No real sentimentality involved but if it’s likely to affect the value then I’ll get it back.

 

Most definitely will. Unless there are very very specific notes in writing not to touch the dial or hands or case during service. Like all Swiss watchmakers they will attempt to bring it to new functional spec. Which means new dial and hands which will ruin the value of this watch. They correct bezel is about 3,000 or more. They will put on a new bezel that you can buy for 100 bucks.

 

I am getting deja vu here. This the second watch this week where someone has asked about a family piece, got it opened by a watchmaker but not got a photo of the all important inner caseback markings and then sent the watch off to Omega leaving us all none the wiser and running the risk of being charged an arm and a leg to change bits that will negatively effectively the value. In this case, a new bezel is better than no bezel but if Omega feel the lume needs stabilising then the original dial and or hands may return in a plastic bag along with a hefty bill and new shiny ones fitted.

 

I’ve stopped the jeweller from sending the watch. He didn’t take a photo of the inner case back but I will ask for that now. He was able to give me the code off the movement which is 26552025. I believe this dates it to 1967?? Does it do anymore than that? What sort of marks should be on the case back?? Thanks for everyone’s help so far, appreciated!

 

Did he mention another number like 145.012?

 

No just the one starting 265. I’ve asked him to photograph the in side of the case back so will hopefully have that tomorrow.

 

It'll likely be a 145.012-68, those are all 26,55X and have the flat bottom chrono hand. As already noted, the dial has been swapped for a 105.003 dial at some point in its past, hence the lack of Pro text. It will have been produced around Nov-Dec 1967.

 

That’s the confusing bit as my Dad bought it new and hasn’t had any work done on it. He broke it in about 1970 and it hasn’t been used since. The watch still keeps time but the stop watch is buggered. I can’t work out why it has an earlier face!

 

Its strange alright. Maybe it came that way and had already had work (would the NAAFI have sold a second hand watch?) or maybe he has forgotten that it had a service sometime in the '70s. Back then these weren't valuable or even fashionable and often watchmakers worked on several at a time. Parts from similar watches have been known to be put back into the wrong cases back in the day. Or maybe the original dial got damaged and the watchmaker found a suitable replacement.

The dial on it is valuable, maybe £2-3K or more. The problem is, the correct dial is only a little less valuable at £1-2K. I think the suggestion of finding a bezel and living with it as is may be best.

 

I don’t want to change anything on it. An appropriate bezel and bracelet and fully functional is all I’m after.

 

As they had mentioned before I would send it to Simon Freese here in the UK. He can sort it for you.

 

Finally managed to get a picture of the inside of the case back. Also found V3131 inscribed on the rear of the case. Any thoughts on these?

 

Am I crazy, or does the lug in the above "V3131" shot not even look like the same asymmetric case as the previous photos? Where is the large flat triangle at the end of the lug in the previous photos? Those lugs look straight.

Are the V3131 photos older photos of the watch?

 

The photos are all taken within the last few weeks, same case.

 

Above are the rest of the photos from the jeweller

 

interesting heirloom. clean it, restore it (get experienced advice from our OF experts), and wear it in good health.

 

That's a great watch you've inherited from your father, the 145.012 reference is the same reference as was worn on the moon.
I'd get it sent to Simon Freese for a sympathetic service, where original parts are retained.
Then get a nice strap or a period correct bracelet and wear it.

 

That’s hopefully the plan!

 

What are the challenges sourcing a correct DON bezel? There seems to be a few out there but how can I tell if they’re authentic? I understand there are brand new replacement DON bezels and am concerned that I could get tricked into spending a fortune on one that is pretending to be vintage!