Hi. total newbie here looking for advice on this watch that my wife inherited from her father.
Not sure if it has any value as to my eye it looks in very poor condition. Her recollection is that at some point it went through a washing machine! It doesn't currently run, although the hands can be moved. We think it's from around 1960.

Has the encounter with the washing machine put an end to it? Or is it worth trying to get it refurbished?

Any advice appreciated

Brian

 

That watch is well worth a rehab!

Case looks unpolished and the dial looks good. The movement needs a thorough service - which may cost a bit but will be money well spent - and a new crystal. The crown needs replacing,hopefully to something correct for that model.

 

Have a look at Christian and @Mitka at www.watchguy.co.uk. The're UK based watch repairers/servicers, with an on-line blog so you can see previous work.

 

No obvious signs of rust. I think it's worth restoring.

Tom

 

The serial number dates it to approx 1962. I think it is well worth a service/repair. Just don't be tempted to have it renovated to 'as new' - I think it should keep as much of it's history and battle scars as possible.

 

Cosmetically, I think it will clean up very nicely, a new crystal and a clean of the case. Don't try and polish the hell out of it though trying to get rid of the scratches, and definitely don't restore the dial.

 

Thanks all for the great advice. This morning I thought we had a worthless old watch sitting in the drawer. I'm now really excited that it may be feasible to bring it back to life. Will keep you updated with the story as it unfolds.

 

Echoing the other members, service the movement, new crown and crystal, and a new strap and you have one killer Constellation!

Thanks for coming on the forum and asking the appropriate questions. Everyone loves to see a vintage Omega brought back to its glory, but kept as original as possible.

And if you don't want it, there are plenty of members that will take it off your hands

 

It must be a 14900, I think.

 

Dsio recommended @stefan to me and I recommend @stefan to the OP. Stefan is in London, he is a stand up guy.

 

Its all there. Go for it. I bet it cleans up beautifully! And then you've got a piece of family history that you'll be proud to wear.

You will need to post pictures of the finished product, we all tend to get very emotional around here......

 

Lovely cross hair pie pan Connie
With a bit of luck the movement will come good with a proper service
The case is still nice and crisp
With a new crystal and crown you won't recognise your watch
Unfortunately you can't get a correct original new crown but the available crowns still look good and are much easier to use
Depending on who you use and parts required it should cost around £300 (with crystal and crown) but well worth it if it brings your family heir loom back to life
I use the Watchguy and have been very pleased with their service

 

Well following advice on here I've had the watch looked at and had an estimate of £ 380. Sadly I can't afford to spend that on it - I don't think I'd appreciate it enough. So I've listed it on eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/272126089048?Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Would be delighted if it went to someone who was going to restore it.

 

Looking good dial and case. You just clean movement and replace the correct crown. It's fantastic

 

Or 14902. This one is a twin to mine. And definitely a keeper!

 

14902 is a date version and powered by a 561 not 551.

 

Better: let them NOT touch the case at all: any attempt to 'freshen up' the case, will most likely end in a too much polished case.
Keep the history with this watch: the dial looks amazing, although a bit difficult to tell exactly with the scratches crystal.
Could be a hidden gem!