My parents recently found my grandfather's Omega Speedmaster while cleaning out some long-forgotten boxes.

Lucky me, being his namesake, they gave it to me for my birthday in September. As it needs work, I took it to Govberg Jewelers in Philly for an estimate on a repair. After sending it off to the Omega factor for an inspection, I was given the following info:

Complete Maintenance Service (mechanical and automatic)

A Complete Maintenance Service includes:
* Complete disassembly of the watch case, bracelet, and movement.
* Inspect movement parts for wear
* Replace all worn or rusty movement parts with genuine replacement parts
* Ultrasonically clean all movement parts
* Reassemble and lubricate using recommended lubricants
* Electronically calibrate the movement and reinsert into the case
* Inspect and replace gaskets
* Pressure tested
* Time test for accuracy

New hand kit: Included with service.
-Hands are flaking and worn out.

Refinishing will be completed to the best possible condition.

Total amount required is $985 plus 8% tax.

Optional work: Additional to the total required amount above.


-New Black dial: $285
-Luminous material on the dial faded and discolored.


Two year warranty included with the service. Estimated completion date is 9-12 weeks from the approval date.

If repair is declined there will be a shipping and handling fee of $75 plus 8% tax.

As I don't have $1300+ floating around, I declined the repair/restoration. The watch does run, and the stopwatch function works, but that's it. The bottom button doesn't respond to pressing. An appraisal would be included if I opted for the repair, but that sounds kind of weird.

I'm sure I could just get it appraised for current value, correct? I'm not even sure of the year and I don't want to open the case to find it. I'm guessing it's a '69 or '70, based on info I've found regarding the back of the case. He passed in '80 so that would be about right for when he bought it. I also have found that this is a "ladies" band on the watch, which seems right for my grandfather as he had "dainty" wrists (my mom's words, not mine).

I've attached a couple of pics. If anyone could suggest where I begin in terms of information, that would be great.

If anyone can offer advice on a reputable place to go in/near Philly that could do a trustworthy and reasonable appraisal, that would be great! I'd love to get it repaired/restored eventually as well, but is the price quoted above fair?

Thanks in advance,
Alan

 

Absolutely do NOT let Omega work on your grandfather's watch. The cosmetic replacements and refinishing will have a negative impact on the value of the watch, not that you would ever part with such a treasure.

Get the watch back and have the work done by an independent watchmaker who is familiar with vintage Omegas. I'm sure members can give you some recommendations.

 

Yes absolutely no service from Omega. They will ruin it with service parts. Photo not very good but looks like it just needs a movement service and a polishing of the crystal but let the dial and hands be and don’t polish the case. Those were the ones that your grandfather looked at, so should you in my opinion. Watch looses much of its charm (and value for that sake as mentioned above) when parts are replaced.

 

It's a 145.022-69 "straight writing" with a lovely original bracelet.

Never mind the fact that you don't have the funds right now, carting out that kind of work will have a negative effect on value, originality and most importantly break the link with your grandad to a degree.

Ideally you want to look down on the same dial, hands and bezel that he did, as well as preserving, not polishing out, the decades of wear and scratches that he added to it.

An ultrasonic clean of the case and bracelet with full movement service from a watchmaker sympathetic to vintage watches is what you need.

 

Lovely watch and heirloom by the way.

 

This is just the info I was looking for. If anyone has a trusted jeweler/watchmaker in the Philadelphia area who can do the work, I'm open to suggestions! My parents also have a guy they trust in Montclair NJ (Wesley Jewelers) who has always done fantastic work for them but due to the vintage of this watch, I'm not sure.

 

Wait a bit for more people to chime in. I am sure someone will come along and comment later today or tomorrow who can suggest a trusted watchmaker not too far from you. Good luck with the watch and wear in good health!!

 

I would go to Govberg and ask for Israel in Customer Service. Have him hook you up with Manny , the head watchmaker of their service department. Manny is a long time Omega Specialist. Have him do or at least direct the service for your Cal.861 Speedmaster. Do not polish your watch or replace the dial or hands. They may have to replace the pushers for a proper pressure test. Also have them return any and all parts that they may have replaced. Then enjoy a great classic, very collectable timepiece for years to come in good health.

Considering the value of your watch and bracelet, you'd be hard put to make a better $1,000. investment that you'll enjoy every day.

 

Hello mate. Lovely 145.022. Go with the advice a above. Don't send it to Omega! Regarding the bracelet: the 516 end links suggest a 1039 bracelet, which would be correct for this Omega Speedmaster reference.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-speedmaster-bracelet-chart.29051/

 

Which Govberg location, Center City?

 

Let me know if your ever in south Florida. My watch maker will have your caliber 861 in top shape for under 500.00 and respecting all of its original attributes.

 

I would call and ask for Israel in Customer Service. I'm sure he'll tell you which location to take your watch.

 

That's a beautiful find and something to absolutely treasure. Definitely do NOT polish it and listen to these guys in the thread above; I've been learning a ton from them.

 

Beautiful watch, and echo what everyone else has said - bar merchanical service and polishing the crystal, don’t do anything else definitely dont polish the case or change hands and ask for all parts back and then enjoy wearing it - and polishing the crystal will likely make a huge difference - my inherited Straight Writing says hello!

 

I join in the chorus, don't go for an official service. That's a lovely watch and heirloom to have on the wrist, congrats!

 

As others have already commented, absolutely do not let Omega servicecthe watch and replace parts on it.

I would also add that I would not let a “Jeweler” touch this watch either.
Every time I hear/read the word “Jeweler” in the same sentence with “vintage watch” it just makes my skin crawl...

This watch should only go to a skilled watchmaker/shop that specializes in vintage watches.

Do not get stuck with only looking for someone locally
You should not be afraid of sending the watch out to the right person/shop to work on it even if they’re in another state.

 

Man, omega is still running this racket huh. I don't understand why they don't have a "vintage" service option with a little common sense thrown in. And for $1300. That's just adding insult to injury. Thank god you asked here first, how many people dont..........

 

I'll be taking the watch to a local watch repair in Montclair NJ when I go home for thanksgiving. Confirmed with the owner they have an Omega parts account and he also did the work on my (then) father's (now mine) Girard Perregaux before he gave it to me as a gift several years ago.

I'll post pictures one she's in top working order again! Thanks for all the advice, gang! Really helpful!

 

“Do not polish the case, do not change the dial, hands or bezel. Do not relume or clean the dial. “

Make sure they are 100% onboard and this is written on the work order.

 

I already have my notes:

Movement service

Polish crystal

Ultrasonic cleaning (NOT polishing) of case and bracelet

Adjust bracelet to my wrist

Ken has been working on my dad’s watches for years and will adhere to the instructions I give him.