I have on my wrist (I don't have many "watch guy" friends). I just find myself looking at the watch from different angles, observing move of the second hand, listening to it... I guess you all know what I mean. 😀

About the value... I didn't ask because that's something I'm a bit concerned about. When looking for pictures/photos, I've found few coming from the sales/auctions. I've found it could cost anything from 3k to 20k. I don't really care as long as I make enough to pay mortgage and pocket money for kids. 😉
But there come some concerns regarding (any) watch value. Wearing too expensive piece is kind of a risk and this scares me a little. That's why I wouldn't wear Rolex, even if I could afford one (if I could afford more than one - different story 😉), as they're commonly recognizable as luxury and expensive. I think vintage Omega doesn't draw that much attention, so it should be safe.
Also now I'm a bit afraid of sending the watch, as I am of leaving it to anyone. Will they deliver a package or will it get stolen? Won't the watchmaker's workshop be robbed? And so on, lol.

@Longbow thanks for the links. The Watch Guy looks trustworthy and I like the way how he shares his work on the blog. I'll contact him.
But I'll also visit few local watchmakers. Some of the have a good reputation, but I feel like I should talk with them in person first.

No rush, no hasty decisions.


I'm afraid you would need to yell at somebody else, because I've never been to US (that's also on my wishlist, somewhere near SMP300) 😀



Again, big thanks for all your comments!

Hello @izydor
Lovely watch, congratulations.
Re servicing, for an Omega watch of this significance, I would advise that you only consider recommended watch makers no matter how good the local watchmakers’ reputations might be.
They need to be specialists in vintage Omega watches and used to working on collectible watches and sympathetic to what is required.
One wrong move or misunderstood instruction could wipe thousands off the value of your watch. (And leave you feeling devastated)
The dial should only be cleaned with an angel’s breath, it may look grubby to you but it’s value (and beauty) is in its originality - warts and all.

I also use watchguy for my servicing but for this watch you should also strongly consider STS and Simon Freese (Ex STS) - both in Essex.

Didn't realize that before. I did some search, read few posts here, some articles there, https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/new-report-shows-radium-dials-might-pose-serious-danger amongst them. It scared the s... out of me, I must admit.
Also didn't take any precautions when opening the watch. There were my kids in the same room, I was carrying one of them during the watch "inspection". Hopefully I've inhaled all the radon from my watch before they did. 🤔

Feeling a bit dizzy today... ;P


Left originality value aside, I've started thinking about finding a swap dial/hands or get rid of that deadly lume somehow...


Cheers

Nver send such a timepiece like taht to Omega, get the movemen tserviced and the glass changed, get a nice strap and an original vintage Omega buckle and you are good to go.

Amazing watch AND it's from your grandpa. Definitely worth the time and expense to fix/1