I forgot to mention that:

A) This watch was manufactured in the year that I was born, 1967, but more importantly,
B) My son, who wants to follow my footsteps, career wise, has been eyeing it since I received it, and as a father, I want to gift him a perfect timepiece.

I am hoping that the forum members will help me achieve my dream.

Once again, thanks for all the advice and assistance.

Cheers.

 

Good points - I also have many SOLAR powered Citizen, Seiko, and Casio watches - so they're accurate and reliable, without the battery concerns. Before you leave next week I would take a look at some of those, to have something to wear at sea this time around.

I have one of these, and it's 100M Water Resistant, with day/date, for under $100 - beware, the glass crystal isn't as tough as their diver watches, and I've had to replace mine once already, plus it's a mid-size watch at around 38mm. My diver watches are a bit tougher, but without the day, just a date.
https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Stainless-display-BM8180-03E/dp/B000EQS1JW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1532300551&sr=8-2&keywords=citizen solar watch



This is my Citizen Diver, 200M with date, SOLAR powered, and it's very tough, usually for under $200 but the lowest right now is $220 Prime.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PXVU3GM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I used a Citizen eco drive dive watch for my last two yacht trips, several months each. Behaved perfectly, & more reliable timer than mechanical.
Quartz isn't a problem in maritime use, if it is cased properly. Same goes for mechanical.

If you want a perfect watch to hand over to your son, you should start with a better speciman that that one. Take your time.

 

PS: This Citizen solar powered watch with day date can be delivered by Tuesday, for $112, and it's a 42mm watch. It has kind-of-a Panerai feel to the dial...

https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Eco-Drive-Stainless-Steel-BM8475-26E/dp/B005MKGOOY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1532300551&sr=8-8&keywords=citizen solar watch

 

PPS: Here is a cool Day/Date Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Watch, with the day at the 9 o'clock sub-dial and date at the 3 o'clock sub-dial, for $137.

https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Military-Quartz-Stainless-Casual/dp/B01KVVUYHQ/ref=cm_wl_huc_item

 

Okay, same watch as above with a dark dial for $137 shipped: https://www.amazon.com/Citizen-Mili...1328&sr=8-47&keywords=citizen+eco-drive+watch

 

FYI the model is 168.045 listed below is the closest thing to it in the Omega database (which is not complete) Its it sister watch with leather strap instead of a bracelet.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-constellation-omega-st-168-0041

 

I don't know how to say this because you seem hooked on this particular watch, but it would be cheaper to find a better example to start with than pay what it would cost to repair & refinish this one. Even if you did fork out the hundreds & hundreds of dollars to refurbish this watch, it still won't be perfect. You'd need to find new old stock replacement parts, including a case, or have an expert laser weld metal in the chips and then refinish the entire case.

However, good luck with your chosen project. Hope it meets your expectations!

 

It sounds to me like this was an impulse purchase, but now the OP understands that this watch will not meet his functional needs and will not be a legitimate heirloom piece (it has too many major flaws to be collectible). I really think that the best thing to do would be to return the watch. There are vintage watches that, treated properly, will meet the OP's needs, but patience and research will be necessary.

 

Well just go ahead and tell him it’s from 1970 then...

It is... but I wasn’t saying it.

 

If you are adamant about getting the case refinished (laser welded) than I would suggest the two people worth contacting are LA Watchworks and ABC Watchwerks but as has been mentioned the cost may be prohibitive

 

Well even at its best condition, this watch will not meet the standards of wearing out at sea.
And in terms of it being an heirloom, well it’s not a desirable piece to begin with and the condition isn’t good as well.
Like what others have said, it would be best to return it or perhaps trade it in for another piece instead of spending more cash on it.

 

Disagree it’s a cool piece. Love the look. If it’s worth a family heirloom is a different question.

 

I would definitely NOT wear the Omega at sea, on the bridge, or any of the dozens of other places on a ship filled with stray EMF, and watch destroyers like cluncky comms boxes, DC Lockers, valve heads etc etc.

I used a Casio F91W for years (and still do sometimes) and the battery is still fine and the watch has never let me down.

Can be found for less than a bottle of cheap blended Scotch.

 

Well in terms of the design and look, to each his own i suppose.

 

The watch is another family's heirloom that got sold. Once a member from the original family breaks the chain of inheritance to sell it, it becomes just a used watch.

 

Yes, not even close to 1967. The good news is that 1967 is a decent year to be born if you're looking for a "birth-year" watch (which I don't recommend, since it is too limiting). Lots of good watches to choose from.

 

I like your cynicism.