All the information that's not on the dial is inside the case on the caseback and on the movement. The caseback will give you the reference number and the serial number on the movement will give you a clue to when it was manufactured.
It looks like a nice watch, pretty dial. Probably needs a service to make it wearable for any length of time.
That's a good all-original watch with a scarce and desirable dial variant in apparently pretty decent condition. I think I detect a stain around 2 o'clock but it's still very acceptable and wearable. A regular jeweller will have trouble opening it as this is a one-piece case which opens from the front, so it needs to be seen by a proper watchmaker. Date somewhere around 1963-67. The movement will be the automatic 552 calibre.
It needs servicing if it's going to be worn, otherwise the old dried-up oils will grind and damage the mechanism. Do not sent it to Omega, find an independent watchmaker who will do an equally good job more cheaply and usually more sympathetically. If you are in the UK, such a service should cost around £150-200. You can pay more but there is no particular need for a "gold standard" service on a watch that's worth about £400 as it stands and shouldn't need much doing. It's important to keep the original crown and crystal where possible and not to get the case polished.
Women's watches used to be smaller but the former men's size has become the default women's size, so your auntie seems to have been somewhat ahead of the curve. The Seamaster De Ville was and still is an excellent, understated model with a movement as good as anything else out there at the time. Treasure it.
I think you picked up on @Edward53 's "watchmaker". There is a difference today between a jeweler and a watchmaker. Jewelers will by and large send it out to a watchmaker and add to the cost. I'm sure someone on the board here is familiar with good watchmakers in your area and can suggest. I'm not sure if @ChrisN is near you or not.
Welcome to the forum, if the strap is original it should be branded Omega on the back. If not, you could still keep it if you like it— or buy another one, there are so many options.
It doesn’t have to be Omega, only something you enjoy.
It’s also possible that the strap has an original omega buckle. If you decide to change the strap, make sure that whoever changes it also puts your original buckle on the new strap or, at the very least, gives you the old strap and buckle to take away with you. Vintage signed buckles are collectible and, often, have a good value in themselves.
Thank you
Unfortunately it’s not the original strap or buckle.
Yes good advice about taking it to an independent watchmaker. There is a place in Reigate called Hadleigh and Royal who repair and service vintage watches. If anyone has any Other recommendations that would be great. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. It’s all been very helpful.
I'm in Somerset so, a little way away but, if you don't find anyone locally or just need some advice on what to discuss, let me know by private mail. I hope you manage to get the watch serviced as the parts will wear and are not inexpensive to buy when the watch fails. Then enjoy it, as your auntie clearly did.
Good luck, Chris
I'm in Somerset so, a little way away but, if you don't find anyone locally or just need some advice on what to discuss, let me know by private mail. I hope you manage to get the watch serviced as the parts will wear and are not inexpensive to buy when the watch fails. Then enjoy it, as your auntie clearly did.
Good luck, Chris
Hi Chris,
