I'd have a hard time spending that much on the watch unless it had tremendous sentimental value. And if it's sentimental, I might prefer to keep it as-is, instead of replacing everything. Does it really need all of those things? Did water get inside, destroying the dial and rusting the movement solid? Is the crystal damaged? Is the clasp broken? If not, I'd probably just have an independent watchmaker repair the movement and leave the dial alone.
Yes it is an astronomical quote and no it is not remotely worth it: it probably needs no more than the standard ~$1K service. Reject their kind offer and get it back pronto. They have quoted you about three quarters of the value of the watch to repair it. As above, I doubt very much it must have a new dial or crystal, unless either are seriously damaged and it sure doesn't look that way in the picture.
The rust on the movement could indeed be a serious issue, since if severe it may mean an independent can't fully restore it, but most of the other items are not really necessary. Anti glare is no big deal at all, and I suspect the issue with the dial is maybe just degraded tritium lume. The hands are usually included in the cost of a full service. I'd still get it looked at by an indy with a parts account. There has clearly been water ingress at some point though so perhaps the damage to the dial may be worse than we surmise.
If you are based in Canada, you could do a lot worse than consult with Archer who is our resident Omega Authorised Independent Watchmaker and citizen of those parts. I seem to recall him bringing a rusted Speedmaster back from the dead before.
Thanks so much for your input. How do I connect with Archer?
So where was the case leaking? The HEV had no signs of rust, the case back and crystal seals were good. Rust visible at the case tube and at both pushers:
Parts! At least some of them that I had on hand and didn't have to order. The missing part is in this photo...
Base movement is assembled:
Amplitude looks good in the 290's, at least in this position:
Carry on with 6 positions at full wind:
Results - this is an 1154, which is a chronometer grade movement, so the requirements for performance at full wind are that when measured over 5 positions, the Delta should not exceed 12 seconds, and that the average rate over those positions should fall between 0 and +6 seconds per day. Here I have tested with one additional position, and I have 6.4 seconds Delta, so a little more than 1/2 of what is allowed, and the average rate is 3.4 seconds per day (I will probably adjust this closer to zero before this is all done):
So for a movement that was supposedly not worth saving, it's performing pretty well I think. This is why any lever movement based on the 7750 is something I always look forward to working on - they just work and work well. They have to be very badly abused before they give you troubles.
i have the same watch in full titanium and i love it. it was my first omega and it had never seen a service before i bought it in 2018. Omega replaced a LOT of parts (which i have). Mine is from roughly the same vintage as yours and has the early Made in France Titanium bracelet. Does yours also have a made in France bracelet? From what i understand those bracelets were mounted on the early version of those watches and after a year or so they switched to Swiss made bracelets.
