Vintage Omega Geneve Automatic Help

Franco

The combination of the gold colour with the steel back was very much used in gold plated watches, where the steel back offered more resistance to corrosion in an area at contact with skin. Given the marking between the lugs, would say 20 microns plated. A Geneve automatic probably contained a 563 or 565 movement, and probably dated somewhere in the 70s.

Would advise to go to a good independent watchmaker, not an Omega center. Parts can be found, and will be able to open it plus take images of moVement and inside back.

As for price, I am hardly an expert. But given that the bracelet is an aftermarket cheap item, would say the value lies in the 300-350 range. Worth to be serviced if you want to use a family piece, may be less importantif you want to sell. Note the gross damage caused by that bracelet on the lugs, hence the lower value.

Franco

Would advise to go to a good independent watchmaker, not an Omega center. Parts can be found, and will be able to open it plus take images of moVement and inside back.

L Looch

Thanks! Maybe you have some insight into this question too: I want to replace the cheap band with an Omega band, does it matter if I choose leather or metal? I was talking with a person at an Omega boutique and they said not to use metal because it wont support the body? Not sure if that makes sense or not.

jeppe888

first and foremost i think you should go to a watchmaker so he can open the case - it will help a lot
it looks like a nice watch and to inherit a watch is always a good memory.
if you are going to wear the watch a lot i think you should get it serviced.

SkunkPrince

I'm actually thinking factory service for this if they can source him a replacement case... those lugs are mightily worn down. Besides, other than sentimenta value, the're not much special in a Genève that merits avoidance of Omega service.

L Looch

Thanks, could you explain a little more about this?

Spruce

My further take is that it might be a mistake to spend too much on this watch.

1. It’s possibly worth £350-£450 on the open market in good condition and whilst a service is a good idea, sending it back to Omega will exceed the usual £80-£120 that I’d expect a service to cost (plus postage and parts). Even were you to source another donor case - it’s still a mid seventies gold plated Geneve and the financial value will not increase

2. At present it’s your Grandad's watch (and it’s nice to have the tribute on the caseback). If you start changing significant parts (like the case) it stops being your Grandad's watch and becomes just 'any' watch and your sentimental pride may be diminished.

SkunkPrince

See answers below.



Sentimental value doesn't mean much on the open market. Also note he's in Canada, so the fantastic prices you Brits pay for service are not necessarily the same as he would pay.

Looch, factory service is generally fixed price and with a later movement like yours, everything worn out will be included. Once that happens, you're good to go for a long time and when you do get another service, fewer parts will need replacement. However, if there are issues with the dial or hands, Omega will replace them as closely as possible, but perhaps not the same. As for replacing the case, another alternative is to repair it, and this place is highly recommended by others here and is in Montreal: https://www.replateit.com

It's really up to you. If you can tell us what your goals are, we can help you fulfill them, from an independent watchmaker doing a minimal service all the way up to a significant restoration.

Omega service, by the way, is CAD550.00.