Rate me: Omega Genève

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

Hi OF,

I would first like to introduce myself. This is my first vintage Omega watch. I have been a novice watch collector for 5+ years (Seiko Diver's, Breitling Chronomat, Suunto Core) though I have always gravitated towards non-dress-style watches.

Finally, I have taken the plunge and picked up a what appears to be a pretty nice watch, and more importantly, a watch which fit my few select criteria (solid gold case, 24 jewel automatic movement, and a light colored white or silver dial (a black band is the final criterion which I will add last). Yet from all my lurking and google searching, finding info on my particular watch has proven difficult at best. So I have turned to the experts here.

From what I can gather, the watch looks to be original--less the crown. There is some obvious patina which has developed around the Ω symbol which concerns me. Also, post purchase, I have discovered what looks like it could be a potential crack around one of the the 'crown side' lugs ( look closely around the crown side lugs in the pictures ).

Basically I'm hoping to get any information about this particular watch, it's condition, and value. Also, please share what you would do to get it into better shape in terms of restoration--and NOT to create a Franken.

Additionally, one specific question is. What would be the correct crown? Where is the best place for one to source a correct replacement crown?

Thanks in advance,

Stokes

PS. The watch is in transit to me currently so the only info and photos are what I have provided.

BlackTalon · Sep 12, 2018

The lume color (moldy), the grunge on the AML, and what appears to be a lot of newer parts in the movement tell me this watch likely had an interesting past.

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

BlackTalon
The lume color (moldy), the grunge on the AML, and what appears to be a lot of newer parts in the movement tell me this watch likely had an interesting past.

I would agree. Perhaps too interesting. 😕

Here is a link to the sale.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-19...jYhWodopj0%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc

BlackTalon · Sep 12, 2018

All of that new stuff in the movement, and it isn't working right and needs to be serviced... Looks like you paid about $650 USD, and will need a couple hundred more for the service. In my opinion I think you overpaid for what you are getting, but I do not really follow the Geneves.

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

BlackTalon
All of that new stuff in the movement, and it isn't working right and needs to be serviced... Looks like you paid about $650 USD, and will need a couple hundred more for the service. In my opinion I think you overpaid for what you are getting, but I do not really follow the Geneves.

Thanks for the critical feedback.

Its also appears to possibly have a cracked case, I will have to inspect it when I receive it. However, based on the description, if the case is indeed cracked, I may have to return it--as it wouldn't match what was advertised as 'in nice condition'.

It came out to $600 USD plus shipping.

Stokes

felsby · Sep 12, 2018

Nice dial. What makes you think the case is damaged?
The crown is a bad replacement; a matching one is available, I am sure.

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

felsby
Nice dial. What makes you think the case is damaged?
The crown is a bad replacement; a matching one is available, I am sure.

If you look closely in this photo, around the left foreground lug. Starting above the left lug and ending below the left lug.

There looks like either a hair fiber or a hairline crack.

If indeed the case is cracked, this item certainly wouldn't fall into the category of 'nice condition' IMO.

Thanks for the comments on the dial. What are your thoughts on what makes it a nice one?

Stokes

felsby · Sep 12, 2018

Stokes
If you look closely in this photo, around the left foreground lug. Starting above the left lug and ending below the left lug.

There looks like either a hair fiber or a hairline crack.

If indeed the case is cracked, this item certainly wouldn't fall into the category of 'nice condition' IMO.

Thanks for the comments on the dial. What are your thoughts on what makes it a nice one?

Stokes

I think the case is fine, I couldn't spot any crack.
No rust or discoloration on the dial is a good sign. I don't know if the lume is "moldy" but the rest seems just fine to me.

connieseamaster · Sep 12, 2018

I don't think that's a crack, but a scratch in the finish. But you'll be able to tell for sure when the watch is in hand

Spruce · Sep 12, 2018

If you bought it to wear, it’s a handsome 9ct watch with a potentially accurate movement. Great arm candy!

If you bought it as a collector's piece or for re-sale, well......

Me, I’d wear it 😀

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

Spruce
If you bought it to wear, it’s a handsome 9ct watch with a potentially accurate movement. Great arm candy!

If you bought it as a collector's piece or for re-sale, well......

Me, I’d wear it 😀

Exactly, I bought it for wear. And intend on having it service and using it--so long as it wasn't sold under false pretenses.

What do you like about it? Dislikes? Ideas on restoration/repair?

Spruce · Sep 12, 2018

Service (not Omega) and new crown and strap.

This is my similar Genève

jimmyd13 · Sep 12, 2018

I hope I'm wrong but you could be in for a nasty surprise with the service cost. Just going on the state of the seal, that thing's not been opened in well over a decade. I've bought 18k versions of the same watch for a similar price.

Do some research on watchmakers local to you to keep the right side on price and then wear the hell out of it.

Stokes · Sep 12, 2018

jimmyd13
I hope I'm wrong but you could be in for a nasty surprise with the service cost. Just going on the state of the seal, that thing's not been opened in well over a decade. I've bought 18k versions of the same watch for a similar price.

Do some research on watchmakers local to you to keep the right side on price and then wear the hell out of it.

Thanks, that sounds like a good assessment. If the case is cracked then I will be looking to back out and start over.

Please keep the comments coming.

Thanks in advance,

Stokes

Stokes · Sep 13, 2018

Spruce
Service (not Omega) and new crown and strap.

This is my similar Genève

This is a very sexy setup. Thanks for sharing.

Stokes · Sep 20, 2018

The watch arrived. So I drove over to Otto Frei in Oakland and picked out a band.

I'd say its looking just like I wanted to.

Now, I need to either send it to Omega for service or find a local expert to service and source spare parts.

Anyone here living in the San Francisco Bay Area and know an Omega expert watchmaker?

stahlmotte · Oct 3, 2018

Nice Watch, but bad crown

Rochete · Oct 3, 2018

Nice Genève. Needs a real crown and a service, of course. I think the black matter on the Ω is just dirt that can be cleaned off with some care. Pricewise perhaps a bit on the high side, considering what's yet to be done.

What is a "moldy lume"?

Rate me: Omega Genève

Stokes

BlackTalon

Stokes

BlackTalon

Stokes

felsby

Stokes

felsby

connieseamaster

Spruce

Stokes

Spruce

jimmyd13

Stokes

Stokes

Stokes

stahlmotte

Rochete

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