Hi everyone, first time poster asking about a watch and providing terrible photos. I guess I am going to get slammed
I am looking for some information and advice about my Grandfather's watch which I recently inherited, I have scanned bits of the forum for a while, but am still not sure what I have and what I should do with it. The watch was bought in 1960 by my Grandmother for my Grandfather (both now deceased) and I have the receipt, I am not sure why she bought it for him as it was not near a significant birthday or anniversary, but he was a lucky man.

In the forum's opinion, how unmolested and what is the conditions (I suspect that at least the crown is not original) and can anyone confirm the model number as I have been unable to match the claimed model number with other photos on the internet? What are all the little scratched in numbers on the inside of the case back, is that done whilst it is being serviced? What should I do to keep this in good condition or restore it to a good condition? I am unlikely to wear it much but at the moment don't really want to sell it, however I would like an idea of what it is worth in case I need to put it on my home insurance.

The serial number of the 551 movement is 17018387 and I read the model as 14381-7-SC.

Thanks everyone and sorry if I have commited a forum faux pas with my post.

 

Hello and welcome!

It's an Omega 14381 as you know and a Google search should bring up other examples. The -7 is an iteration of the basic design as I understand it so, probably the first batch was -1, the second batch -2 and so on. Sadly, no image or many extra details on the Omega site.

The little scratched numbers are old watchmaker's marks, as you suspect. Nobody does this anymore and we just supply a receipt with the model and serial as the guarantee.

It looks all original to me, with the exception of the crown (possibly) but the bracelet doesn't appear to be an Omega one and I'd get rid of it as it will probably damage the lugs. If it were mine, I'd service the movement, polish/replace the crystal, clean the case, replace the caseback seal and crown, replace the bracelet and wear it. Don't let anyone work on the dial/hands or polish the case (but, that's up to you).

If you were selling, then £1000-1500 would be the price range I'd estimate so, insure for at least that. These are desirable watches and one that is unmolested is always nice to see.

I hope this helps a little and you get to enjoy the watch.

Cheers, Chris

 

Thanks Chris.

Would people suggest getting the watchmaker to remove the detritus on the dial?

 

It is too optimistic, I think.

 

Yes, I might be Hoi but, watches are expensive in UK...

I don't see anything particular on the dial but, if there are dust/dirt particles sitting on the surface, I'd expect the watchmaker to remove them. Find someone you want to use and ask them what they would do to the watch. We are all very busy so, expect that you won't get anyone to service it until October or November, and possibly later...

Cheers, Chris

 

I would agree. Perhaps half of the top estimate

 

It’s nice watch!