My first Omega!

After being a sideline admirer of Omega for far longer than I dare admit, and deliberating endlessly about which reference I would enjoy most, I finally decided to take a (perhaps somewhat risky?) plunge recently on a watch on C24.

The pictures posted in the ad were not of the best quality, but there was enough there to pique my curiosity. Some pleasant exchanges with the private seller later, I got a batch of high resolution photos that seemed to show a watch with a “well-loved” case, an overall appearance that seemed genuine, and with an omega-logo’d replacement crystal recently installed. There was no service record, however, and counter to advice so often read on this forum, I ended up buying without seeing a movement photo - what can I say, desire got the better of me

After some negotiation we struck a deal and it arrived yesterday. Unpacking that little box was definitely a moment filled with anticipation! So, what came out of it, you ask? My 50-ish-years-old-but-brand-new-to-me silver Seamaster 145.024 Flat Jedi!

Congrats! Beautiful dial. I'd love to see some pictures of it in the natural sunlight.

Nice! Really like the brushed look of the case.

Do you have a wrist shot?

thank you both! Here are some fresh shots, on the wrist, from my balcony. I obviously will need practice on taking attractive wrist shots 😉

I have plans to source a bracelet for it, as I don’t think the canvas strap it came on suits it. But for now, I’ll happily stare at it as is 🥰

Wow, you dove right into the deep end

Congrats !
Very nice !

Sun came through for a minute, which made for a more vibrant shot

May the force be with you...

Congrats!! What a piece to start with.

Thanks! To be fair, there are plenty of marks on the case, and a bit of a ding at the top edge, just past 11. But at least (to my eyes) it appears original and unpolished? I’m sure experts here would be able to gauge that better than I would 😀

Next I gotta take it to my local watchmaker so I can finally take a look at that cal 861!

Omega sure made some funky stuff in the 70's. Congrats and great way to start.

Nice!

This weekend I visited a local watch shop, an Omega Service Center ('level 3') recommended by several folks on a different forum, to discuss a potential service for the Jedi and a refurbishment of a 1171 bracelet. The 1171 is currently on another watch, on which the spring bars unfortunately appear to be quite stuck.

When it came to the 1171 bracelet, they said it would be impossible to refurb it because the pins were not accessible. They also suggested that, to remove the stuck spring bars, they'd likely need to damage/partially destroy one or both end-links. There did not appear to be any consideration for trying non-destructive methods first. I would have anticipated suggestions such as penetrating oil, ultrasonic cleaning, etc., work for which I would have gladly paid. Additionally, despite my stated desire to only do a CLA for the 861 movement of the Jedi, this outfit was clear about their intention to refinish the case and replace any service parts (crown, pushers, hands, the lot). Even though they are an independent watchmaker and not an AD, they claimed this work to be 'required'.

Long story short: I U-turned out of there quicker than Grandpa Simpson in his legendary meme/GIF, thanked my lucky stars for omegaforums.net as an educational tool, and will look more earnestly at a UK visit to see if Simon Freese can offer more understanding and nuanced support.

I think some shops care more about providing a warranty after service than they do about original accuracy of the pieces. Omega themselves often aggressively over-replace, but at least you get the original parts in return. Odd though about requiring the case to be refinished, unless it was so damaged that they could not assure prevention of water intrusion, I do not see why refinishing would be anything other than an optional service.

Sounds like the shop just wasn't a fit for your needs. Wish you luck in your hunt. I haven't worked with Simon but I own a 176.001 that was serviced by him.

Thanks Archer, good to know I wasn't off base in thinking that shouldn't be necessary!