Hi, I'm new to this site and am finding some of the discussions very interesting. I have a inherited a vintage Omega from my late father. He wore this watch all the time. I would like to repair it and wear it myself. It is in rough condition as my father wore it fishing, camping and swimming in the lakes. I am willing to restore it but I don't want to get carried away. I took it to a local watch repair and he said he would fix it for ~$450.00 (That included sending it to Omega to get the "face" replaced).

I have two questions if anyone can help:
1) If I replace the the watch face will it still have the same style or will Omega put a newer looking face on it?
2) Will this watch be worth more than $450.00 after it is restored? (I think it would be fun wearing this vintage watch around while remembering my father, but I'm also practical and want to be discerning with my money). Here are some pix.




Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

A few things... The watch dates to about 1964 or so...

Omega will most likely redial it or or replace it with a modern dial which will ruin the value. On the other hand the dial is already been redialed, ie repainted... So the dial can be salvaged as is and retain the patina, or get a new one, or clean and reprint the current one. Alas it will have very little value once it is done.

The watch seriously needs a service...the lugs are seriously messed up and i'm not sure what it will cost to repair the lugs

The bottom picture is off a different watch... But i'm guessing a Delbana? or you live in Montana? Its a chrome cased valjoux maybe? I'm not up on my early cam chronographs.

 

Those lugs look lime they had an "adjustable" ends bracelet on it for a long time. I'd leave them for now & have use leather strap. Have the watch serviced, but not with Omega, quite a few threads on this forum explaining why.

 

Foo2rama thanks for the feedback. I'm hoping that the patina color you see on the dial is due to the crystal discoloration. If not, you're saying it has been painted/reprinted therefore no matter what i do it isn't going to be worth much. Bummer, i may still repair it just as a keep sake of my dad.

You have a good eye! The bottom pix (i removed i think, is of another watch I found in his box. It is a Butex chromium plated Landeron 48 chronograph. Not worth a lot and i he didn't wear it a lot so not as special (I may sell it for parts, $100 offered by jeweler). He also had a Hamilton automatic in there. It was in great shape so it may be fun to wear. The treasure was a Hampton Pocket Watch built in 1890ish (here's a pix). It still runs. The problem with watches like this is there is no practical way of enjoying them. It was actually my granddads for years.

 

That's correct Bumper, you guys really know your stuff!! I will put a leather strap on it if/when i get it serviced.

 

Darn it that explains it.. a Landeron... I should have known lol. The MOU import codes not exactly common and normally a Delbania as they tend to be more common then the other brands tied to that importer.

There are desk mounts for pocket watches... make a cool desk clock? It would need a service also as the oils are most likely long gone.

Love to see the dial on the Chrono.

 

[QUOTE="Bob1, post: 896959, member:

The treasure was a Hampton Pocket Watch built in 1890ish (here's a pix). It still runs. The problem with watches like this is there is no practical way of enjoying them. It was actually my granddads for years. View attachment 513055 View attachment 513056 [/QUOTE]
See posts from @Mad Dog ... he knows how to enjoy those pocket watches.

 

Dang right, Larry!

Pictured below, two of my B.W. Raymond railroad machines [494 and 571] doing their job at the donut factory...good times!