Grandpa's watch : genuine? (Omega Genève)

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Dear Community,

Please find below my story.

1. What can I tell you?

I just inherited a little watch from my beloved deceased grand-father. I never expected it to be an Omega, hence I was pleasantly surprised to spot the little logo.

As you can see, the dial has suffered a great deal of damage. The "Omega" mark is completely scrapped out, there are a lot of marks, and some indexes are also missing.

Nevertheless it seems to be running pretty smoothly!

There is a signed Omega crown, an indication "Genève", and "Automatic" (almost scrapped out too).
The back side says "Waterproof".
It is around 34mm if my measurement is correct.

I did some research and it looks a lot like a model 166.070, similar to this one :
https://www.zeitauktion.com/fr/omeg...ue-montre-pour-hommes-166-070-vintage-1903959

There is a stainless steel wristband which I'm pretty sure is not original.

2. Is it owned?

Yes, and I intend to keep it.

3. How you can help me?

a) Does the watch appear to be genuine?
b) Would your experience eyes be able to recognise the exact model/year? Is there any way I can determine this without unscrewing the back? (I have no idea how to do this)
c) Are the signs of wear "normal" for a quality watch like an Omega? I would imagine that these are due to over-exposition to water.
d) What would be its approximate value? I'm not considering selling it at all, it's only curiosity.
e) Would it be worth bringing it for review at a watch shop?

I greatly appreciate your help.

Kind regards,

Martin
 
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Hi Martin,

Sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Welcome to Omega Forums! Unfortunately someone has tried to clean the dial and this is the result. It may be possible to find a replacement dial. If you like the watch, I think it is worth the effort. I would also replace the band with a strap. That sort of band is not original and can eat the lugs like this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNBJSdIrBTs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A watchmaker can open it up for you and read the numbers off the inside of the caseback to get the exact model for sure.

Good luck.
 
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Hello Wagudc!

Ah that's what happened then..

I do like it a lot. Would it be worth checking Ebay for a replacement dial? I have no idea where to start..

However by changing the dial, wouldn't the watch lose all its history/character? I'm curious to see how much different it would look and feel.
For me, it's first an item to remember my grandfather by, I also wouldn't want to completely change it.

Duly noted for the band 😀

Cheers,
 
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Either a replacement dial or a professional redial.
 
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To answer your questions:

a) yes it is genuine.
b) 60s Geneve is the best I can do, others may be able to do better, but a watchmaker can open it for you.
c) other than the dial it looks OK. Does it run at all? The dial is a good example of why it is best not to try and clean them.
d) if you can find a replacement dial and get it serviced it would be worth around $400us. Unfortunately, you will probably have to spend close to that amount to get it to that state. However, I wouldn't think twice about it. It is a nice classic model and a great memory of your grandfather.
e) definitely take it to a watchmaker if you have interest in wearing it.
 
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I do like it a lot. Would it be worth checking Ebay for a replacement dial? I have no idea where to start..

However by changing the dial, wouldn't the watch lose all its history/character? I'm curious to see how much different it would look and feel.
For me, it's first an item to remember my grandfather by, I also wouldn't want to completely change it.

It is up to you if you want to change the dial or not. I like a bit of patina, but this dial is too far gone for me. Inherited my Dad's watch which had a poorly repainted dial and I replaced it. I still have the original, but I am happy with my choice. You can read about it here:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/update-on-bad-redail-inherited-watch.87997/

Before you go searching for a dial you need to nail down the exact model you have. If you can find a dial that is very similar to the current dial but without the damage, I don't think it will change the character in a bad way.
 
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Hi, sorry for your loss.
I think it is a reference 166.070, as you stated. Inside you should have a 565 automatic in house caliber, produced between 1966 and 1969 if I'm not wrong. Anyway, have a watchmaker open it and take pics of the movement and inside caseback.
This is a very good watch with sentimental meaning, if properly serviced it can serve you for many years to come.
My advice is to look for a spare original dial on the web, I wouldn't have it reprinted.