I have the watch for 25 years now and it is not working since I got it. I know it is a real Omega but I don't know if everything inside is 100% original (not sure about the history). I want to identify what (type, model, etc) and how much the watch is worth today. Where should I go to have this check? Should I go to Omega store? I would really appreciate any help. Thank you.
Take it to a watchmaker and he will be able to service it, if he removes the back ( ( don't do it yourself ) it will have the model number and you can work out age from that. Looks on the small side. ( ladies watch ? ) Not worth a great deal other than sentimental value to you. Worth getting a service though
Thank you so much. I will go to the watch repairer and get some pictures once its opened. How much service usually cost? If the service or the cost of making it run again is not that expensive, I might do it and keep it just for sentimental value.
Service depends on many things, what country are you in and you might get a member pointing you in the right direction. Make sure you ask your watchmaker if he has access to Omega parts.
Oops. Sorry forgot to mention. I live in Los Angeles, CA, and I'm planning to just go to a local watch repairer (not omega official store).
You still need a accredited Omega watchmaker. https://www.govbergwatchrepair.com/watch-repair/omega-repair-los-angeles/ Just google " omega accredited watchmaker " You don't want to take it to Omega themselves as they will replace vintage parts with new that will decrease the appeal of the watch
It's a manual wind, probably a 285 or something else in the 28* series. The "gold cap" finish, a layer of gold over a stainless steel base, is more substantial than gold plate. The watch has had a hard life judging from the scratches and cracked glass, but the dial looks more or less ok. With a decent strap, a new glass and a new crown (but ONLY if you can find the right one) it would look quite respectable. Those early manual movements are robust and it's likely a watchmaker can get it going. Hard to tell the size but if 31mm wide it's a man's watch. As mentioned above, the value is not that high but obviously worth it if it's your late father's watch. I have kept my old Dad's manual Tissot Seastar for the same reason. As also mentioned above, don't send it to Omega as you will pay a large sum for the privilege of having your watch ruthlessly cleansed of all personality and associations.
So I went to a local watch repairer which is not a omega accredited watchmaker but he seems knowledgeable and with good reputation. He said service to make it run will cost around $189 since he will change some parts internally with genuine omega parts. To change the crystal is around $75 and to change the crown plus some parts related to crown which I did not understand will cost around $150. He'll give me free strap of my choice and free caseback gasket and free cleaning. He said after everything, watch should cost around $1400 but of course I kinda doubt it and I'll keep it anyway. He estimate the watch is from the 70's. Looks like it is 31mm and I asked him if its a man's watch and he said yes. lol Here's the pic inside of watch
189 $ for a full service plus part looks correct. But 150 $ for the crown and probably the stem (?) looks a bit expansive to me, as well as 75 $ for the cristal. I really doubt your watch will cost 1400 $ after that... Well, I am sure I would not pay that! And I am surprised you watchmaker could not use the serial number of the movement to tell you that you watch is about 1954-1955...
Try Jackmond in LA. He will give you a quote and he is a vintage omega specialist. That watch is obviously from the 50's http://jackmond.com
Here is some information from Omega about Ref. 2735: https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/20856/ Price seems reasonable for the service. Crown and crystal seem rather expensive. However, since Omega is no longer selling these directly to most watchmakers, some parts have increased in price by orders of magnitude. The dial was poorly refinished many years ago. Unfortunately, many Omegas from the 1950's suffered this fate. gatorcpa
Ah so it is 1954-55. He did not really checked it and only guestimate on the spot that's why he said 70s. So what is the model name of this omega? Or what do you call this watch? Thanks guys!
There is no Omega model name for this one. They didn't name most lower-end (for Omega) models. If there was a name, the Omega Database would have showed it. gatorcpa
OP, I can't add much more than these folks have said. However, it is fantastic that you have such a great looking piece from your father. I wouldn't recommend you do to this piece what I did to my late father's watch. My father had an old "Geneve" watch that he bought form QVC. I think it's gold but I can't remember right now. The sales receipt was found among his personal belongings. Since I know the watch was not worth much and I would likely not wear it, I had the case back engraved with my father's initials as well as his date of birth and date of death. It is now the most valuable watch in my collection due to it's immense sentimental value. Best of luck refurbishing and enjoying this watch! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you guys for all the help! Paid around $400 including everything (service, new crystal, new crown and stem, new caseback gasket, new black leather strap, etc). I am really happy with the result. Here's the pic
Great result. If you get it serviced every five years or so it will last your lifetime and you can pass it down thus ensuring the memory of your Dad goes on.
A wonderful looking watch and a very sentimental piece. Wear it in good health, and as @JimInOz says, a service every five years will help pass it on from generation to generation.