I have an inherited vintage Omega and would like some advice please on what it is and whether it’s worth a restore? Thanks
You have said the one word that invalidates "worth" and that is "inherited". It could be worth almost nothing monetarily, but if it's worth something emotionally, then there is no price on that. You have a fairly old piece that looks original to my eyes (not the bracelet). Late 1940s, most likely. I suggest you find a watchmaker to open the case back so you or she can take pictures of it to get more information. If you share your location, the good people here who live nearby can recommend someone for servicing.
+1 getting it restored. Love the lugs on it - I’m assuming it is a “special” case by another manufacturer for omega? Once you get the back off and some reference numbers, others will be able to help you more.
Not sure what the reference is, but I like the alpha hands and the seconds subdial. Lugs and case should clean up nicely. Don’t have it polished!
Many Thanks all for the responses. yes it is actually tiny, I’d say you’re right about 31mm without the crown - and much too small for me to ever wear. I inherited this and a Zenith, which I will probably keep over this one purely due to size. I live in Bicester in Oxfordshire and would really like some advice on where to go to have it serviced/restored. I will get some pics with the back removed and post up to hopefully get some more info.
If you aren't going to keep it, don't have it serviced/restored. Waste of time and money. Unless you mean to give it as a gift, of course.
If I don’t restore it, where can I get it valued? I assume I need to remove the rear and take some pics, so somebody on here can advise what it actually is, and maybe some idea of value?
In fact, having it restored would not really be the best way to get a valuation. Watchmakers are not appraisers. The best way is to look at old listings in the OF classifieds or use the advanced search feature of eBay to look for sales prices. Unfortunately, small watches are not currently very desirable, and anything in a case smaller than 33mm can be quite difficult to sell, unless it is something extremely special and rare. My recommendation would be an eBay auction. Practice taking good photos in natural light, and crop the photos to get rid of excess. Photos of the inside will help.
Small watches like this actually can look great on pull through straps and it bulks up their small size. My favorite military watches are 31-32mm and those feel very natural after a day or two- you forget the size. And then there are also cuff style straps or if you have a lady in your life who would love a cool vintage watch, they are the prefect size for women who like larger (for them) watches
Size isn't everything! Looks can be deceptive and what is considered small in today's world can still wear really nicely
Agree with those who have said that this size can wear nicely, especially if you have smaller wrists! My smallest diameter is a 32mm Smiths De Luxe and, after a short while, it just feels very natural.