first post here, please be gentle. my dad gave me his old seamaster chrono that he bought in 1971. I want to get it restored/serviced, but I don't know where to start. It works, but it's like 7 minutes fast per day. The chronograph works as well. I'm guessing it's a 145.018 with an 861 movement. Does this sound correct? I haven't opened the case and don't have the tools to do so. I'm in the Dallas area. Any suggestions or guidelines to follow?

ETA: I was able to open the case. It is model 145.018

 

great watch! I don't know about in the Dallas area but there are a couple of places that can keep it as original as your dad had it and make it a joy to wear. I think on this forum there are recommendations as well.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum. You have come to right place for answers. Can you provide a better picture? and more of them.

 

It's kind of hard because the crystal is so scratched. The case and dial seem to be in ok shape.

 

Scratched crystal doesn't matter we need close-ups of the watch all sides.

 

I'm in Dallas. That's not a repair I can handle, but check with Ron Burton at Timely Classics:

www.TimelyClassics.com

He doesn't repair watches himself, but he handles a ton of vintage watches including vintage Omegas and is conscious of the benefits of originality. He can likely point you to someone who can do a good "vintage" restoration of your watch.

 

http://www.abcwatchwerks.com/index.html
http://www.lawatchworks.com/service.html
Both of the shops have very good reputations for vintage watch repair and restoration. They will restore while maintaining its originality. This is very important!.

 

Updated op with a better pic of dial

Here's a couple more:

 

You might have to wait until tomorrow for some recommendations in the Dallas area. The two I posted are good shops but you will have to send it to them for estimates. Seems like a hassle but it is not that bad if you send USPS priority box with insurance. Search the forum for feedback on them.

 

Thanks very much for your help!

 

https://shop.analogshift.com/products/omega-seamaster-chronograph-1
It might be tempting but I would think long and hard before you consider polishing your watch. I can have a detrimental affect on the value.

 

Yes for sure. I think it looks great for its age. I just want a new crystal and a new pusher. Does it have to be an omega crystal? Does that really matter? This is the kind of stuff I don't really have a clue on.

 

I think it should be Omega, definitely. Cost a few bucks more but you want originality. Your watch is potentially worth a couple thousand dollars.

 

Noted. Do most watchmakers use omega parts when performing a service like this?

 

If they can source them. I haven't had any issues. Just make sure you tell whomever not to polish the case.

 

Using genuine crystals is often not just for the sake of originality, but also because of function. Many generic crystals do not have the proper geometry needed to have the dial/movement seat properly inside the case.

I would make sure that whoever you give this to does a good amount of vintage work, and has an Omega parts account. I would not limit yourself to the immediate area either if no one there meets your criteria.

 

Is $550 plus parts reasonable?