Omega Seamaster Chronometre 2520 Restoration

hazy · 2011-11-24T15:30:54Z

Hazy seeks restoration advice for his inherited Omega Seamaster Chronometre 2520, Caliber 352/354. Expert tips on parts, watchmakers, and authenticity.

hazy

WPS member · Omega forum

26 replies8550 views5 photos

Hazy seeks advice on restoring an inherited Omega Seamaster Chronometre, believed to be a 14k gold case reference 2520 with a Caliber 352 or 354. His post details the watch's current state and raises questions about its originality, particularly regarding the crown and the unusual Seamaster dial placement, as he prepares for restoration.

Hi everyone,

I inherited this watch a long time ago but I never paid close attention to it as I felt too young to wear a gold watch.
I have rediscovered it recently along with its green box and after some research, I believe it is a solid 14k gold case 2520 with a 352 calibre and a pie pan silver dial (maybe a 354 calibre but omega database doesnt list any seamaster 354 in solid 14k case) feel free to correct me!
What do you think of the unusual seamaster placement, what about the crown, does it look original?
Unfortunately the strap and buckle are not original and need replacement, not sure what I ll do about it yet that but I might go for a deployant like Dr No beautiful constellation as I don t think I ll be able to source an original buckle.

I m about to drop it at omega's shop to be restored, any advice or suggestion on what to ask ?

This message has been edited by hazy on 2011-11-24 15:46:24

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch's movement was identified as a Caliber 354 with a 12M serial, housed in a 2520 case with an 11M serial, suggesting a 'put together' movement where the barrel bridge (bearing the caliber number) might have been swapped.
For vintage Omega restorations, it is often more cost-effective and potentially better for the watch's originality to use a highly experienced local watchmaker rather than sending it to Omega, which can be expensive and sometimes less sensitive to vintage nuances.
Key restoration steps should focus on minimal intervention: cleaning and lubrication, crystal polishing, and replacing the incorrect winding crown, while strictly avoiding any work on the dial.
Sourcing correct parts like the crystal and crown is relatively easy through suppliers like Ofrei, but finding period-correct hands that match the original dimensions and lume can be challenging.
Replacing the barrel bridge with one correctly marked 'Caliber 352' is crucial for serious vintage Omega collectors, as it significantly enhances the watch's desirability and authenticity.
The current hands have a pinkish hue, prompting consideration for a pink gold crown and buckle to match, and the case color appears more reddish than typical 18k or 24k gold, possibly due to aging.

The Discussion

MSNWatch

Nov 24, 2011

For service: Full movement service with replacement of parts as needed Light case polish Leave dial alone

hoipolloi

Nov 24, 2011

Shorter hour and minute hands with a black second hand would be nice. Best.

aroma

Nov 25, 2011

in its past, the minute and second hand (at least) have been replaced - the hands should just touch the chapter ring. Personally, I would restrict restoration to a good clean up of the case and movement with the latter serviced as needed and a new crystal and crown. I would just have the dial gently brushed - but that would be all. I would have thought that all of the above could be undertaken by a local watchmaker - I wouldn't send it to Omega. Just my opinion. Cheers Andrew

mac_omega

Nov 25, 2011

Hi, I suggest to do as little as possible (and necessary ) to the watch. 1) Cleaning and re-lubrication of the movement 2) removal of scratches on the crystal and polishing it afterwards 3) replacement of the wrong winding crown (not difficult to obtain) Thats it - and you will have a fine watch. These works can be done by a good local watchmaker - no need to send it to Omega (far too expensive!). Do not touch the dial - under no circumstances! just my thoughts erich

hazy

Nov 25, 2011

thank you all for your very appreciated contributions, I was a little hasty and have already left it at omega for a restoration estimate which is gona take a couple months... I insisted that I wanted the dial to remain untouched. If they end up being too expensive (they couldn t give me a ballpark without having it sent out) I ll fall back on a local watchmaker. This message has been edited by hazy on 2011-11-25 07:00:46

georgeszaslavsky

Nov 27, 2011

Hi I think that a very experienced local watchmaker can do the job but you must check that he is someone who is working very long years as a watchmaker ((btw the same way that he has an experince with vintage Omegas) and not some young guy who just finished a watchmaking school. Restoration prices at Omega for these models run for above 1000€. Omega has screwed up some vintage pieces of some of my friends who send theirs for restoration. Omega is good for modern watches but not necessarily

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Omega Seamaster Chronometre 2520 Restoration

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