Attached are two pictures (highest quality I can get unfortunately) of a watch I recently came into the possession of. It was given as a wedding gift in 1960 and the strap has been replaced. The crown has a small omega symbol on it, and as far as I am aware it has not been replaced. I am struggling to identify it using the Omega archives. I believe it may have been part of the "International Collection" of the time. My other guess was that it may have been a very old marriage/franken. It is not in working order (my guess is that it has been over wound). I would like to get it fully restored and wanted to know whether it was worth sending to Omega for this. Thanks for your help.
Unfortunately, your pictures aren't showing onu cellphone. My recommendation would be to find a good local watchmaker to service your watch. It will be a lot cheaper and you will able to specify exactly what you want or don't want to be replaced. Good luck, gatorcpa
Looks like an Omega Constellation Case ref 14393 , dome dial , powered by a caliber 561 in 17 mil serial # (1959, 1960) I can tell you more if you supply better pics (inside the caseback and the movement ,too)
Thanks hoipolloi I am a bit scared of taking the caseback off, is it a difficult operation? How should I go about removing it? Cheers
Take it to a watchmaker, and push the flower button on your camera to put it in macro mode for focusing in close.
I If you have not done that before, you'd better take it to a watchmaker. Bring a good camera and do what Gator told you. We need to see all the numbers inside the caseback, all the numbers on the mevement too. Best
Found a decent watchmaker and did as recommended (pictures are attached). Looks like you were spot on In case the numbers arent clear- Caseback: 14393-7-SC Movement: (Omega sign) 561 17440265 The watchmaker said initial observations were that there was some water damage, waiting for a full assessment by next week. The strap is not original & does not fit my wrist in any case, so I was looking to replace it. Can you guide me on what sort of strap it would have had originally and what sort of replacement I should go for. Cheers for all the help
I probably don't need to note but will, it's certainly worth repairing. I also would allow a local watchmaker with a good reputation have at it as opposed to sending it to Omega.
Yup given it to a local antiques & jewellery shop (I know the owned, he's quite straight) and they are sending it to a watchmaker they use for repairs. There used to be an old family watchmaker's in my area but it closed down recently, quite sad really. I've been quoted anywhere between 40-120 but will be getting a full detail soon. Cheers
I'm sure he is quite straight. The issue here though is that he does not buff the case or do anything to the dial (as Hoi stated) Doing that could reduce the value by half. Jewelry and even many Antique dealers often do not understand that.
Finally got the watch back (shortage of watch makers it seems). In answer to MSNWatch- yes that is a crack in the bezel. The watchmaker has rotated the bezel so the crack is now in line with 3. Its working smoothly and I was charged a total of 175 for the repair. There was water damage I was told. I bought a temporary strap but would like to get one that is close to what originally was provided on the watch. I have tried omega's back galleries and other websites but cant find the any pictures/information regarding this model. Can anyone help me or point me in the direction? Cheers
So generally watches back then were sold on straps, with bracelets as dealer options. I personally think that lug shape looks really good on a strap. I can't necessarily help on the original strap/bracelet - I consider straps to be a consumable - but here's some threads with some options: Old catalogues: http://www.old-omegas.com/ Straps: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f222/strap-recommendations-1968-gold-omega-constellation-764507.html BOR: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/19mm-constellation-797192.html My understanding is that Hirsch make Omega's OEM straps, and a good UK source seems to be www.watchobsession.co.uk. HTH.