My Grandfathers' Watch

Hey OF!

I finally was able to get a watchmaker to open my late grandfathers' Omega. I was wondering if I could ask the forum here for help in getting more information on it. (I'll have to admit that even with the case back open, I don't exactly know what caliber, reference, etc, etc)...

I'd love to know approx how old the watch is, and what year it was produced and whether it came on a strap, bracelet, etc.

A bit of a background. A couple years ago (around late 2017), I started getting into watches and have been sending photos and sharing stories with my dad. While I was visiting home in Dec 2017, my dad said he found my grandfathers' old omega. He was still alive back then, and my dad said that my grandfather forgot about it, and was happy for me to keep the watch (even though he has many grandkids). I've always had the watch in a drawer and would look at it from time to time, but was too worried to open it or do anything with it. One day, I thought I'd try to get it serviced at a local watchmaker - and they said that I had to send it into omega because they weren't able to get the watch open. Not wanting to spend the full amount at the OB, I just left it in the safe for the past couple years and finally took it back out again recently. I brought it to a different watchmaker and they were able to get it open! It's now in for a service, and my grandfather has also since passed. I'd love to get it back in working condition, and with more information about the watch (ideally with its original bracelet or strap) and bring it back home ready to go so my dad and I could wear it back and forth.

Lovely piece, agree with above don't get it turned into something looking new, it deserves its history.

Thank you both! This is super helpful info! Will keep us all posted! 😀

Great Watch! Everything except the band looks original to me. Make sure the watchmaker does not replace or refinish the dial or hands. I would ask that you retain anything that needs to be replaced in case. I would also personally refrain from polishing the case--it hurts the value and your watch is "gold-capped" which makes it a little riskier.

The original crown is worn down and unfortunately it is a little difficult to find, but not the end of the world. There does seem to be "scratches" or marks in the dial area, but those seem like they might just be on the crystal. In that case, a gentle crystal polish or replacement will make it look great.

Enjoy your super watch!

it's a beautiful watch.
its caliber is robust and easy to maintain. you should have no trouble getting it serviced. you can wear it regularly without fear of damaging the mechanism.
I agree with what has been said before, do not embark on restorations that would erase the history of your watch.

Thank you everyone! All of this is very helpful - as a note - dial is in very good condition, just really poor lighting (in a dark restaurant - back when we could eat at restaurants!) - the crystal is original, and a little scratched up, but not bad!

Hey OF,

I just got a call from my watchmaker, and here is what they recommended:

- replace the crown (because it's worn out and old, which allowed for moisture to get into the watch, and there are quite a few rusted parts). Not period correct crown, but the next closest thing and OEM - 120 CAD

- service the movement plus remove the rust - 395 CAD

- replace the rusted parts with genuine Omega parts - around 200 CAD

I think this seems reasonable, but thought I'd check in with folks here.

thank you,

Mike

Oh one other thing - they said there is rust on the seconds hand, that they can try and remove, and not replace the seconds hand. Thoughts on this?

Sounds reasonable to me. The second hand won't be expensive, so unless they can't get one that looks like what you have, I'd personally replace it.

Thank you both! Maybe I'll ask to see what the price of a new second hand will be before I decide - though a part of me likes that it's the original seconds hand.