Impossible, right?

Years ago I bought a pie pan Connie without realizing it was missing a bezel. I sold it to a friend who also didn't realize it was missing. He later found out, and we were both at a loss on what to do, as Omega wants to send it to Bienne for resolution.

And from day One, I have offered to buy it back for the $425 I sold it (in 1989).

It came up in conversation again, as my friend has decided to sell off assets due to an illness that has rendered such toys meaningless.

So the obvious questions:

1) How do I go about obtaining a replacement?
2) What do you suppose would be the expected cost from the source?
3) What value would the watch have without the bezel?

I don't have the watch in my possession, meaning no photos, but I can get it I suppose. I did document the watch when I bought it 25 years ago:
14k, 33mm ref. 168 005, Swiss case, original silver dial, cal. 564, ser. 25,308,xxx circa 1969?

Thanks in advance!

 

Solid 14K.

I graded the dial as original and flawless, and the case as excellent with few signs of gentle wear.

I haven't seen it in 25 years, but if you knew my buddy...

I am not exaggerating when I say he wears soft white gloves when he shows me his collectibles. I am confident the condition of that Connie is the same.

 

Sources for fabrication in the US? Any experiences?

 

I have not personally used them, however they are a regular advertiser in the NAWCC Bulletin.

http://watchcaserepair.com

 

I had a 14K Omega case melted and made into 14k bezels. The gold alloy is original from Omega with matching colour but now it's in different form, not a watch case anymore but a bezel.
How do you call it ? An original product ? A frankened, a whatchamacallit ?

 

Thanks to all for the feedback. Otto Frei has no gold bezels. I emailed Wuischpard (case maker) and Peter said he will contact me Monday re: fabrication.

My friend asks me how much it's worth without the bezel? Excellent condition, flawless dial. I'm looking for ballpark, not commitments to buy, so feel free to respond without the benefit of pics. I will try to get the watch in for a photo shoot!

 

Agreed Did Omega make 14k watches or are they all non Swiss cases?

 

Thanks, I thought I saw a post here about 14k gold capped or filled only being non Swiss cases but may have have been wearing my Bourbon Goggles when I read it

 

Thanks Gator, here is another question about non-Swiss cased watches and in particular the US cased ones. Did or should they have SWISS or SWISS MADE at the bottom of the dial?

 

Thanks again, I have recently noticed a couple of Wadsworth cased bumpers that look like there is nothing at all at the bottom of the dial. That can't be correct can it? I'm undecided if this is a redial or not, the 'E' has an equal length center bar and there is not SWISS at the bottom of the dial unless it is hidden by the chapter ring