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machamp6650
路Hi all,
I'm new to the forum, and thought I'd start with a brief intro. I've been obsessing over Omega watches since I was a kid, and have been looking over this forum for a couple of years but only recently decided to join up. Here's the state of my Omega collection thus far:
From left to right each watch has an important place and story in my life. The first, Seamaster Planet Ocean, was bought about a decade ago and was my first 'take a deep breath and make a big financial decision' watch purchase. I've already decided that I'll have it for the rest of my life and hand it down to the kids.
The second is my first Speedmaster and current favourite watch. I'd note that it's a mod of the Apollo 11 35th - one of the first things to bring me to speedies after all these years was seeing the range of options available and the thriving mod community (at least until the parts dried up). This watch also represents my first attempt at a mod.
The last, a Seamaster 600 in gold, is actually my most recent acquisition. A few weeks ago my mum dropped by and gave this to me unexpectedly (I hadn't seen it before that time). Turns out it was my grandfather's, who wore it until his death in 1970. He left it with his wife (my grandmother), who wore it regularly until she also died, when I was a couple of months old. It hasn't been touched for the close to 40 years until my mum gave it to me. It was a pretty special moment; my mum knew I liked watches but not any brand in particular, and when she handed me this family heirloom she had no idea that I was also wearing an Omega at the time!
This brings me to the point of the thread - I plan to keep the 600 and want to bring it back to health if possible, although I know next to nothing about vintage restos or this model in particular.
I aimed to start by fitting an appropriate Omega strap, although quickly had some difficulties with this. The watch seems to have one quick release / gimmick spring bar that has corroded and is currently immovable. The other bar seems to be a more standard spring bar although is also pretty much stuck in place. I'd welcome your advice on some related aspects like:
- Is this the appropriate configuration of bars for this model? Is the quick release bar standard in particular?
- Should I try to work on removing the jammed quick release bar or leave it to a professional?
- What are your thoughts about dealing with these bars in a resto? Should they be retained as part of the original model specifications (I note that they seem to be in gold or otherwise matched to the case), or does Omega still supply this kinds of parts?
- Do I need any special strap specifications for these types of bars?
Any other advice on how to best approach a resto for this watch; model specifications (I haven't tried to remove the case back yet) or other thoughts would be welcome. As I mentioned, I'm new to the vintage space although am keen to learn for the sake of giving this heirloom the attention and respect it deserves. Cheers!
I'm new to the forum, and thought I'd start with a brief intro. I've been obsessing over Omega watches since I was a kid, and have been looking over this forum for a couple of years but only recently decided to join up. Here's the state of my Omega collection thus far:
From left to right each watch has an important place and story in my life. The first, Seamaster Planet Ocean, was bought about a decade ago and was my first 'take a deep breath and make a big financial decision' watch purchase. I've already decided that I'll have it for the rest of my life and hand it down to the kids.
The second is my first Speedmaster and current favourite watch. I'd note that it's a mod of the Apollo 11 35th - one of the first things to bring me to speedies after all these years was seeing the range of options available and the thriving mod community (at least until the parts dried up). This watch also represents my first attempt at a mod.
The last, a Seamaster 600 in gold, is actually my most recent acquisition. A few weeks ago my mum dropped by and gave this to me unexpectedly (I hadn't seen it before that time). Turns out it was my grandfather's, who wore it until his death in 1970. He left it with his wife (my grandmother), who wore it regularly until she also died, when I was a couple of months old. It hasn't been touched for the close to 40 years until my mum gave it to me. It was a pretty special moment; my mum knew I liked watches but not any brand in particular, and when she handed me this family heirloom she had no idea that I was also wearing an Omega at the time!
This brings me to the point of the thread - I plan to keep the 600 and want to bring it back to health if possible, although I know next to nothing about vintage restos or this model in particular.
I aimed to start by fitting an appropriate Omega strap, although quickly had some difficulties with this. The watch seems to have one quick release / gimmick spring bar that has corroded and is currently immovable. The other bar seems to be a more standard spring bar although is also pretty much stuck in place. I'd welcome your advice on some related aspects like:
- Is this the appropriate configuration of bars for this model? Is the quick release bar standard in particular?
- Should I try to work on removing the jammed quick release bar or leave it to a professional?
- What are your thoughts about dealing with these bars in a resto? Should they be retained as part of the original model specifications (I note that they seem to be in gold or otherwise matched to the case), or does Omega still supply this kinds of parts?
- Do I need any special strap specifications for these types of bars?
Any other advice on how to best approach a resto for this watch; model specifications (I haven't tried to remove the case back yet) or other thoughts would be welcome. As I mentioned, I'm new to the vintage space although am keen to learn for the sake of giving this heirloom the attention and respect it deserves. Cheers!
