1959 Omega Seamaster Service & Restoration
Service

1959 Omega Seamaster Service & Restoration

By Dr No · Aug 20, 2010 · 27 replies
Dr No
WPS member · Omega forum
27 replies2404 views7 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

Dr No shares the journey of his friend Riley's 1959 Omega Seamaster, recently returned from Omega service. This post highlights the challenges and decisions involved in restoring a vintage timepiece, particularly concerning original parts versus modern replacements. Dr No's detailed account and accompanying photos offer valuable insights into the complexities collectors face when seeking authenticity and functionality.

. . . from Omega. Here's a photo of it from last year . . .




. . . on it's original two-tone bracelet. Unfortunately, he damaged the clasp, and decided to send the watch back to Omega to see if they could fix the clasp in addition to having it serviced. They were unable (or unwilling) to perform the delicate task of repairing the clasp, so after consultation, Riley decided on a replacement buckle and Omega strap.







Here's a close-up . . .




. . . that clearly reveals the replacement hands. Fortunately, Omega sent back the original hands, and I'm trying to convince Riley to have the originals restored and reinstalled. A few profile shots . . .







. . . the second of which shows the Omega symbol inscribed in the replacement crystal. Wrist shot in twilight . . .




. . . cordially, Art

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
DR
Dr No
Aug 20, 2010

. . . and while the movement wasn't in bad shape, Omega returned all the parts that were replaced, which included a couple of wheels, crystal, hands, mainspring, pinions, and screws.

TO
Tony C.
Aug 20, 2010

and the case is terrific. I agree with you concerning the hands, Art. Best regards, Tony

MR
mrsnak
Aug 20, 2010

Shame that they wouldn't touch the bracelet. I seriously think a competent jeweler could repair it. I've seen wonders done with damaged lugs> I do prefer the older gold hands. These look stainless This message has been edited by mrsnak on 2010-08-20 13:36:43

DR
Dr No
Aug 20, 2010

. . . but the lume crevice is notably smaller compared to the originals. Fortunately, there's a specialist in this type of work locally, and he performed reasonably good work on my '56 Longines . . . cordially, Art

DR
Dr No
Aug 20, 2010

. . . he could've had it performed locally, but this way, there's no regrets over a possibly botched job. He's ordered the certificate of authenticity, too; now all he needs is someone to fix the clasp on the two-tone bracelet, and he'll have quite a rarity on his hands. Cordially, Art

FA
FanFrancisco
Aug 21, 2010

Art, i like the pic showing Omega symbol inscribed in the replacement crystal. i have few vintage Omega watches that also such symbol inscribed in the crystal. i find it very fascinating. Omega should consider to maintain this feature for the modern watches. by the way, i hope Riley likes his Seamaster although replacing the bracelet with leather strap. thanks for sharing. stefan

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Omega forum with 27 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →