Old Omega Geneve - Authentic? Worth reparing?

Posts
3
Likes
0
Hello

I recently found on old Omega watch of my father, that my mom gave to him years ago, and I was wandering if it's something interesting.

You'll find the photos attached.

I am not an expert and I would like to have your opinions about a couple of issues:

1) Does it look authentic to you?

2) What should be its reference number?

3) Those two weird dots on the dial (at 4 and 10): Are they ok? They seems odd... whats their purpose?

4) In case it's authentic, does it worth to bring it back to nicer conditions? What could be the price of the repairing? (it still works, but needs to be polished, new glass, new dial and maybe new bracelet).


Thanks in advance for any kind of help you may give me

 
Posts
23,074
Likes
51,547
It looks authentic, the reference number is inside the case-back. I think that maybe someone damaged the dial attempting to re-attach the dial feet. Because of that damage, there's really not much you can do to improve it.
 
Posts
15,174
Likes
44,556
Looks a bit rough. Dots on the dial? I suspect the dial feet (hold the dial from underneath) may have broken off at one point, and some sharp operator drilled holes through the dial in order to patch the broken feet! Externally, the watch looks rough, and I suspect it will be rough internally, also. Before you spend 10¢ on the watch, it would be smart to gather opinions on how much life remains in the bracelet. If it is as rough as the watch appears to be, it will be difficult/impossible to replace, and you have no options as to a generic replacement because of the case design. As to “is it worth restoration”? You have much fact gathering to do before you have a price to consider. After that, it is up to you as to whether it is worth it. Better examples are likely available that don’t require major intervention than what the subject watch does.
 
Posts
3
Likes
0
Thanks for your opinions.
Super appreciated.

The movement seems to work smoothly (I put it on a couple of days and it seems to work properly without any delay).

The bracelet is pretty loosing.

I would like to speak with a restoration expert in Milan to understand how much it will cost to have a new dial and a new glass at least.

It has an emotional value attached and I would like to have it back at decent conditions.
 
Posts
1,053
Likes
1,131
That dial makes this a bit rough here. As others have said those are the dial feet someone has glued on. They would bother the crap out of me, and I'd want to replace the dial.

If the bracelet is pretty worn out, wearing this on leather is not a bad idea.

That said, this is not a particularly valuable model, so you'll be spending about its value on a movement service (let alone any amount of restoration/replacement dial/etc). You'd probably be looking at a minimum of about $500 to fix it (~$300 for a service, then another $200 for a dial + crystal swap). IF this doesn't have sentimental value that makes it worth it... well, that would answer that question 😀
 
Posts
23,074
Likes
51,547
If the bracelet is pretty worn out, wearing this on leather is not a bad idea.
It's not easy to wear this model on a leather strap.
 
Posts
1,053
Likes
1,131
It's not easy to wear this model on a leather strap.
Ah shucks, I missed the reduced width 'tang' there. So you'd probably need something custom, which is ~$100 for a leather strap, though most etsy sellers will make it for you.
 
Posts
12,859
Likes
22,195
Personally if it’s an heirloom I’d get it serviced and wear it proudly. While getting it serviced, you can find out the reference number and keep an eye out for a spare dial or (more likely) a donor watch to use for the dial and perhaps bracelet.

If you’re in no rush, simply ask a watchmaker to remove the caseback to find the reference number and have it serviced after you’ve found a donor watch.

The reason I’m saying look for a donor wqtxh rather than a spare dial is that it’s incredibly hard to find spare dials and if you find one you often can’t be certain it’s correct for your specific reference number. As this isn’t a hugely valuable model you’d be as wel spending a few hundred on a donor watch.
 
Posts
313
Likes
307
Hi
I would agree with the comments above regarding repair. I would certainly start looking for a replacement dial at least. The reference for these is 166.099, Calibre 1481.

Regards
Chris
Edited:
 
Posts
1,480
Likes
5,534
Agreed with the above on dial feet.
But it's still a nice watch with high sentimental value, after a good service it deserves to be proudly worn.