This story's a few months late, but given the timescales involved here, I think that's okay.

My father is in his 70s and lives abroad. A couple of years ago when he visited, he mentioned that he had my grandfather's old watch that was broken somewhere. He said he'd bring it over next time he visited. I was like "okay, cool" and took it more as him trying to bond with me through my interests than it was the chance for some awesome vintage find. Figured it would be some deab, beat up uninteresting piece. At best, I was mildly excited to be getting a trinket to remember my grandfather by, since I hardly did.

A couple of visits, my dad kept forgetting. Finally earlier this year, I had to go home for a wedding and because my father had surgery. We almost forgot about the watch, only remembered the day before I was to leave.

Here's what I got:





One missing lume plot. Maybe a hairline crack on the left side of the crystal. And a whole host of issues in what I think should be a 500 series movement. But otherwise... <3 It's soooo good. And it's my grandfather's! Another one for the Never Sell bucket.

Now to find a decent vintage Omega watchmaker in Texas

 

Is there decent anything in Texas?

Only teasing, one of the best business trips I've ever been on was the week I spent in Austin. The music scene there is bar none.

 

This will have a cal 1020.

 

Thanks! That's helpful.

 

Bob Ridley is often recommended. http://www.watchmakers.com

 

Very cool piece with great sentimental value.

I’ll PM you the name of a great TX watchmaker. Bob or Philip Ridley have already been mentioned, but they are probably overkill for your watch.

 

Wow, issues or not what a pleasant surprise. Wear it in good health!

 

Other than beautiful landscapes, beautiful women, great food, and wonderful people, not much...

 

NFW!!!!

Wow

 

Very nice looking watch but as I posted in the Zenith forum a while back, nothing beats a watch with sentiment and connection to a loved one.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/my-most-valuable-zenith.84408/

 

I hear they only do Rolex now.

 

I talked to Bob about 6 months ago and he was willing to take on a UG 881101/3...maybe they’ve since changed their M.O.?

 

Possibly .. I recall a discussion where they had focused. Their website changed and someone had had a conversation with the son perhaps?