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Omega F300Hz inherited from grandfather. Need help

EpicTech
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Hi folks, after finally finding the key to the lockbox, I was able to open the collection of watches my grandfather left me. I'm an avid watch enthusiast, so I thought I would ask here for some help. I have been looking online with dismal results. The watch is a vintage Omega F300hz, in good working order. It was of course sized to my grandfather's wrist, and is too tight for me. It needs like another two links added, or I need another replacement band. The watch itself is somewhat dirty around the edge of the crystal, and the crystal itself is laden with fine scratches all over. It is still visible/readable, however. I have also noticed that the lume seems to not work anymore. Not surprised after 15+ years locked away in a dark box. I would like to get another original band, crystal, and figure out how to clean up that edge around the crystal, and if possible, fix the lume. I have already tried alcohol wipes and not experienced enough to know what kind of polish to try. The watch obviously means a lot to me, and I would like to make it period correct again. I will add some photos when I am not at work. The original band is stamped:

Omega bracelet 1069 nr 12 - 20 micron - gold plated. ​



Thanks in advance.
 
Archer
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Spare links are available from Omega - part number is 114LX1069.
 
EpicTech
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Thanks Archer, however my search in Google told me this:

Because this is a vintage component, it is highly recommended to seek out specialized watch part dealers, as it is no longer sold directly by Omega.
 
Archer
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EpicTech EpicTech
Thanks Archer, however my search in Google told me this:

Because this is a vintage component, it is highly recommended to seek out specialized watch part dealers, as it is no longer sold directly by Omega.
I looked it up directly on the Omega Extranet. Personally, I'll take Omega's own system over Google, but that's just me... 😉
 
amuscare87
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EpicTech EpicTech
I would too, but I didn't know an Omega extranet existed.

Believe it’s only available to omega certified watchmakers
 
Archer
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amuscare87 amuscare87
Believe it’s only available to omega certified watchmakers
Correct. AD's would have access as well.
 
EpicTech
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amuscare87 amuscare87
Believe it’s only available to omega certified watchmakers
Thanks, so back to Google search lol. So far I have found two watchbands that are 1069's. They are a bit more expensive than I expected. Maybe I can find a couple links.
 
Porteroso
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What would you think about a photo focused on the dial? Love seeing these.

And I did not understand your reply to Archer. He gave you what you need to find links. Are you now only wanting a replacement bracelet?
 
EpicTech
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I will get a better photo of the dial, it really is quite lovely. I did find the Omega extranet, but you apparently need to be a AD or watchmaker in order to use it, as all I see is a login screen. I have no doubt they are on there though. Maybe it is easier just to find a replacement original band. If anyone can help me locate or source one, I would be very appreciative. I would like a crystal as well, or what to polish this one with. Research tells me the crystal can be two different materials. Maybe I would be better off sending it in for a restore?, because I would like the lume fixed as well.
 
Archer
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EpicTech EpicTech
I did find the Omega extranet, but you apparently need to be a AD or watchmaker in order to use it, as all I see is a login screen. I have no doubt they are on there though.
FYI - you can call a local Omega dealer and have them order the parts. Or call the local Omega/Swatch service center, and speak to the parts department. Anyone can order bracelet parts...
 
myouss
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EpicTech EpicTech
I will get a better photo of the dial, it really is quite lovely. I did find the Omega extranet, but you apparently need to be a AD or watchmaker in order to use it, as all I see is a login screen. I have no doubt they are on there though. Maybe it is easier just to find a replacement original band. If anyone can help me locate or source one, I would be very appreciative. I would like a crystal as well, or what to polish this one with. Research tells me the crystal can be two different materials. Maybe I would be better off sending it in for a restore?, because I would like the lume fixed as well.
You seem to be doing things piecemeal when what you have here is a relatively simple case. Keep it simple.

The parts you want are still available from Omega (this is a big win), so you simply need to find a competent watchmaker who can source the parts for you, and will also be able to attend to all the other details you keep on adding (polishing the crystal, a new crystal, the lume, etc).

The way you are currently going will have you spinning in different directions not going anywhere. I don't think anyone will advise you to have it relumed, but that's up to you, it's your watch. You could try some polywatch on the crystal and see if it works for you, or have it replaced. Again, up to you. A replacement bracelet (if available) will be very expensive, and I don't see a need to do that. But that's up to you.

Your blurry photos dont really show clear dial details, but overall the watch appears to be in nice shape and simply needs extra links to fit you. Perhaps a clean (not polish), I can't tell from the photos.

Overall I think you're overcomplicating it, and should focus on finding a reliable and trusted watchmaker to take care of the relatively simple task to get it to a nice place where you could wear it and enjoy it.
 
EpicTech
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myouss myouss
You seem to be doing things piecemeal when what you have here is a relatively simple case. Keep it simple.

The parts you want are still available from Omega (this is a big win), so you simply need to find a competent watchmaker who can source the parts for you, and will also be able to attend to all the other details you keep on adding (polishing the crystal, a new crystal, the lume, etc).

The way you are currently going will have you spinning in different directions not going anywhere. I don't think anyone will advise you to have it relumed, but that's up to you, it's your watch. You could try some polywatch on the crystal and see if it works for you, or have it replaced. Again, up to you. A replacement bracelet (if available) will be very expensive, and I don't see a need to do that. But that's up to you.

Your blurry photos dont really show clear dial details, but overall the watch appears to be in nice shape and simply needs extra links to fit you. Perhaps a clean (not polish), I can't tell from the photos.

Overall I think you're overcomplicating it, and should focus on finding a reliable and trusted watchmaker to take care of the relatively simple task to get it to a nice place where you could wear it and enjoy it.
Finding a watchmaker is probably the way to go here. I have basic tools, but not familiar with much more than sizing a bracelet.
 
sathomasga
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EpicTech EpicTech
Finding a watchmaker is probably the way to go here. I have basic tools, but not familiar with much more than sizing a bracelet.
Although the tasks the OP mentions are basic enough for any competent watch maker, it's worth noting that this watch has a somewhat unique tuning fork movement. My understanding is that fully servicing such movements requires both specialized equipment and uncommon expertise. It might be worthwhile for the OP to send the watch to such a specialist even for simple tasks, just in case it turns out that more complicated interventions are recommended. A search of the forum for "tuning fork service" should turn up some good recommendations. Rob Berkavicius is frequently recommended (I've used him for my f300Hz Seamaster), as is Jarett Harkness, and several others.
 
malilis
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Hello ! Apart from all the other aspects, it seems to me you need first a thorough service .. it's kind os special these fork movement .. you need somebody able to do it .. from France it would be easy to reach my German specialist Theo !
 
HamDoctor
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I can second the recommendation for Theo here in Germany. The work he does is really great. I have had several watches done by him in the past - including two tuning fork watches, one of them an Omega - and I was really happy with what he does.
 
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