Hi all, many thanks for all your help so far. Gone down a but of a rabbit hole on this one. Funny how (even for total amateurs!) you can find yourself getting really sucked in once you get going! I'm sure everyone has an origin story for their own journey into this specialist area. Whatever the beginnings, I've found, in the last month or so, that for proper, consistent, independent information this forum has proven the most reliable and independent source of knowledge amidst a world (of monetary vested interests and biases) that can be hard to navigate. As was that last sentence!
I'd be further grateful if anyone has the time to post any images or specifications of original "appropriate" dials that they would look for when apprasing the coherence of a watch like my dad's. I guess a quick lesson in the basics would have relevance for anyone trying to understand the importance of originality, consistency and provenance when looking for classic/collectible Omegas etc. As opposed to the alternative: a piece that to the inexperienced/optimisitic/ uninformed "looks" good but would have obvious incompatibilities to those in the know.
The watch has been checked and tested over the last 6-8 weeks at Horological Underground in Bristol and the case and movement have been verified without any concerns or advisories.
It has a time-appropriate Barcelona stamp for the 18k gold case and the Cal. 562 movement serial number dates it to 1961. It was purchased in Cadiz by my grandfather then passed down to my father and then me. The clasp is 9k solid gold with a Birmingham anchor assay and the correct ("K") font which dates it to 1960. It has an original (to this timeframe) Omega box, though I can't tell if this was original to this timepiece or provided by the Spanish outlet which first offered it to market or an acquisition later in its history.
The crystal has been replaced by Horological Underground and it now has a more sympathetic (I'm told!) Hirsch Regent Genuine Alligator Leather strap in chocolate brown.
I'm enclosing photos of the clasp and box but obviously these are peripheral to the importance of the dial and hands.
Apologies for taking up so much time already, I really do appreciate people sharing their knowledge and expertise.
Many thanks again
