Omega Genève Calendar 2982 - Advice on Restoration

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired this Omega Genève Calendar automatic (1960s, I believe ref. 2982, though I have not yet confirmed the exact caliber).

My goal is not to sell it - I would like to wear the watch daily, but without unnecessarily harming its originality or collector value.

Current condition:
• It is running well
• Keeps time properly
• The date changes correctly when adjusted manually
• The date does not advance automatically at midnight
• Dial shows visible patina (spots and creamy tone)
• Acrylic crystal is heavily scratched
• Gold-colored case shows significant wear on the lugs (appears to be gold plated)
• Unknown service history

Main questions:
1. Would you recommend a full movement service even though it is currently running?
2. Is the non-advancing date typically a simple issue (dry lubrication / tired spring), or could it indicate something more serious?
3. Since it appears to be gold plated, would you suggest:
• Light cleaning only?
• Or re-plating?
4. I personally like the dial patina - would you keep it original, or consider refinishing?

My intention is to:

✔ Service the movement if necessary
✔ Replace the crystal
✔ Make it reliable for daily wear
❓ But avoid damaging originality

What would be the most sensible approach in your opinion?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Does the date advance slightly after midnight? It’s usual for the date change to happen slight before or after.

That said, if it were me I wouldn’t spend more money restoring this watch unless it has sentimental value. The case has some pitting and has been polished past its gold plating. Dial is also very tired. I love these old geneves but you'd be better off wearing this as is, and save for a nicer example.

Thank you for your input, I really appreciate it.

Just to clarify, the date does not advance automatically at all. It only changes when I adjust it manually via the crown. Around midnight there is no movement of the date wheel whatsoever.

Regarding the case, could you please explain how you identified that it has been polished past the gold plating? I’m still learning, so I’d really appreciate understanding what signs to look for.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your opinion, it’s very helpful.

On the top right lug, you can see there is a silver-ish base metal showing. There’s also deep black spots all around the watch, so this is likely pitting in the case (not just something on the surface).

If you look at other examples of cursive Geneves, you will also see that the bezel and case should have sharp facets on the edges. So the one you have is polished. For example, here’s one I found online - notice the facets on the edges of the bezel, which is missing in your example.

Regarding the date change, maybe someone damaged the mechanism by using the quickset date it too close to midnight. Not sure how easy the fix is or if this is even causing the issue, so will defer to other forum members.

Well at least you have solid gold markers.. at least that is what they used to be on the first and second series Omega Genèves of this type.
You case is not only polished through its plating it’s almost made into a C shape Omega.

To bad for the pitting on your dial, I love these two tone dials. But maybe someday even this patina becomes en vogue. That case is just shot frankly.