Trying to identify my father's Omega

lakedawgs · Oct 14, 2023

Trying to identify this watch. I think my father purchased this in the late 70s or early 80s. I am almost positive the bracelet is original. Not sure why I have this memory but the crown may have been replaced at one time. A few things I noticed. On the inside of the bracelet, next to one of the lugs is the number 49. On one of the flat parts of the bracelet that fold up is the number 11-78.

Looking for any info I can find but especially what battery this watch takes. I have taken it to a couple of jewelers and they were both surprised they did not have a proper replacement battery.

Any info is appreciated.
Matt

redpcar · Oct 14, 2023

Google: omega 196.0071

Spruce · Oct 14, 2023

Or Omega cal 1342.

There are some on Chrono24

Marbleu · Oct 14, 2023

Hi, the model is late seventies some information on the caliber and battery type to be used can be found here; https://calibercorner.com/omega-caliber-1342/

lakedawgs · Oct 14, 2023

Thanks for the amazing info, this is great!
Any idea how to remove the bracelet? That one has me stumped.
THANKS!
Matt

Dan S · Oct 14, 2023

Insert a springbar tool into the notch on the back of an endlink to compress the springbar and remove it. I imagine there might just be a YouTube video demonstrating the process.

JimInOz · Oct 14, 2023

https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-329-SR731SW-Battery-Batteries/dp/B0014WRUOC

lakedawgs · Oct 14, 2023

JimInOz
https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-329-SR731SW-Battery-Batteries/dp/B0014WRUOC

Ordered a battery already! THANKS!

lakedawgs · Oct 14, 2023

Thanks to all!

I have a small collection; a couple of Citizen Eco-Drives, an amazing 1931 Bulova in like new condition and the new Timex Pan Am (I work in travel, this one is high up on my favorite list), and a couple of other cheapies that I like. Very excited to get my dads Omega working again. My parents were modest and this watch was special to my dad, so me as well.

Thanks again,
Matt

Foo2rama · Oct 14, 2023

Serial number puts it around 1977

sgk · Oct 15, 2023

L lakedawgs
Thanks to all!

I have a small collection; a couple of Citizen Eco-Drives, an amazing 1931 Bulova in like new condition and the new Timex Pan Am (I work in travel, this one is high up on my favorite list), and a couple of other cheapies that I like. Very excited to get my dads Omega working again. My parents were modest and this watch was special to my dad, so me as well.

Thanks again,
Matt

Good to see you value this heirloom. If the watch glass is plexiglass, then you could try to remove the scratches with Polywatch (just google it). Enjoy!

redpcar · Oct 15, 2023

L lakedawgs
Thanks to all!

I have a small collection; a couple of Citizen Eco-Drives, an amazing 1931 Bulova in like new condition and the new Timex Pan Am (I work in travel, this one is high up on my favorite list), and a couple of other cheapies that I like. Very excited to get my dads Omega working again. My parents were modest and this watch was special to my dad, so me as well.

Thanks again,
Matt

didn't even know about these

lakedawgs · Oct 15, 2023

redpcar

didn't even know about these

I just got one about a month ago. It is really nice.
Matt

kohster · Oct 15, 2023

wow those Timex watches do look cool. How long before a GMT version? 😀

kohster · Oct 15, 2023

Your dad's watch is awesome. Did he basically wear it forever? The uniformity and amount of wear all over speaks to a lot of activity/use, which makes sense given as you said it was special to him.

lakedawgs · Oct 15, 2023

kohster
Your dad's watch is awesome. Did he basically wear it forever? The uniformity and amount of wear all over speaks to a lot of activity/use, which makes sense given as you said it was special to him.

Yes, definitely a daily wear watch. I thought about replacing the crystal but did not want to change it's look.

redpcar · Oct 15, 2023

kohster
wow those Timex watches do look cool. How long before a GMT version? 😀

kohster · Oct 15, 2023

L lakedawgs
Yes, definitely a daily wear watch. I thought about replacing the crystal but did not want to change it's look.

Totally get that. Obviously it's up to your preferences, but you could probably get a bunch of the crystal scratches polished out pretty easily without actually replacing it. That's what I did with the Omega I got from my dad last year, and it made a huge difference in how good it looked while still preserving the slightly worn look from the case. Maybe there are some great stories associated with some of those scratches too though, in which case keep 'em around! 😀