My grandfather passed this watch on to me. I'm not interested in selling it, more to satisfy my curiousity and figure out if it's worth the cost to have it fixed up a bit... polished and so on.

From my searching, it seems like a 60's watch. If anyone can identify a particular model, year, or any kind of details about it, approximate value, estimated cost to restore it a bit, it would be greatly appreciated.
rand

 

Hello and welcome. It's a nice watch and a great way to remember your grandfather.

How much to fix/service? Depends on the state of the movement. If it just needs a clean/oil, a few hundred. If parts are broken/rusted, etc, who knows. On this forum, we generally recommend AGAINST polishing, as it will remove the original facets, angles, etc. it also destroys the collector value. just a light cleaning usually suffices. Also, we'd suggest NOT sending it to Omega to service. A good local independent watchmaker is better. Where do you live, we might be able give recmendations.

We will be able to give you more info if you can give us photos of the inside. But I'd agree it is a 1960s watch.

Value? Monetary definitely less than $1k.
Sentimental? Priceless.

 

Thank you for your reply. Yes - the sentimental value is what I care about. Whenever I glance down to look at the time it's a nice reminder of a great man.

I think it works great, although I'm no expert. I'm glad I asked about the refinishing, I'd hate to ruin a 50 year old original watch.

I live in the Toronto area. No idea how to open it, but I'm sure I can find an instructional guide online.

 

If you have never opened a caseback, don't learn on a piece like your Grandfather's.
It requires a special tool like these:


Have a qualified watchmaker remove the bracelet that will damage the watch, get a clean, oil and adjust and a new crystal.
That, and a new alligator strap will make it look like new, make you even prouder of your Grandfather and give you something that you can pass on to your heirs!

 

For what it's worth, I try this first. No scratches. Dollar Tree special.

 

Good call but he needs that spring loaded bracelet off of there anyway!
We can't saddle him with tools until we get him hooked!

 

Agreed. Ditch the springie destruction thingie and purchase a decent strap.
Ryan, hopefully someone on this list will help you find a watchmaker in Toronto. You might even find a nice strap in his shop. Opening the back yourself will only lead to problems.

 

Wow, thanks for all the great replies already! I'll source a good watchmaker and take your suggestions.

 

Paid $10 for one at a watch show. Popped it. Stumbled across these at dollar tree. Buy 10 at a time. Give them away to my friends who are wowed by how easy the backs come off. Deflated, they store very small. I just blow them up by hand with a ball needle. About the size of a baseball. Perfect.