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Omega Geneve 166.041 Blue Dial: Service & Strap Advice

166.041 automatic blue dial geneve omega vintage
J
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Hello,

I have always had a casual interest in watches. I have had (past tense) a Speedmaster Chrono and currently have a nice Seamaster Aqua Terra (220.12.41.21.03.005 for those that might be interested).

Emptying my mother in laws house I came across a vintage Omega Geneve 166.041 - Automatic, blue dial, red (maybe orange) second hand and SS case.
I know this is an entry level watch and not very valuable but I kind of like it (I have a thing for blue, hence the AT) so I'd like to keep it.

Here's the thing, it runs but likely hasn't had a service in years (possibly decades) and the crystal has some scratches, the case has been polished and it isn't the original strap. My interest is to have a nice daily lighter watch than the AT which is less valuable. I know Omega will do a very comprehensive service and will make it like new but at £650 am i being foolish? Should I perhaps just buy a watch already serviced ? Or do Omega really make them like new?

A strap question as well, I prefer a deployment clasp (which I know isn't correct for this model but I'm not trying to make a historic artefact). I assume there are deployment clasp options for 18mm straps that would fit this watch?

TIA
 
Dan S
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Why not just have it serviced by a watchmaker , buy a nice strap on a generic deployant, and wear it.
 
Spruce
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It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.
 
Dan S
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Spruce Spruce
It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.
Could be, but the 166.041 is certainly seen with blue dial and orange sweep hand.
 
J
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Spruce Spruce
It would be nice to see photos.

Just wondering, given your description of blue dial and orange sweep second hand if it’s the rarer (and more valuable) Omega Geneve Admiralty.
I havent opened it, the 166.041 description has come from research. I dont think its anything special and likely would have just put it in the contents auction had it not been a blue face

But i think its quite a pretty watch so would like to wear it. however the strap and crystal need replacing imo









IMG_0731.webp IMG_0732.webp IMG_0733.webp IMG_0735.webp
 
Spruce
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Definitely original, including the original signed buckle and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it still has the Omega badged crystal.

Nice watch but not an Admiralty.

Post where you’re living and someone should be able to recommend a local watchmaker. I’d expect that you could get it serviced for around £150 plus tax/postage.

When you get it serviced, ask the watchmaker to take photos of the movement, movement number and inside caseback.

Order some Polywatch and give the crystal a gentle polish and order a quality but inexpensive new strap on eBay or similar. Don’t discard the buckle by mistake and don’t polish the case.
 
J
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Spruce Spruce
Definitely original, including the original signed buckle and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it still has the Omega badged crystal.

Nice watch but not an Admiralty.

Post where you’re living and someone should be able to recommend a local watchmaker. I’d expect that you could get it serviced for around £150 plus tax/postage.

When you get it serviced, ask the watchmaker to take photos of the movement, movement number and inside caseback.

Order some Polywatch and give the crystal a gentle polish and order a quality but inexpensive new strap on eBay or similar. Don’t discard the buckle by mistake and don’t polish the case.
Thank you

I am in Farnborough, Hampshire (UK) but happy to travel or courier to the right person.
I set the time last night at about 9.15pm and by 8.30 this morning it was running 3 minutes behind so it 100% needs some attention.

when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?

I understand polishing the case is bad from reading through posts on here, but I assume cleaning it thoroughly (watchmaker task) is ok?
 
Peemacgee
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I think @Mitka is somewhere near you.
He’s a member here as well as a recommended watchmaker.
(IIRC he can also polish the crystal if required)
 
50kopek
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J jezbanks
when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?
I think he meant that he wouldn't be surprised if your watch still has its original crystal with the Omega badge/logo etched into it. And no need to replace it if a polish with Polywatch cleans it up nicely.
 
Spruce
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Although I haven’t used them for a couple of years, Armstrong Watch Repair in Waterlooville serviced a couple of my 165/166.041s and I was happy with the results and the price.

I’ll pm you their details
 
B
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J jezbanks
Thank you

I am in Farnborough, Hampshire (UK) but happy to travel or courier to the right person.
I set the time last night at about 9.15pm and by 8.30 this morning it was running 3 minutes behind so it 100% needs some attention.

when you say badged crystal you mean a new old stock genuine item? Any idea where to look, or is this an "ask the watch maker" type thing?

I understand polishing the case is bad from reading through posts on here, but I assume cleaning it thoroughly (watchmaker task) is ok?
Try asking J.E.Allnutt in Midhurst for a quote to get it serviced. They are extremely well respected and right on your doorstep.
Be aware though, if you're a collector their shop may be too alluring.
 
J
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50kopek 50kopek
I think he meant that he wouldn't be surprised if your watch still has its original crystal with the Omega badge/logo etched into it. And no need to replace it if a polish with Polywatch cleans it up nicely.
ah yes now i re-read it i think you are right
 
J
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Thanks everyone for their help and comments. I dropped the watch off today to a watch maker kindly recommended by a member on here for a full service. I have asked them to take pictures of the movement and any numbers. I have also stressed not to polish the case in anyway

When I get those pictures I will post them here for interest.
 
myouss
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Beautiful watch. Wise choice to get it serviced. It actually is quite desirable as far as the 166.041, the red hand and blue dial is rarer. Nice pumpkin patina on the lume.

As others mentioned, throw it on a strap that you fancy and you've got a stylish, versatile and reliable wearer. The dial will pop in the sun.
 
DON
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Did you remove the strap? Make sure you get the buckle back
 
J
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DON DON
Did you remove the strap? Make sure you get the buckle back
no I left it complete. I will check it has the buckle when it comes back of course
 
Vinz Clortho
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Yep, once you get it back from service and polish up the crystal, which is fairly easy, a new leather strap will make it a great daily wearer. Looking forward to seeing updated pics once you get it back.
 
DON
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J jezbanks
no I left it complete. I will check it has the buckle when it comes back of course
Make sure before it leaves or now before something happens that can’t be unhappened
 
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