Hello All,

My first post here! I’m requesting guidance On servicing my Omega Chronostop Seamaster and acquiring suitable replacement straps or bracelets - new or vintage. This watch was given to me by my father over 35 years ago and has been unused and unserviced since.

I plan to start wearing it and would like to know if it’s recommended to leave the exterior “as is” (which I think is the case)?

Other than NATO, what straps and bracelets are being used with this model?

Happy to provide any additional detail if needed.

Thank you!

 

First, before you start wearing this watch you will want have it serviced. After 35 years the lubricants have dried up. Running it without good oil will hurt the movement. Plus the tachy bezel is loose and moved counterclockwise; the 60 should be right at the top. If you share with us your general location perhaps a suggestion of a good watchmaker will be forthcoming.

When I get to my other computer I'll post some pictures of mine. But it's a 22mm width if I recall correctly.

 

Oh, and "collectors" like the case as is generally. Some folks want a newer looking piece. Yours has certainly been worn with gusto.

Personally I would leave it as is. I'd get a new crystal, though.

 

I wondered if the crystal is ok to replace or original preferred; I understand the need if it’s damaged however.

I’m located in Florida and I have been speaking with Ashton Tracey about servicing.

Thank you for the feedback!

 

In general, replacement of crystal, crown, crown tube are part of a service when you send to Omega, and many independents will also recommend same because they want to restore the watch to original water resistance specifications.

It's up to you to decide what your goals are. Some people decide they want to keep the honest wear. Others decide they want to have the watch restored as new.

Omega servicing has some advantages but if you would rather preserve the honest wear, then an independent watchmaker is indeed your best choice.

Tom

 

A good independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account should be able to get this thing up to snuff. Some recommend a crystal replacement, I have had very good luck with my guy doing a wet-sand to get some of the deeper scratches out and it doesn’t compromise the crystal (as long as they don’t sand it so thin as it becomes weak). Even polywatch can do miracles with the lighter scratches with a cotton ball.
As for the “patina” on the watch- it came by it honestly and it’s not in bad shape so I would opt to just keep the case as-is and have the watch maker give it a good scrub. Lovely gift from your father and worth the service and another 30 years of wearing.

 

The correct bracelet would be a 1170/625. These are not too easy to catch, especially the 625 end links.

Kind regards Max

 

I’m leaning toward and Independent watchmaker to preserve the natural wear.

From a value/collectible perspective is it devalued/less desirable if a new crystal is put in place?

Thanks for the advice Tom!

 

Wasn’t there a leather option as well? Do you know anything about it if so?

Also, what have you seen in terms of leather (or other materials) fitting for this piece? I do realize it’s subjective.

Thank you!

 

Thanks for the guidance! Does a replacement crystal typically devalue the watch?

 

Not if it's an Omega crystal.

 

Yes, a few colors (red, blue, black and others) and with a steel folding clasp.
I think I saw a red one coming by somewhere just a few days ago.

I never saw it on NATO, but that's just me.

 

I have mine on an NOS original strap which I bought from a forum member who had no use for it. The blue one is the original strap that is in reasonable condition but not perfect. Both have No.27 clasps. I also had an 1162 bracelet for it with straight end links but I did not really like it so put it back on the leather strap.

 

Regarding leather straps the 70ies came very colorful. Especially the smaler Chronostops came on leather/Corfam Rallystraps with a special folding clasp( No. 27) or even on a mesh beacelet. I would prefer a nice black rally strap with red stitching.

Kind regards Max