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

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

. . . 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 limited experience suggests with respect to case refinishing leads me to believe that it's a task best left to a properly equipped vendor. I've employed the services of one watchmaker that performed largely creditable work on movements, but was less than worthless when it came to case restoration. The watch in question begs for a sympathetically rendered case restoration, but finding a specialist can be difficult. That's why I would consider using Omega's services - they should have both the equipment to refinish a case and the archives for reference. That's not a guarantee of success, but likely better odds than a randomly selected local watchmaker.

Warm regards,

Art

Some queries regarding an old Omega watch

By: Ed_G : March 29th, 2012-03:20

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 plannin...

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

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...