Omega - Some queries regarding an old Omega watch

Some queries regarding an old Omega watch

Hi, my grandpa gave me an old Omega watch just before he passed away. I have a couple of questions which I hope someone can help me with.

1) I'm curious about how old this watch is. Does anyone know? (I've attached some photos of the watch)

2) I'm planning to send this watch for servicing as it doesn't keep time very well. However, I'm not sure if I should do anything to the dial. I like the "old" feeling that this watch has. I read a couple of articles on the merits of refinishing a vintage watch and I'm inclined to keep the dial the way it is. However, is it possible to do some simple cleaning of the dial without affecting the "old" nature of the watch? Not really sure what my options are.

3) Would you recommend sending the watch to Bienne for servicing? I've read that vintage watches that go to Bienne get the "spa" treatment and come back as good as new. Not really sure if that's the best option for my watch.

Thanks for your suggestions!

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A few answers...

By: amanico : March 29th, 2012-03:24

1/ The movement number will give you a good infirmation on the year of release of your watch. 2/ Keep the dial as it is, , it is the soulf of your watch, and you wouldn't like to change its soul, would you? 3/ Bienne id good,, but a good watchmaker can do...

The old look

By: hoipolloi : March 29th, 2012-06:12

Hi. If you like the old look of the watch, just leave it the way it is. What it needs is a clean , oil and adjustment. You may need to change the crown if you like. Here is a thread about an Omega coming back from Bienne. omega.watchprosite.com Best. Hoi.

Tattered and torn dial, OK for me

By: harrisans : April 4th, 2012-06:44

Hi Hoi I thank you for the referred old post. There are always the pros and cons, about refinishing or restoring an old time-piece. We cannot deny, one man's meat is another's poison. I would rather own a vintage-watch, however tattered and torn the facto...

Tough call . . .

By: Dr No : March 29th, 2012-11:05

. . . because it looks to me as though the case has been polished. Any competent watchmaker can service the movement, and at reasonable cost, but finding one that can restore the case to its original condition is another story. The shortcut would be to em...

Depends on how ornery they are on the day Art..

By: mondodec : March 29th, 2012-19:05

I've heard of instances where Bienne have simply serviced a movement, and on more occasions where they say they will not touch the watch if their service recommendations are not observed. E.g. with dials, they have argued that dial detritus and flaking la...

I've seen only one Bienne restoration in the metal, Desmond . . .

By: Dr No : April 2nd, 2012-14:09

. . . and they honored his request to leave the dial alone, even though there was some degradation (no flaking, just an odd patina that might've been fungus). Not to say that's always the outcome, of course - I've heard the horror stories, too. What my li...

I think...

By: shw24 : March 29th, 2012-22:20

I will just leave it as it is. Only movement service. The historical is much more important for an heirloom watch instead of better looks. As long as it is all original, I think that what I will do.

Thanks guys...

By: Ed_G : March 30th, 2012-22:53

Hi everyone, thanks for your suggestions! Just have a couple more questions before I decide on how to proceed. 1) Dial - I'm inclined to keep the dial the way it is (without replacing or refinishing the dial) as it reflects the many years that my grandpa ...

The problem is finding a local watchmaker that has . . .

By: Dr No : April 2nd, 2012-14:19

. . . the equipment, the artistic skill, and the knowledge to restore a case to its original condition. It can be done, but it's not as easy as it sounds. That's why I might be tempted to send the watch directly to Omega for restoration - the chances of l...

i would get it serviced locally Ed

By: G99 : April 1st, 2012-13:22

there's no point spending out all the money Bienne charge when you can get what you need done for a lot less. where are you ? i'm in UK and have a fabulous ex Omega watchmaker who will do a complete servicing job for a third the price of bienne. he's also...