- Posts
- 418
- Likes
- 733
smorrisonmd
·A fairly common first post for a newcomer here to OF is something along the lines of: "I was just given this watch by (fill in the blank). What should I do with it?" Well, it depends. First decide your ultimate plans for the watch. Then there are basically three options:
1) Keep it, but not wear it.
This one is easy: put it away somewhere safe. There is no good reason to do anything cosmetically or mechanically to it until someone decides to go
with option 2 or 3.
2) Keep it and wear it.
Have it examined by a watch repairman who is familiar with vintage Omegas, and preferably has a parts account. They will likely suggest a service and repair of any issued needed to get it in good working order. Follow their advice, unless the cost is something more than you are comfortable with. In that case, move on to option 3. As far as cosmetics, it is your watch, do as you wish. But you should at least educate yourself as to how it will affect the value
should you decide to sell it in the future.
3) Sell it.
This one is more complicated, and largely depends on the value of the piece. Generally speaking, the more valuable, the less you should do. But even for "high-end/collectors pieces", you will at least want good pictures of the dial, case, inner case back, and movement. If you are not comfortable with what is needed to get these ( strap and case back removal, +/- movement removal), seek competent help. You might also consider a good ultrasonic cleaning of
bracelet and case, IF the grunge makes it difficult to evaluate condition. But any further cosmetic or mechanical "improvements" are a hard no.
For mid and low-level watches, good pics are still a must, but other things are more of a judgement call. Case polishing/refinishing is considered heresy by many here, but this may not be your target audience. Depending on just how bad the condition is, spending a few bucks with someone like TMWatch may create more appeal to the less sophisticated buyer, and be a worthy investment. Mechanical issues are also a gray area. If you can get it in running order with minimal expense, I would go for it. But you probably won't get your money back if you pay for a full service and repairs.
Lastly, if any of the real experts here offer something different, ignore everything I just wrote 😀.
1) Keep it, but not wear it.
This one is easy: put it away somewhere safe. There is no good reason to do anything cosmetically or mechanically to it until someone decides to go
with option 2 or 3.
2) Keep it and wear it.
Have it examined by a watch repairman who is familiar with vintage Omegas, and preferably has a parts account. They will likely suggest a service and repair of any issued needed to get it in good working order. Follow their advice, unless the cost is something more than you are comfortable with. In that case, move on to option 3. As far as cosmetics, it is your watch, do as you wish. But you should at least educate yourself as to how it will affect the value
should you decide to sell it in the future.
3) Sell it.
This one is more complicated, and largely depends on the value of the piece. Generally speaking, the more valuable, the less you should do. But even for "high-end/collectors pieces", you will at least want good pictures of the dial, case, inner case back, and movement. If you are not comfortable with what is needed to get these ( strap and case back removal, +/- movement removal), seek competent help. You might also consider a good ultrasonic cleaning of
bracelet and case, IF the grunge makes it difficult to evaluate condition. But any further cosmetic or mechanical "improvements" are a hard no.
For mid and low-level watches, good pics are still a must, but other things are more of a judgement call. Case polishing/refinishing is considered heresy by many here, but this may not be your target audience. Depending on just how bad the condition is, spending a few bucks with someone like TMWatch may create more appeal to the less sophisticated buyer, and be a worthy investment. Mechanical issues are also a gray area. If you can get it in running order with minimal expense, I would go for it. But you probably won't get your money back if you pay for a full service and repairs.
Lastly, if any of the real experts here offer something different, ignore everything I just wrote 😀.
