Met my Dad yesterday and an old Omega mil spec watch that he inherited from his uncle came up in conversation and what with me discovering this forum recently thought I ask a few questions here. As you will see from the pictures, it is in a pretty sorry state due to the fact that my Dad had dropped it some time ago. The main reason for the post is that my Dad would like to get it repaired and we are wondering if any of the UK based members here would know of a skilled an trusted person in the SW of England? I have seen almost identical pieces on this and other sites, so know that it's not exactly rare but would like to know a little about it if possible. Dad's uncle was in the British Army as an National Serviceman so I doubt he would have been issued the watch as I have seen it referred to as an RAF pilots watch from 1953 on another site - so it's anyone's guess how he came to have it and a shame we will never truly know. Apologies for the quality of the photos as they were taken in a hurry with an iPhone and don't include one with the case back removed.
I believe STS is the vintage repair shop of choice. I'm not from the U.K. But many members are and STS is a favorite.
STS are superb and omega endorsed, John Senior at obsolete watches also does excellent work on these and I've seen him work wonderson these 53's Nice watch and quite a special omega
Very nice Omega "Fat Arrow" '53. I would take this one to John Senior at Obsoletewatchparts. Will be done right, and probably less expensive than STS.
+2 John Senior. He's the go to guy for most everyone on the Military Watch Forum. Youll find him here: http://www.obsoletewatchandclockparts.com/ It may look "in a sorry state" but it's a quite straightforward repair job.
Just my 10p worth, the scribbles on the back match the story of Raf. 6b is the destination for a watch sourced by that branch. As for how your uncle ended up with it is pure speculation. Could be that Aaf, chopper pilot issue. The person responsible for his unit cross bought resources, army sourced from raf stock. Card game. Bought in a naafi. Traded for socks. We will like never know. But without a doubt worth fixing. Please come back with pictures in 2 to 3 months. Yes just set your expectations the good guys have lot of work to do for us nutters. Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk
Thank you all for the advice and recommendations. I'll be contacting John Senior in the coming days to start the ball rolling. Will of course return and post photos of it once it's been completed. Thanks again
Well it's back! Many thanks to all who suggested I go to John Senior - as you can see he has worked his magic. My Dad has given the watch to me as he could see how excited I was to breathe new life into it, going to wear it daily I think, as it was built for a tougher job than what I do! Thanks again for the advice guys.... Wazza
Thanks for posting the photos. Mr John Senior has yet again done a great job. You could share it with your Dad. If you visit on a regular basis. Or just let him have whilst you're back. I'm sure he would enjoy it too. Alternative send it to me in London . Dibs if no-one has, I'll get a cheeky one two DIBS combo. Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk