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My Dad's old watch

JoelB
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My mother died recently, and I found my father's old Omega in a box. I think it hasn't been used in 30 years- but when I picked it up, it started ticking (self winding)! It keeps time fairly well, though I haven't really tested it. I'm thinking of getting it fixed up and wearing it, though I haven't worn a watch in many years (cell phone...). The pins need to be replaced, and I assume it needs cleaning. Any advice? All will wait till the current lockdown is over...

Can you help identify what model and year this might be? Anything special to know about it?

I assume is is valuable, though not so valuable as to lock in a safe and avoid using it. I'm not planning on selling this, especially since my father's name is engraved on it, and I have distinct childhood memories of him wearing it.

Those self winding mechanisms are amazing. I wish my cell phone would do that!

20210104_200440.jpg 20210104_200501.jpg 20210104_200544.jpg
 
Engee
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Lovely watch, but I would say that, here’s mine. Yours looks to be in very nice condition and will look stunning after a clean. Lugs are sharp and it looks unpolished. It looks a little battered on the back.

The information you need to identify it properly is on the inside and you’ll need to take it to a watchmaker to get the back off because it opens from the front. It’s probably from the mid 1960s and will, I believe, have one of Omega’s classic 5 series movements inside. In terms of value, gold watches are not as desirable to collectors as steel watches, but gold filled is nice. Probably worth between 500 and 800 of whatever your £€$ is.

Others may be able to offer more accurate info so consider this a holding post.

This is my first Omega, bought when I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I overpaid, but I like it. It has a cal 563 inside, suggesting it was made for the US market (as does the “de Ville” branding).
Edited:
 
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Spruce
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Lovely watch in lovely condition. Possibly worth £500-750.
 
zwjk
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It looks like a very nice watch. I would recommend a movement only service, new spring bars andd a new leather strap, then you’re good to go.

Don’t worry about the value. It’s worth more than anything that money can buy.

Let us know where you’re from and someone can point you in the right direction to a watchmaker who will respectfully service the watch 👍
 
Franco
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What are the "pins"? In Israel the only name it comes to mind is Itay Noy in Jaffa, if he can't do it himself (he is very top-end) then he may suggest you a good name as independent watchmaker. I would only get it an ultrasonic clean outside, a polish only to the okexy. Complete revision of movement, change crown with one you gave to source, which should be historically more accurate.
 
zwjk
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Franco Franco
What are the "pins"? In Israel the only name it comes to mind is Itay Noy in Jaffa, if he can't do it himself (he is very top-end) then he may suggest you a good name as independent watchmaker. I would only get it an ultrasonic clean outside, a polish only to the okexy. Complete revision of movement, change crown with one you gave to source, which should be historically more accurate.

He’s referring to the spring bars.

OP, please don’t polish this watch 🙁
 
Franco
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zwjk zwjk
He’s referring to the spring bars.

OP, please don’t polish this watch 🙁

It was a typo, “polish only to the okexy” meant “polish only to the plexy”
 
JoelB
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Thanks everyone for your input. I have no intention of selling it- too much sentimental value. Just curious.
I called a local watchmaker, second generation fellow- he didn't sound too young himself. I explained about the watch, and he said "if it works- don't open it."
And yes- I mean the spring bars. I really don't know the technical terms for these parts...
 
Engee
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JoelB JoelB
I called a local watchmaker, second generation fellow- he didn't sound too young himself. I explained about the watch, and he said "if it works- don't open it."
Really? So wait until it stops working when damage might have been done because the lube has dried out? I think I might get a second opinion.
 
TimeODanaos
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Franco Franco
Complete revision of movement...
Agree all Franco's points here, but as you're Stateside, a small linguistic moment for the unwary - in many European languages, "revision" doesn't mean total overhaul: read "inspection". After 30 years, a good idea. Happy wearing!
 
wilderbeast
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If you want to wear it, have someone who is used to working with vintage Omega service it. This means dismantling, cleaning, oiling and regulating the movement, and replacing any parts that need to be. That will ensure you can wear it daily without fear. It’s definitely worth it, and the watchmaker will probably give the plexi a polish as part of the work. Find a strap you like and I’m sure the WM will put that on for you as well.

A lovely heirloom and one you should wear with pride!
 
Franco
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You are right, “revisione” in Italian means service complete. Disassemble, clean each individual part, replace parts which are not functional, reassemble using the correct type and amount of lubrication, regulate.
 
JoelB
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I suspect I will have to send this overseas to get the maintenance work done. Any recommendations on reasonable places?
 
cvalue13
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JoelB JoelB
I suspect I will have to send this overseas to get the maintenance work done. Any recommendations on reasonable places?

you will not have to, but could if you want

if you might share your rough geographical area, folks will be along with suggestions of more local options
 
JoelB
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I'm in Israel. Nice view of the Mediterranean from my apartment, to ease the pain of yet another lockdown.
 
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