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  1. stupotseventy Feb 9, 2014

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    Hi all,
    First post, but i've been lurking here without an account for a while. Fantastic forum I have to say.
    I'm hoping somebody can help me to identify this watch, passed to me by my father. Bought new by him in the mid/late 60's it looks speedmaster esque, but I cannot find any other details about it. He does remember it costing 5 weeks wages at the time!
    Its a manual wind, and incredibly is still working and keeps great time. The chrono is not happy though, and the hands are pretty mangled, apparently due to the crystal popping out sometime in the last 50 years.
    I'd love to bring this back to its former glory, and would welcome any advice about how best to achieve this. Should I send to Omega themselves for a repair and service, or can anyone recommend a suitable UK specialist? I'm not adverse to spending money on it, but my gut feeling is that Omega would charge me considerably more than it may be worth spending on it. Obviously the sentimental value is significant, but still I'm open to suggestions from those who know best. I'm not wanting it to return to "as new", but want it to be a fully working, honest example.
    Some pics below, including a side by side with my PO to show its size.
    Thanks for taking the time to read
    Stu
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter Feb 9, 2014

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    Congrsts on a stunning watch. First tip STOP USING IT NOW. Until it has been serviced, you are dsmaging itby wearing it.

    Dont srnd it to omega. Try STS in the UK, highly recommended.

    If you are thinking of selling, let me know ;)
     
  3. CanberraOmega Rabbitohs and Whisky Supporter Feb 9, 2014

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    I should add, yes it is speedmaster-esque asit uses the same 861 movement (guessing from theage), orit could even be a 321, the movement that went to the moon.
     
  4. stupotseventy Feb 9, 2014

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    Thanks for that. Just looking at their website now.

    Fraid it won't be for sale though ;)
     
  5. CdnWatchDoc Feb 9, 2014

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    Nice chronograph, agree with Canberra, likely a 321/861 movement. I am not sure if it is a SM model, as there are no markings on the dial or the caseback. But we all know Omega didn't play by many rules in the '60s! Any pics of the movement? It looks like a front/side loader, so don't take it apart yourself. And is that crown signed? The case looks to be in very good shape, and nice sharp lugs!! A very nice piece with parental provenance.
    Maybe it's the angle of the pics, but are the hands damaged, maybe bent? It will definitely need a service, preferably in expert hands. There are several contacts in the UK that other members have mentioned; hopefully they will chime in soon.
     
  6. stupotseventy Feb 9, 2014

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    Hi, yes the hands are in a terrible state. Minute is bent, hour is very "distressed".
    I've spent ages looking across the web and have not seen another like it. The face appears to be in good condition, but the plexiglass is very tired. I think that's why the photos make it look champagne coloured when in fact its silver.
    Crown and pusher shot below.
    [​IMG]
     
  7. mac_omega Feb 9, 2014

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    It is a veeery nice piece... very crisp!
    I suggest to have it cleaned and oiled by a good local watchmaker, have the hands replaced with matching ones, polish the crystal or better replace it with a correct one to get rid of the yellow toning.
    Thats all - and you will have a very collectible piece :thumbsup:
     
  8. stupotseventy Feb 9, 2014

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    Thanks for the kind words. Finding somebody trustworthy was my worry, but STS as suggested above look very promising.
    I'd still love to know more about it though!
     
  9. mac_omega Feb 9, 2014

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    You would have to let it be opened by a watchmaker and take some clear pictures from the movement and the inner side of the case back - then we will be able to tell you some more...
     
  10. pitpro Likes the game. Feb 9, 2014

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    Think it might be:
    321 Chronograph
    Ref. 101.010
    These "no model" were made before DeVille was put on dial in 1966
    and Ref changed to 141.010
    So maybe a 1965 model.
    Very nice with the square pusher reminiscent of 1940 and 1950 Omega Chronographs
     
  11. SpikiSpikester @ ΩF Staff Member Feb 9, 2014

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    It looks more likely to have a cal 321 than an 861. When I spoke to STS a few weeks ago, Swatch had told them they can't service 321's any more and they have to be sent to Switzerland. Best to speak to Simon Freese, who is the service manager, to check.

    In any case, I'd recommend stefan who is a watchmaker in London. He can do either a 321 or 861 for you and sort out he other cosmetic issues sympathetically and cheaper than STS. Send him a pm through the forum..
     
  12. stupotseventy Feb 10, 2014

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    Thanks for the info. Just had reply from STS stating indeed they would have to send to omega.
     
  13. stupotseventy Feb 10, 2014

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    Pitpro thank you so much. I think that model is spot on. Quite a few variants.

    Scary prices too considering it was bought new for about £45 back in the 60's