Hi,
My dad bought this in Panama in roughly 1971 or so. How do I tell if it's authentic and what's the best way to repair it if it's genuine? Thanks. I can add better photos when I get home. He said he thought it was real when he bought it. He used it diving. To be honest, it doesn't feel very substantial to me. Kind of feels cheap compared to my modern Omega watches

Edit: just realized the photo is very blurry. I'll add more photos tonight

 

Yes it's genuine.

Check back in with better photos.

 

Looks real enough in this pic, these were not widely faked but you will get much better info with better pictures.

 

Clear pictures will certainly give a lot more, but the definitive info will be on the inside of the caseback and movement. Only someone who knows what they are doing and has the proper tools can open it (not the battery swapping kiosk in your local mall). Also, see this:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-posting-guide.383/

 

Looks genuine, has a nice 5 Row Beads of rice bracelet on it.

 

I want it

 

Totally legit.

You can get a factory service for $550 plus significant parts. Note that many here will go batshit insane if you choose that. The watch will be refinished as new.

You can also try to get independent service. Knowing where you are can help us recommend known good watchmakers. Many will recommend that you get by with a minimum of change and charge. I disagree with that. A Seamaster deserves a new crystal, new crown, and caseback gasket for water resistance.

But again, it's YOUR watch, YOUR money, and YOUR choice.

Only you can decide what your goals are. There is no bad choice.

For vintage, I trust my local watchmaker unless there is reason not to. When you interview your watchmaker (and do interview your watchmaker), talk about your goals for timekeeping. This watch is capable of keeping time within ten seconds a day. Some will try to convince you that 30 seconds a day is adequate. I suggest that it is not.

Good luck with your fine watch and it keeping you happy for decades to come.

Tom

 

Wow thanks so much for the help! You are all great! I tried to take better photos but I have a new appreciation for the beautiful photos some of you take because it's hard!

The watch was bought in Panama back in 71 or so. My dad was working there in the military at the time and needed a decent watch. (Edited, I doubt he dove with it) he wore it regularly until he replaced it at some point with a Seiko pogue for diving and it's been (sadly) sitting in the bottom of his sock drawer ever since. I currently live in San Diego. Any recommendations on good watchmakers around here I can trust?

The crystal is pretty scratched up. The crown is a little rough. The bracelet actually looks pretty good. The case could use a good polish to get out the scratches. It honestly looks a little tougher than the photos show.

Thanks!

 

If it was used as a dive watch (WHICH IT IS NOT) you should get it to a watchmaker ASAP.

It may already be too late, or you might be lucky.

I hope that the crystal/crown and caseback were waterproof when he was diving.

Fingers crossed.

 

Maybe it wasn't? I wasn't around back then and his memory about the watch (50 years ago) isn't the greatest. Maybe he just wore it around? I thought seamasters were dive watches? My modern one is. I have a lot to learn and this forum has been amazing. I can't stop reading it's all so interesting to me...

 

No probs.

It doesn't look like it's had moisture ingress, in fact it looks quite well preserved.
Just get it serviced by a good watchmaker. It shouldn't need more than a basic service (fingers crossed).

 

That is nice. Enjoy!!

 

That dial looks fantastic. Very well preserved condition, hope you find a good watchmaker

 

That is a beautiful watch.

 

"Mr. Archer, please sit down and let's go over a few things before I decide to leave my watch with you. first of all I notice a bunch of empty Molson bottles and bags of fritos on the floor. will you be drinking before or after working on my watch?"

 

Looks great! Here is a thread about service with independent watchmakers vs. Omega.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/speedmaster-service-cost.100365/

In this thread @Taddyangle says he has a watchmaker he likes in San Diego. Perhaps you can send him a message, or he can respond here.

 

Molson?

 

I’d be very surprised if there were fake omegas around in 1971. Looks fine to me.

 

You would be incorrect. There were Omega fakes even earlier than that.

 

Good to know