Here's my new Omega watch!

K killer67

Sorry to bother you with our help. As mentioned, it is necessary to open the case to determine the reference number and movement. If you know what you’re doing you can open it gently with a watch knife, otherwise I would recommend taking it to a watchmaker who can also see if you need it serviced and swap straps which is quite easy. Strap options are endless and requires a proper internet search to fond the color/style you might be looking for

M Maurizio

Hello everyone,

this is my first post on these forums.

I found a *truly spectacular* (to me) vintage Omega timepiece inside a drawer in my house, which probably belonged to my father or my grandfather. It looks to be working perfectly, manual winding will give it the amount of power it needs to go through a day or two and I am really happy with it.

Now, here's my three questions:

1) Is there any chance of damaging this particular timepiece mechanism by overwinding it? How much winding is required (or recommended) for this type of timekeeper? I read that you have to give something like 40 movements until it's fully wound, but I will ask for confirmation anyway (I know this question is asked all the time, but there's just so many people who have never owned a mechanical watch and will need some "guidance").

2) May I know what model is it exactly, based on the picture? Unfortunately, there is nothing written on the dial nor on the caseback and I have found no pictures of similar models online.*

3) If I were to change the strap, which I probably will have to, how may I find a "compatible" one? Suggestions?

*The timepiece is not in pristine conditions, but even so I am afraid of prying the back open to find out more about it, even if such operation was to be performed by a skilled watch repairman. Is it necessary? In which case, can you explain how to do it and which tools are needed? Is it something I can do myself or do I have to bring it to someone more experienced?

Thank you!

Duracuir1

That’s a nice watch! Very special if it was already in your family!! The applied markers are beautiful. If it works for a day or two when you wind it, you’re better to just enjoy it. I love collecting watches but always leave the opening part to my jeweller. When you decide to service it have your jeweller send you a shot of the movement. The strap style actually looks quite nice just the way it is too, in my opinion.

MtV

It’s a regular strap with spring bars, you’ll still need a tool to swap it. If you want to look online for a strap you like, you’ll just have to measure it’s width where it’s attached to the watch, I’d guess it’s 18mm.
For a watch maker, changing the strap and opening the watch is absolutely an everyday-task, unless there’s something bent or wrong with the case back it’s a matter of seconds. Just look for one in your neighborhood, go there and ask nicely. The story of the watch might also help.

MtV

nicely

Edward53

It was totally unnecessary to flame the OP like that. He is neither too lazy or too stupid to open the watch himself but has explicitly stated that he doesn't want to do so for fear of damaging it. (I can understand that as I've been collecting for several years and I don't like opening watches either.) He politely asked if anyone was able to tell him what it is based solely on those pictures. He received a couple of sarcastic responses that ignored those points and then asked as politely as he could if anyone could answer the question as posed. English is probably not his first language and it's difficult to convey shades of meaning a language that's not your own. Try it on an Italian forum and see how you get on.

@Maurizio I do not know what model your watch is but I would guess the movement is something like a 283. It is what's called a "no name" Omega, ie not a specific brand like a Seamaster or Constellation, but will still have a quality movement inside. It's a nice watch, whatever it is.

It is possible to overwind manual watches like this and when winding them, the important thing is to do so gently until you feel resistance, then stop.

Biezmez

.....and here’s my 283 in a 2640 case for comparison. Although your watch looks like a snap back case rather than the screw back on my 2640. The dials look very similar, just som small nuances on the numbering and the hands of course.
Is yours a 33mm case diameter?

Franzlad

The case looks like a 2504 reference.
Cheers

Biezmez

Hi
It’s a lovely heirloom to find. If it’s been lying around in a draw for many years then you should really get it serviced and especially if it’s a family heirloom that you’re going to cherish. The oils that protect the parts in the movement have most likely all dried out, so lots of usage may damage some parts of the watch. As previously advised get it to a nearby recommended watch repairer that deals with vintage watches.
As regards the details of the watch I would guess something like a 283 cal. You can get it confirmed when it gets opened up.

The strap width is a standard 18mm I would assume and very easy to pick up a new strap.

Let us know how it goes.

kkt

The watch will need to be serviced. Serving is disassembling the movement, lubricating each part, preferrably with the grade of oil and locations specified for that caliber of movement, checking for broken or worn parts and replacing as needed, reassambling, and regulating for accurate timekeeping. Here an inexpensive watchmaker will charge around US$ 200-400, and an Omega authorized independent watchmaker will be on the higher end, around $750. But the high end will probably include whatever replacement parts are needed. If there seems to be something broken in yours, I'd suggest taking it to an Omega-authorized independent, because they will have access to Omega replacement parts.

Whatever watchmaker you take it to, I'd recommend telling them that you do not want the case polished. That can make the case look new, but softens the edges and reduces the thickness of the case. Most people find them more valuable with minor scratches than with the minor scratches polished out, and used watch prices reflect that.

kkt

I'm glad you're going to wear it. It's a better way to remember your family than sticking it in a drawer or safe deposit box.