Vintage Service and Guidance

MtV

I doubt it hasn’t been serviced before, as the rotor is a replacement and the original gasket would’ve been yellow, if I’m not mistaken. Note that this isn’t a bad thing.

noless

Sorry for the hijacking, but I was curious how you could tell that this one is a replacement rotor?

MtV

I doubt it hasn’t been serviced before, as I believe the rotor to be a service replacement and the original gasket would’ve been yellow, if I’m not mistaken. Note that this isn’t a bad thing.

Sending it to Omega would be a costly exercise. I’d stick with a watchmaker in the US, I’m sure some of the local members will have recommendations. Tell him to not touch the case, just do what needs to be done, including a full service of the movement, new gaskets etc, and off it goes on your wrist to be enjoyed.

noless

Sorry for the hijacking, but I was curious how you could tell that this one is a replacement rotor? I have seen a few variations in the 550 series movement rotors, and i had thought that this design was the oldest style.

The watch looks to be in very nice condition, and even a simple clean of the case and a replacement or even just a polish of the crystal will make it look amazing. You have a very nice find on your hands I think.

C Ca03142

Got this note from Nesbitts:

The movement looks like it is in fairly good condition and from the pictures I do not see a reason that the dial or hands would need to be replaced.



Because the old luminous is in a volatile state there is a small risk that it can break away from the hands or dial during the service. We always take the greatest care possible but want you to know there is a slight risk. If that should happen we can refill.



For your records, we include the following in our service;

Movement Service; disassembly, 5 stage cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, timing

Some interior parts if necessary

Replacement of all seals (crystal, crown, back gasket)

Pressure test to factory specification

Refinish on the case and bracelet (you can opt out of this if you wish but the price of service is not affected)

36 month / 3 year warranty *based on parts availability per factory


Jan quoted me about $800 (without looking at the watch).

Vintage Lemania

I have also debated using Nesbitts. I have a '64 stainless steel dress Omega with the Cal. 600 that could use a service. Do you think you will use them? Still debating myself, as I am not a fan of shipping it, but they do seem like a good option.

C Ca03142

I feel its a little steep for the price - I sent the watch to Rik Dietel at Time Care Inc and awaiting for a quote. Happy to report back once I receive it, however if Rik is not able to fix it - I will send to Seattle!

Dan S

It's always hard to swallow paying twice the value of a watch for a service. Unless there is sentimental value, there's not much of a future for these entry level watches. These higher end repair shops will increasingly be working on mainly high-end and complicated watches.

I would suggest networking with some local collectors, possibly a meetup group or NAWCC chapter. You might find that they know of a local person who is willing to service watches like these at a lower price. Maybe someone who is semi-retired or a hobbyist. The work might or might not be at the same level as Nesbitt's, and you won't get a 3-year warranty. But it might be sufficient to get it running well enough to wear occasionally.