New here, new to vintage omega 166.041

jezbanks · Thurs. 2:51pm

Hello,

I have always had a casual interest in watches. I have had (past tense) a Speedmaster Chrono and currently have a nice Seamaster Aqua Terra (220.12.41.21.03.005 for those that might be interested).

Emptying my mother in laws house I came across a vintage Omega Geneve 166.041 - Automatic, blue dial, red (maybe orange) second hand and SS case.
I know this is an entry level watch and not very valuable but I kind of like it (I have a thing for blue, hence the AT) so I'd like to keep it.

Here's the thing, it runs but likely hasn't had a service in years (possibly decades) and the crystal has some scratches, the case has been polished and it isn't the original strap. My interest is to have a nice daily lighter watch than the AT which is less valuable. I know Omega will do a very comprehensive service and will make it like new but at £650 am i being foolish? Should I perhaps just buy a watch already serviced ? Or do Omega really make them like new?

A strap question as well, I prefer a deployment clasp (which I know isn't correct for this model but I'm not trying to make a historic artefact). I assume there are deployment clasp options for 18mm straps that would fit this watch?

TIA

Dan S · Thurs. 4:31pm

Why not just have it serviced by a watchmaker , buy a nice strap on a generic deployant, and wear it.

Spruce · Thurs. 4:35pm

It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.

SOG53 · Thurs. 5:45pm

We like (need) photos

Dan S · Thurs. 7:40pm

Spruce
It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.

Could be, but the 166.041 is certainly seen with blue dial and orange sweep hand.

jezbanks · Fri. 2:01am

Spruce
It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.

I havent opened it, the 166.041 description has come from research. I dont think its anything special and likely would have just put it in the contents auction had it not been a blue face

But i think its quite a pretty watch so would like to wear it. however the strap and crystal need replacing imo

Spruce · Fri. 2:12am

Definitely original, including the original signed buckle and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it still has the Omega badged crystal.

Nice watch but not an Admiralty.

Post where you’re living and someone should be able to recommend a local watchmaker. I’d expect that you could get it serviced for around £150 plus tax/postage.

When you get it serviced, ask the watchmaker to take photos of the movement, movement number and inside caseback.

Order some Polywatch and give the crystal a gentle polish and order a quality but inexpensive new strap on eBay or similar. Don’t discard the buckle by mistake and don’t polish the case.

jezbanks · Fri. 2:36am

Spruce
Definitely original, including the original signed buckle and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it still has the Omega badged crystal.

Nice watch but not an Admiralty.

Post where you’re living and someone should be able to recommend a local watchmaker. I’d expect that you could get it serviced for around £150 plus tax/postage.

When you get it serviced, ask the watchmaker to take photos of the movement, movement number and inside caseback.

Order some Polywatch and give the crystal a gentle polish and order a quality but inexpensive new strap on eBay or similar. Don’t discard the buckle by mistake and don’t polish the case.

Thank you

I am in Farnborough, Hampshire (UK) but happy to travel or courier to the right person.
I set the time last night at about 9.15pm and by 8.30 this morning it was running 3 minutes behind so it 100% needs some attention.

when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?

I understand polishing the case is bad from reading through posts on here, but I assume cleaning it thoroughly (watchmaker task) is ok?

Peemacgee · Fri. 3:04am

I think @Mitka is somewhere near you.
He’s a member here as well as a recommended watchmaker.
(IIRC he can also polish the crystal if required)

50kopek · Fri. 6:44am

J jezbanks
when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?

I think he meant that he wouldn't be surprised if your watch still has its original crystal with the Omega badge/logo etched into it. And no need to replace it if a polish with Polywatch cleans it up nicely.

Spruce · Fri. 6:45am

Thanks @50kopek

Spruce · Fri. 6:53am

Although I haven’t used them for a couple of years, Armstrong Watch Repair in Waterlooville serviced a couple of my 165/166.041s and I was happy with the results and the price.

I’ll pm you their details

BrokenSkunk · Fri. 7:32am

J jezbanks
Thank you

I am in Farnborough, Hampshire (UK) but happy to travel or courier to the right person.
I set the time last night at about 9.15pm and by 8.30 this morning it was running 3 minutes behind so it 100% needs some attention.

when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?

I understand polishing the case is bad from reading through posts on here, but I assume cleaning it thoroughly (watchmaker task) is ok?

Try asking J.E.Allnutt in Midhurst for a quote to get it serviced. They are extremely well respected and right on your doorstep.
Be aware though, if you're a collector their shop may be too alluring.

jezbanks · Fri. 11:39am

50kopek
I think he meant that he wouldn't be surprised if your watch still has its original crystal with the Omega badge/logo etched into it. And no need to replace it if a polish with Polywatch cleans it up nicely.

ah yes now i re-read it i think you are right

New here, new to vintage omega 166.041

jezbanks

Dan S

Spruce

SOG53

Dan S

jezbanks

Spruce

jezbanks

Peemacgee

50kopek

Spruce

Spruce

BrokenSkunk

jezbanks

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