Hi,
I bought this flightmaster over the weekend at a garage sale. I paid the grand sum of $1. The condition is poor but it does work and tells time. The problems are: the chronograph dial at 3:00 doesn't reset but the one at 6:00 does. The case is quite beaten up, starburst is barely visible and has several nicks and scratches. The crystal needs to be replaced. I understand that if it is sent to the factory for servicing that it will come back "new". Is that a good plan or should I try and have the basic repairs done. I'd at least like the crystal replaced and the workings lubed and cleaned. I don't have the money for a full service at this time. Im actually okay with the dial not resetting if I could get everything else taken care of. You are the experts, what do you think?

 

Hi @CoMarc

Do you have pictures you can post? All angles, front, back, sides would be great.

 

Brilliant.

First post some pictures.

If you are hoping to make a quick buck, then you will, but won’t get a lot of support

If you are hoping to enjoy the process of rescuing somethjng that sounds interesting, then we will collectively hold your hand all the way, as much as you want. (Which it sounds like you are looking to enjoy that process, and we will too - just preparing you for the cynics that might comment about a back door sales attempt - read around you will see what I mean)

Flight masters have big easily damaged cases with a special finish that only a few people can do.

Photos will help massively, but the movement issues sound minor and will disappear with a service.

 

It was posted on reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/VintageWat...elp_got_this_at_a_garage_sale_for1_dont_know/

 

Sending it to Omega is not the best plan. The value is in the original dial and hands. They will replace them. Where are you located we might have a suggestion for service and crystal replacement. I’d suggest not polishing it if your going to sell it.

We can grade it better with clear shots of the dial and finish and we need to see the lugs. Ie straight on the top and bottom edges.

 

Cosmetically, that's not even half bad!

 

Sounds like you snagged a great deal. Congratulations. I think I can buy 1 set of spring bars from Omega for $1.

 

Amazing what just a new crystal will do for the esthetics. (plus a nice bracelet/strap and semi-hairy wrist shot in natural light)

 

Yes, this was me. I didn't get much help. I actually posted in two different sub-reddits but I have a different user name there.

 

I thought I had posted some here. I'll try again.

 

I plan on wearing/using the watch. But, I have limited funds at the moment so just the basics for now.

 

Just the basics is probably the best plan all round.

 

I offer you 2$ And make a nice 100% profit )))), enjoy it

 

These are the best I have for now. It wouldn't let me post full 21mp. My phone is not great at macro shots.
So to add, I was at a garage sale at a storage facility. They had a box of watches of all kinds. I recocognized Omega. Also bought a couple of others but, although one is interesting, they don't seem to be high quality. It was her father's collection of junk that he gets when people abandon their storage or don't pay the bills.

Also, I'm in Denver, CO. I took it to a watch shop this morning but they, without opening it, said that it wasn't worth fixing and that they couldn't replace the crystal anyway. They said I should sell it for parts or send it to Omega and that it would cost $1500-2k to service. Not impressed with them.
I like the watch and would like to refurbish it to a usable degree. Perhaps later I can do more. I've never owned a "good" watch before and am excited if it can be worn again.
I did clean it a little under water. I now know that wasn't the best move but I don't think any got into it. When it was wet I could see that the face/dial had no visible damage. I have no idea how long it has been in that box or when it was serviced or worn. It could realistically have been in that box for decades.

 

That water thing.... don’t do that.

 

Yep, that was before I read up on these old watches. I didn't dunk it but did run water over it lightly. It's kind of cool, it's just about the same age as me.

 

To me the hands look relatively new so that could indicate its had some recent work some years ago, or maybe just got super lucky and the dial and hands have not deteriorated over time.
If you want to wear it everyday then it will need to be water tight, so crowns and pushers may need to be replaced but a pressure test would indicate which ones need replaced.
The crystal will need to be replaced, this isnt the easiest of tasks either and a special tool is required to get the new crystal and gasket fitted correctly into the case. It can probably be done without the special tool but its a really awkward job.
And then there is the movement, which is probably going to be the most expensive part of restoration but definitely something that you need to budget for at some point in the near future.
But you got the watch at an amazing price and once correctly restored you'll have a watch of significant value

 

If the crystal is difficult to replace, would it be a good idea to just polish the current crystal, perhaps with some Polywatch or toothpaste.

With a clearer crystal, the beauty of that dial would really shine through.