All,

So sorry for the lack of information in this post, but here's what I know right now.

When my grandfather retired from his job at Continental Can, he was given an Omega watch. It's gold, with a gold band. However, at the time of his death it wasn't running and the band had detached from the watch face. He wanted me to have the watch and my mom took it to a jeweler. They sent it on to Omega for repair.

However, I had previously said I'd really only wear the watch if I replaced the band with a leather band. As it is, it's just too gaudy for me. (no photo, because it's now at Omega). Apparently the jeweler though that was obscene. He told my mom it is a really valuable watch (4K?) and that I'd be hurting the value if I did that.

Thoughts? I don't was to destroy a great watch, but I don't see the merit in having it sit in my drawer.

Thanks.

 

Welcome JT, we look forward to seeing the photos when your watch comes back from Omega !

You've gotten this the old fashioned and most expensive way, sorry for your loss

Continental Can thought highly of your late grandfather and he kept the watch as they presented it so maybe you can consider doing the same ?

Fear not however, if you want to install a leather band its pretty easy with a $20 tool, some of us enthusiasts change straps more often than clothes



http://www.astrojewelry.com/product/156899/bergeon-spring-bar-tool/

Ask the jeweler what size lugs your watch has in millimeters, leather straps are equally affordable and easy to get



http://www.amazon.com/Hadley-Roma-MSM717LB-200-Crocodile-Grained/dp/B005EJGSL2

If you decide to use leather you can just store away the gold bracelet in case you ever have a change of heart . . .

 

Bands are a matter of taste. I would put your favorite strap on the watch and enjoy it as it was meant to (vs. stored in a. Drawer).

the tricky part might be finding a strap that case/dial color combo.

 

Taking a bracelet off and putting it away somewhere while you wear the watch on a strap does nothing to the value of the watch. It's now your watch, so wear it as you want to.

Cheers, Al

 

Possibly some sort of integrated bracelet? Maybe thats what elicited the strong reaction from the jeweler?

 

first of all, contact omega or whoever has your watch now, not to touch the gold band. (only if it is a gold band and not a goldplated one) just have them fit it to the head again, but NOT replace/polish/tighten etc. anything. you will loose the value. that has to be done by a specialist, like Michael young. and have them give you a cost estimate. very good to know beforehand, what they charge. do not find yourself in a situation, where the service/bandfixing costs you $ 1500, that you do not have. and then they tell you, they will buy it off you for cheap....kind regards. achim

 

I am in love with my new 18k on leather! I say go for it.... Plus like Archer said, keep the other band in good condition, and wear the leather one. It's your watch, do as you please

 

I would be shocked if Omega would steal a solid gold watch bracelet. I don't think there's anything to worry about.

And, unless the bracelet is integral to the case (some of them are), you can take the bracelet off and wear a leather strap. Looks aside, if it IS sold gold (doubtful), it won't get all scratched up if it's in your drawer and there's a leather strap on the watch.

Tom

 

Interesting my grandfather was a machinist at Continental Can in Chicago. He never got a watch, but then again I don't know how long he was there. But I did find some of his pay stubs in his old tool box.

 

Your jeweler is crazy. First the vakue if the watch, a song as you keep the band safe, will not change and even increase as you're avoiding any wear on the original bracelet. Ironically many collectors swap the original bracelet right away for that reason. It's not like you're throwing it away.

Second, many of us, as mentioned before, many of us change straps all the time. My strap and bracelet collection is larger than my watch collection. Each time input a new strap is like getting a new watch.

Lastly, many classic gold watches, specially dress watches, came on leather.

 

why on earth would you think, omega could "steal" a bracelet from a watch, that came to them ? the original post was not very clear, if the local jeweller sent it to omega in the country or to the factory or whatever....is it back/still with omega/did it ever went to omega? the point is, the factory would do everything to bring it back to good working condition. if that means part replacement of a gold band, they will do that and charge accordingly. that will not only affect the collectors value, but your wallet as well. that was the point of caution. kind regards. achim

 

The watch was taken to a local fine jeweler and they sent it to Omega for repairs. I believe the comments on not changing the band came from the local shop. After talking with my mom, she contacted Omega and asked them to send it back without repairs so that I can take a good look at it (and take photos) and decide how to proceed. Thanks so much!

 

Actually if you do a search for presentation watches with this company's name, several can be found. They have the company logo, an inscription on the back, and most are pretty similar looking- a gold filled case and leather band. I wonder what this gentleman did at the company that he received a watch which seems to be a cut above the rest that were awarded?

I would assume from a collector's point of view, the company logo on the dial would depreciate the value of the watch, although it carries sentimental value I'm sure.