Omega Seamaster 1967 Gold Plated - Seeking Restoration Advice for Damaged Lugs on Inherited Watch

Posts
1
Likes
0
Help! I have my Fathers Seamaster auto gold fill I believe. He gave it to me when I turn 16/17. He bought a Rado I think it’s was call. And handed it to me.its such a great watch and is engraved with his name company and Logo 20 years.
I keep care of it until I brought it in one day to a jeweler for a new band. To my young fellow surprise they had pinched the lugs to fit the band!! I was 17 what did I know? I couldn’t tell my Pop he loved watches. I wore it but I was sick each time I looked at so I stopped wearing it when I was 20 and had always felt awful about it. Pops did end up getting Omega Contellion I think they are called S/S and gold one for him and one for Mom. As I got older and I appreciated fine watch’s like my Father. In my thirty’s I took the Omaga in to watch repair person Rolax certified guy, I asked about cleaning and oil and polish the crystal. And was it possible to repair the case some how. I left it and came back the next week and he told me there was nothing he can do something major had to replace and that was not worth the cost and I would have to get a new case which was hard to fine new then. I still have it in the envelope he gave back to me and some scrabble that he wrote on it . My Father pass away 10 years ago when he was 86. I never told him about the Omaga .I got to thinking after watching a few fine gentleman who fix these watch’s that look like hell!! And then there they are ticking . So I got to thinkinking of my Pops Omaga the only thing I have of The Oldman many some tools!! Family’s !!! Is it possible to fix the lugs or would I have to find a new case or used.
Used on eBay looks like hit or miss and not cheap and I wouldn’t know what size I would need. If I did fine one !
I would love to get it repaired it always kept the best time and I got lots of compliments.Up to the time I stopped wearing it at my age of 21. What could have happened in 9/10 years sitting in my jewelry box. And is there anybody out there who I can send it to that’s honest reasonable and speculatized in this make of watch? I hope maybe I can get some idea of cost or maybe I good Omaga Man
Thank so much Pau lAnthony
 
Posts
215
Likes
232
Definitely need pictures, but if it was bent once, it could be bent back and probably end up looking perfect. Cost might be an issue. That said, it is not a job for the feint of heart, so you need to find a really well regarded watchmaker who is capable of it.

Rolliworks is a watch shop in the LA area (IIRC?) that is willing/able to take on big jobs from what I'm told, but I don't know where you are located if there is anyone local to you to fix it. I can't dream of estimating the cost without pictures/location.

I wouldn't replace the case. I would spend the money to fix it if at all possible.
 
Posts
11,560
Likes
20,232
We’re going to need pictures and your location. It’s no good people suggesting watchmakers in the UK if you’re in Germany
 
Posts
1,977
Likes
1,211
Best to find a good goldsmith. If gold filled. They need to be careful as it’s not solid gold and too long or too hot could damage the thin gold layer.

It’s easier to pinch in as care is not of importance. Trying to bend them back into place is where things go wrong.

The style of lugs is also of importance. Thin lugs could snap off vs. thick lugs which can weather the bend

Post pics if you can and make sure the person you take it to can do the job. Don’t take maybes. Either yes or no
 
Posts
20,905
Likes
47,854
Without photos, the best I can do is to give you a referral. It's a pretty specialized job, but I'm assuming that the watch is already in pretty poor condition and you don't need perfection. Try Peter Wuischpard. Good luck.
https://www.watchcaserepair.com/