What should I do next? 1952 342 Bumper

Gavin Dunlop · Apr 12, 2022

I have been looking at vintage Omegas for a while so when a lovely looking one came up at the local auction for a very decent price I decided to throw a bid in... And now I own my first vintage watch. Its runs and holds time pretty well. But it does need some work, the case is damaged and the crystal isn't secured properly. Most worryingly the movement seems to move within the case. Over the years I'd like to have it properly serviced, repaired and potential get the certificate of authenticity from Omega. But for now I'd be interested to hear what people think should be done first if the cost of having it serviced by omega is worth it and anything else they know about these models.

SkunkPrince · Apr 12, 2022

I guess you could throw $1000 on a watch I hope you didn't spend more than $200 on.

Waltesefalcon · Apr 12, 2022

Welcome to the forum. They do say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Where I come from we'd say this has been rode hard and put up wet, i.e. rough. The case is gold filled and shows excessive wear, especially on the lugs and caseback. The dial is in poor shape. I wouldn't spend any money on this one, in fact I'd return it if at all possible and look for a better example.

This forum contains a wealth of information and members will happily help you evaluate watches so that you can find good examples of what you like. I'll suggest looking through the "learn how to fish" thread as a good place to start. https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Vitezi · Apr 12, 2022

G Gavin Dunlop
But for now I'd be interested to hear what people think should be done first if the cost of having it serviced by omega is worth it

Hi @Gavin Dunlop and welcome to the forum! We generally recommend that you look for an independent watchmaker who is used to working on vintage watches. You should have that watch serviced before you wear it.

You may be able to find someone local to you (a watchmaker might have his/her own shop or might be attached to a retailer who sells mechanical watches), or you may have to look around online for someone suitable, or you can ask the forum for recommendations based on where you live.

Once you find someone who is familiar with servicing old watches, ask for a "complete movement service." All of those tiny mechanical parts need to be individually cleaned, properly lubricated, and carefully adjusted for normal wear and tear since it left the factory 70 years ago. A watchmaker will know how to secure the movement in the case and find you a replacement crystal.

watchyouwant · Apr 12, 2022

Oh Dear.... PLS. Do nothing to this fragment of a vintage Omega. That case will let in every moisture possible. No need to fix anything. If you like the style, you will find them in very good condition. The Dial is 50% of the value. And do your Wallet a favour and avoid gold plated Watches. Many are not very collectable. Just ask for guidance here

tnt9 · Apr 12, 2022

and after all most important is that you like it and enjoy in it😀

Davidt · Apr 12, 2022

Buying a vintage watch for restoration can be a money pit and a disaster.

I’ve just bought a vintage Seamaster DeVille with an eye to restoring it, but critically the issues related to the hands, crystal and bracelet (as wel as being generally filthy). These issues can be addressed as hands, bracelets and crystals can be sourced relatively easily, either new service items or vintage. The fundamentals such as the dial, case and movement were sound and undamaged.

Conversely, any watch with issues relating to the dial, case and movement (to a degree) is going to be expensive to restore and the result will be a watch that has little collector value.

Dan S · Apr 12, 2022

As noted above, you probably do not want to invest anything more into this watch, there is zero upside to going so. To be candid, the only real value in this watch is in the parts of the movement, which can potentially be used to repair other watches.

If it is running and keeping time, perhaps you can wear it upon occasion to see how you enjoy it. That way you can get some experience without making a large financial investment. Keep looking at vintage watches and reading the forum, and you will have a better sense of how to hunt for your next vintage watch.

bombaywalla · Apr 12, 2022

agree with the good advice already given. I dont have any experience with vintage omegas as "wearing patina" is not my cup of tea. But even I can tell the watch shown in the pix should have avoided -- it really is in poor shape.
dont they usually have 3 tabs & screws holding the movement to the case. I see one & i get hints of another under the rotor but I cannot see signs of a 3rd. Maybe only 2 screws are needed?
looks like the other advice is stick to stainless steel....
cannot believe a watch in this condition was even put for sale....👎

IgCarr · Apr 13, 2022

The first Omega I bought was a not-gently used bumper. My significant other asked if I had to pay extra for it to be fished out of the swamp where it was surely resting for the last 20 years. I've taken my time and at least to my eyes, now looks pretty good. I'll upload pictures and details later but wanted to mention that the movement is held in place by two tab/screws and one pin. The pin sits in the movement at 12 o'clock and rests inside the case. If that pin is missing, like it was with my watch, the movement falls slightly into the case. Best to deal with this missing pin before wearing it as the lack can cause all sorts of other problems. I convinced a tiny screw to play the role.

What should I do next? 1952 342 Bumper

Gavin Dunlop

SkunkPrince

Waltesefalcon

Vitezi

watchyouwant

tnt9

Davidt

Dan S

bombaywalla

IgCarr

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