Vintage Omega Restoration UK

eeves · Jun 12, 2020

I have recently inherited my Great Grandfathers 1940's Omega Bumper Automatic which I believe houses the 340 movement. The movement seems to be in fairly good condition and ticks away quite happily although has been sat in a box for 20+ years so definitely needs a service. The dial needs some work as the lume numerals are crumbling, and I would quite like the Omega logo on the dial restored as it has faded quite a bit. I don't want this watch to look brand new, I would just like it to last another 80 years.

I have heard that if I was to get it serviced by Omega then they would change the hands and do an overhaul on the watch to be able to give it their 2 year warranty? As I really would like to keep as much of the original character and parts of the watch as possible does anyone have any recommendations on where I could get the work done in the UK. Is there anyone in the UK who specialises in vintage Omega watches, as I've asked this to be my 21st birthday present I would like to have this done properly so I can hopefully pass the watch on to my children one day.

Any advice is greatly received!

Oku · Jun 12, 2020

Welcome to OF!
You have a nice watch and it is absolutely correct to avoid Omega for the restoration.
One of the most recommended watchmakers in the UK is Simon Freese.
There are other watchmakers, but I don't remember the names.

Personally, I would not touch the dial (and therefore the Omega logo). A new crystal will do wonder to the appearance of the watch.
However, I would get the hands relumed to match the lume of the dial. As it seems, hands have already been relumed.

gatorcpa · Jun 12, 2020

Oku
As it seems, hands have already been relumed.

Not sure that is correct. To me it looks like the dial may have had the radium redone years ago. There looks to be some significant radiation and/or moisture damage around the edges.

The hands look correct for the period, although it is always possible that they were replaced (maybe at the same time the dial was redone?).

In any case, I would recommend getting a new crystal, preferably a modern Omega signed version. Have the movement overhauled and leave the rest alone.

Nice one.
gatorcpa

Capt Cave Man · Jun 12, 2020

Welcome @eeves, you have a nice watch there!

Although no expert on the model or what has been previously undertaken, I would take note of Oku and gatorcpa and don't send it off to Omega.

There are various recommended watchmakers in the UK here, most suggest searching but a few I've collated but not yet worked with personally are;
Chris Nicolas @ www.cjnwatch.co.uk
Simon Freese @ www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com
Swiss Time Services @ www.swisstimeservices.co.uk
Christian @ www.watchguy.co.uk
The watch Service Centre Ltd @ www.thewatchservicecentre.co.uk

Other OF members may be able to recommend these based on their dealings or provide additional recommendations.

eeves · Jun 12, 2020

Oku
Welcome to OF!
You have a nice watch and it is absolutely correct to avoid Omega for the restoration.
One of the most recommended watchmakers in the UK is Simon Freese.
There are other watchmakers, but I don't remember the names.

Personally, I would not touch the dial (and therefore the Omega logo). A new crystal will do wonder to the appearance of the watch.
However, I would get the hands relumed to match the lume of the dial. As it seems, hands have already been relumed.

Brilliant thankyou so much! I'll contact Simon, and like you say a crystal replacement may be all that is needed.

Oku · Jun 12, 2020

gatorcpa
There looks to be some significant radiation and/or moisture damage around the edges.

Agreed. Therefore, I have doubts concerning the hands as they look so crisp (nearly no rust despite the moisture) after so many years.

eeves · Jun 12, 2020

Capt Cave Man
There are various recommended watchmakers in the UK

Thankyou! I'll take a look at these guys

lillatroll · Jun 12, 2020

Capt Cave Man
Welcome @eeves, you have a nice watch there!

Although no expert on the model or what has been previously undertaken, I would take note of Oku and gatorcpa and don't send it off to Omega.

There are various recommended watchmakers in the UK here, most suggest searching but a few I've collated but not yet worked with personally are;
Chris Nicolas @ www.cjnwatch.co.uk
Simon Freese @ www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com
Swiss Time Services @ www.swisstimeservices.co.uk
Christian @ www.watchguy.co.uk
The watch Service Centre Ltd @ www.thewatchservicecentre.co.uk

Other OF members may be able to recommend these based on their dealings or provide additional recommendations.

Chris at CJNwatches has looked at three of my watches and done a full service on one of them, the other two just needed a new battery. I will be sending him all my watches in future. Very good communication and reliable service.

Mark020 · Jun 12, 2020

I recommend a relume by James Hyman

eeves · Nov 11, 2020

Thought I would conclude this thread with the completed restoration. In the end I went with Simon Freese for the service. I did opt for the dial restoration in the end due to the fact the dial had degraded quite a bit, and also that I have no intention to sell the watch being an inherited piece, so value retention was not important to me. The dial was done by Bill and Sons through Simon and I must say I'm very pleased with the outcome thank you all for your advice and help!

MtV · Nov 11, 2020

Thank you for reporting back with that lovely picture. Hope you wear it in good health and enjoy every bit of it. 😀

Vintage Omega Restoration UK

eeves

Oku

gatorcpa

Capt Cave Man

eeves

Oku

eeves

lillatroll

Mark020

eeves

MtV

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