Omega Flightmaster: Vintage Collector Discussion

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This was my father’s watch, I would like to know if I can get it working again. I’m able to wind it the hands move but, it doesn’t work. Any info on it would be a big help. Thank you

 
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There is some obvious water ingress in the crystal it seems, you want to get it dried/dealt with ASAP. Watch oils dry out and turn into 'sludge' over the years, so if it hasn't been serviced in a while, it definitely need to be done.

SO your way forward is going to be to bring it to a watchmaker (OR, send it into Omega via your local Authorized Dealer/Omega Boutique, though they might replace more parts than you'd like), and have them do a clean and service. Thanks to that water ingress, I'd very much NOT delay though, as it is very possible for the water to make repair more expensive/cause more damage.
 
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There is some obvious water ingress in the crystal it seems, you want to get it dried/dealt with ASAP. Watch oils dry out and turn into 'sludge' over the years, so if it hasn't been serviced in a while, it definitely need to be done.

SO your way forward is going to be to bring it to a watchmaker (OR, send it into Omega via your local Authorized Dealer/Omega Boutique, though they might replace more parts than you'd like), and have them do a clean and service. Thanks to that water ingress, I'd very much NOT delay though, as it is very possible for the water to make repair more expensive/cause more damage.
This watch hasn’t been worn in decades. I don’t really know the story of what happened to it. I’m located in Phoenix. I’ve talked to two repair shop and one has quoted me 850 so far. Any recommendations for a repair shop would be greatly appreciated.
 
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This watch hasn’t been worn in decades. I don’t really know the story of what happened to it. I’m located in Phoenix. I’ve talked to two repair shop and one has quoted me 850 so far. Any recommendations for a repair shop would be greatly appreciated.
I don't know any in Phoenix, but $850 sounds on the low end for a chronograph service these days. Others might come along and suggest a place, but make sure you go somewhere with an Omega parts account. Omega currently charges $1000 for a chronograph service, but that includes ALL movement parts, which can add up quickly.
 
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I don't know any in Phoenix, but $850 sounds on the low end for a chronograph service these days. Others might come along and suggest a place, but make sure you go somewhere with an Omega parts account. Omega currently charges $1000 for a chronograph service, but that includes ALL movement parts, which can add up quickly.
So that would be 1000 plus the parts cost?
I don't know any in Phoenix, but $850 sounds on the low end for a chronograph service these days. Others might come along and suggest a place, but make sure you go somewhere with an Omega parts account. Omega currently charges $1000 for a chronograph service, but that includes ALL movement parts, which can add up quickly.
Would that be 1000 plus the cost of parts?
 
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So that would be 1000 plus the parts cost?

Would that be 1000 plus the cost of parts?
Omega's $1000 is movement-parts included for no additional charge. Dial/case/etc are not included, but hands/pushers are.
 
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Omega's $1000 is movement-parts included for no additional charge. Dial/case/etc are not included, but hands/pushers are.
Ok thank you
 
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Do not send it directly to Omega. Be patient as someone will chime in with a good independent.
 
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Would highly recommend TM Watchco (Tanner Morehouse), if you're located in the US. He does an excellent job with Flightmasters–I've just had one serviced by him. His studio has an Omega parts account, so they have access to the modern OEM replacement components (which will likely be needed, as parts were likely damaged by water ingress). At the same time, they also have the expertise to ensure that the watch's character is preserved.

The watch seems to be a 145.013, the first Flightmaster model. If the pushers on the right side of the case have single dots instead of bisected dots, it may have not been serviced before. Don't have a copy of Flightmaster Only on me, so another member might be able to provide more in-depth information.
 
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I don't know any in Phoenix, but $850 sounds on the low end for a chronograph service these days. Others might come along and suggest a place, but make sure you go somewhere with an Omega parts account. Omega currently charges $1000 for a chronograph service, but that includes ALL movement parts, which can add up quickly.
Are you sure this is the cost for a full overhaul plus hands and pushers? You send them a rust bucket with a serviceable dial and case and its 1000$?
 
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Are you sure this is the cost for a full overhaul plus hands and pushers? You send them a rust bucket with a serviceable dial and case and its 1000$?
That is my understanding. I sent them a watch about a year ago and they replaced basically the whole movement in pieces, crystal, internal bezel thing(176.007).

I paid $900 for it, check out my pics elsewhere.

My understanding is the dial and case is all they would charge for.
 
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That is my understanding. I sent them a watch about a year ago and they replaced basically the whole movement in pieces, crystal, internal bezel thing(176.007).

I paid $900 for it, check out my pics elsewhere.

My understanding is the dial and case is all they would charge for.
i think I need to try that out with a rusted out 861 speedy and see what happens 😀
 
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There is some obvious water ingress in the crystal it seems, you want to get it dried/dealt with ASAP. Watch oils dry out and turn into 'sludge' over the years, so if it hasn't been serviced in a while, it definitely need to be done.

SO your way forward is going to be to bring it to a watchmaker (OR, send it into Omega via your local Authorized Dealer/Omega Boutique, though they might replace more parts than you'd like), and have them do a clean and service. Thanks to that water ingress, I'd very much NOT delay though, as it is very possible for the water to make repair more expensive/cause more damage.
It is not water, it is the gas released by the melted glass seal.
 
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Hi
You have a first generation flightmaster. With a bit of TLC that could be a lovely flightmaster. Looks all original with the original finish, just how collectors like them. Having the box is also a massive bonus. If it has the single dot yellow pushers that makes it also very attractive (as opposed to the pushes with the red/yellow). Hopefully you'll get some more suggestions of places to have the watch serviced in the US that have an Omega parts account and are sympathetic to vintage omega watches.

Regards
Chris
 
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It is not water, it is the gas released by the melted glass seal.
That was my thought as well. These degrade, and if it has not been serviced, this is the likely problem. If this were mine and I intended to wear it, I’d get a new crystal, pushers, and crown plus the service. Any watchmaker with an Omega parts account should be able to service it. I’d expect the price with parts to be in the $1200-$1500 range. I had mine serviced several years ago and had all those parts replaced then and it cost $1000.
 
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It is not water, it is the gas released by the melted glass seal.
OH! Thats a relief! I haven't seen that before!