Hi and thanks for the opportunity to post a question. I was given my father's watch when he passed away in 1999. It was a retirement gift (1978) from his Mechanist's Union for 23 years of service at Teletype Corp in Chicago. When I got it, I put it in the little wooden box where he use to kept his micrometer. As a woodworker, I seldom needed the level of accuracy dad's micrometer provided, so for the last 21 years, there it stayed.

With Covid 19 keeping us all at home, I gradually began cleaning up some of my older tool boxes where I rediscovered the watch. After a few shakes, it began running again so I put it on and have been wearing it everyday for the past few weeks. Every night it dies after about 5 hours of down time on my bedside table.

I suspect I need to take it in to a reputable dealer for a cleaning, but before doing so, I was hoping to find out if there's much value in the watch. I probably have the tools to pop the back off and search for serial numbers, but I'm also old enough to know better. The only descriptors on the watch face are the words Omega and Automatic.

Any thoughts on a direction to go in? Is this a good watch or did the union boys pass off a counterfeit cheapie to my pop. I live in Portland Oregon, so eventually (if we ever get back to a normal lifestyle), I should be able to find someone knowledgeable in the area. Until then, it'd be nice to know a little more about it.

See attached, thanks again for your time, stay safe, and have a nice day.

Geostuff

 

A very nice watch with great sentimental value.

If it's been sitting for 21 years it's important to get it serviced as continued running of the movement will cause undue wear and tear. Like running a car that's been in storage for 100 years without an oil change.

Have a read of this to help identify your watch, don't worry about the fake section, yours is a genuine item.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-do-i-identify-my-vintage-omega-watch.93146/

 

Great family heirloom! It’s gold plated, but still a great piece.

If you need a watch maker in Portland I might have a lead for you. Send me a message and I can give you the details.

 

For what it's worth, I've had good dealings with Alex & Co Jewelers Watchworks, an Omega AD in Portland.
Hope they can help you out. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the advice. Dad always respected his tools. I'll stop trying to keep the watch running and will look into getting a tuneup at Alex and Co. Does the watch have a model name (like seamaster,etc.)? It does have a nice look and it feels light Any info about the history of this particular model would be nice to know, too. Have fun and be safe!

 

Some here may be able to tell you on sight, but for sure there will be a reference number on the inside of the case back that will tell the model. Don't try to open it yourself, let someone with experience and the right tools do it. I have used Kelly Hunter at Art of the Watch in Portland. He is a vintage specialist and doesn't have a store front which keeps his price reasonable.

https://artofthewatch.com/

 

Thanks for the additional information. I've since learned that a routine inspection and cleaning will likely run about $350. I was very impressed by the websites of the two local outfits referenced above. I can only imagine the technical experience that goes along must be equally great. If only money was no object.

take care...