Help finding a watchmaker

Hello!
I have a 1951 Omega automatic that I would like the crystal replaced. My Dad got this for high school graduation in 1951and gave it to me years ago and it's been sitting in a drawer.
I'm have a difficult time time finding a local watchmaker (as suggested in this forum) and I don't want to send it somewhere and let it out of my sight. ny suggestions would greatly be appreciated!
Thank you

Good point! Cleveland Ohio

Going to need more than a crystal. After sitting. Movement will need servicing.

always ask for an estimate and report back with price. Don’t go into details that it was your dads watch. You bought it at a garage sale

https://awci.memberclicks.net/find-a-professional

If you're open to shipping your watch elsewhere to get it fixed/services, I'd recommend WorldTime in San Jose. I was introduced to them after moving to the Bay Area and I've been super impressed with their work, professionalism, etc. They're pricey, but it's worth it in my opinion. They also have an Omega parts account which is useful if you want to get a vintage Omega fixed. Good luck!

Best in the midwest (imo) is Paradise Time Service, in Kendallville, IN.

not every watchmaker is honest and if one feels they can make a few extra bucks off sentimental customer. They’ll take it.

that’s why I mention to post the est. price to make sure the price is reasonable

Good Luck with your search
You may want to remove or have someone remove the bracelet because it could wear the inside of your lugs
I’ve heard good things about Ultra Vintage Watch Repair in Russellville Ohio
937-583-1471
I have not had watches serviced there but I’ve read that they are reputable and knowledgeable

Do you really believe that every watchmaker, every auto garage etc. are all honest?

I used a watchmaker to repair a Tudor balance staff. He wanted to make it rather than just buy it from Perrins for $15.00 Does that sound honest. He's always in Perrins, so I know he was going to buy, bill me for making it and he didn't get the job.

Same for the watchmaker who refused to give me a quote on another balance staff and told me it could take 1-4 hours and I had to leave a high end movement. Can you guess how many hours it would have taken?

Didn't get the job.

Some people will do or say anything if it adds extra money and they can get away with it. Not everyone has a halo around their head and there are some really crappy watchmakers out there.

I myself had to fix a customers watch as a company didn't do it right. Same company that wanted $150.00 from me (earlier before I found Perrins and taught myself) and 6 weeks to put a sweep pinion into an Omega movement. A $15.00 part which took me a minute to do.

IWC at the time gave me a part as I refused to use their service dept. (above company), about the shoddy repair to the customers watch and the overpriced part they tried to sell me.

There was only a small number of watchmakers I trusted and when they passed away. I stopped restoring watches. That and Dietmar retired and I only trusted him to do my dials.

Which reminds me of one of the great TV lines of all time, from Frank Burns in MASH:

"You'd be paranoid too if everyone was out to get you!"

Ah ah ah exactly what I thought while reading the first post… 😁