omega

Dan S

Do not restore it to "amazing condition." Sell it as-is, hopefully with something to document the provenance if you are trying to sell it as an actual military-issued watch. Otherwise, the value is much lower because this particular reference is not terribly popular otherwise. Unfortunately, Omega is not currently issuing Extracts of the Archive. TBH, you might want to wait until you can get one before selling.

X350 XJR

Sell it as is, "restoration" will only hurt the value to most potential buyers.

Dan S

Do not restore it to "amazing condition." Sell it as-is, hopefully with something to document the provenance if you are trying to sell it as an actual military-issued watch. Otherwise, the value is much lower because this particular reference is not terribly popular otherwise. Unfortunately, Omega is not currently issuing Extracts of the Archive. TBH, you might want to wait until you can get one before selling.

Davidt

I wouldn’t even do that. Most collectors would rather buy it as-is, rather than post service.
I don’t think the date window signifies IDF issue. With lost models from this era, white/silver date disks are most common, but black are seen. Same with the 166.027 SM120.

What documentation do you have confirming IDF issue? Does it include the serial number?

seamaster-idf

I have a photograph (of course I will blur the face for obvious reasons) of the ceremony in which the watch was given to the pilot by Mr. Shimon Peres who was in the mid-1970s the Minister of Defense in Israel. Additionally in Israel (I don't know how it is in other countries) the only watches that arrived here of this model and had a black plate, and a black date display window were the only ones that the Israel Defense Forces purchased for officers in special units.

Dan S

The black date wheel is certainly consistent with an IDF watch, but not the type of proof a collector would want. An extract would be best. Without that, the value is just that of a broken SM120, IMO. Of course, you can put whatever price on it you want and a collector might take a chance on it.
Regarding a service, the dial feet will be the issue. If a watchmaker attempts to solder new dial feet, they could irreversibly ruin the dial. I would leave the restoration to someone more knowledgeable.

seamaster-idf

Regarding the authenticity of the watch, given the fact that there is a problem with verifying the serial number of Omega watches,
the photo is a significant proof that I can provide.
you will have to, at this point, accept my words that it is a pilot's watch, in the Israel Defense Forces,
because the watch has been in my home since the day it came out of its box.
So there is no reason why this is not true.
I am ready to commit that if one day it turns out that I am not accurate, I will return the full money to the buyer.
This is a commitment I am willing to give as we are the original owners of the watch and did not purchase it from someone else.

Davidt

That being the case, it’s unlikely any buyer will pay a premium based on the lack of solid provenance

Hopefully the extract process will reopen soon and you’ll be able to apply for one which comes back clearly stating “delivered to IDF”

Davidt

I understand what you’re saying. I believe it probably is correct. BUT, no one has to accept what you’re saying and pay you a premium for the watch. You’re clearing looking for a premium above a standard sm120 fit to it being IDF issued. I’m simply saying, it doesn’t work like that, very few collectors, if any will pay a premium based on your word and a picture, because they know if they ever decide to sell it, no one else will pay them a premium without solid provenance.
No one has to accept your words. It people choice whether they choose to do so, and even if they do, paying a premium for a watch where the provenance is the word of the seller is a huge leap of faith.