RabidManatee
2984
Very nice.
I rescued my Grandfather’s non-running Omega some years ago. RGM did the work and I couldn’t have been happier with the result. I have since added a new custom strap and original buckle, the latter sourced with the gracious assistance of our resident vintage Omega aficionado Dr. No.
I hope you wear it in the best of health. I’m sure your father would be happy to know you’re taking care of his watch.
My Grandfather's Watch
I recently dropped this off with a local expert in vintage repair & restoration. My father attempted to have it, "serviced", unfortunately ignoring my advice and he took it to a strip-mall jeweler that was known more for cheap battery replacements. an...
That is a lovely looking vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville with a great dial and even more special due to its history with your family.
I don't think it should be that difficult to find virtually any of the parts you may need to restore it at least the last time i was looking most if not all the parts were still available via an Omega account. I hope it doesn't take too long and that you ...
This is special!
Should be wonderful when you get it back, I too would be surprised if it was too difficult to find the parts you need. Once finished, should be spectacular and exponentially so due to the family history.
Very nice.
I rescued my Grandfather’s non-running Omega some years ago. RGM did the work and I couldn’t have been happier with the result. I have since added a new custom strap and original buckle, the latter sourced with the gracious assistance of our resident vint...
All movement and case parts are available for your Seamaster DeVille . . .
. . . and if your watchmaker can't find what he needs please send me a pm. Good call on employing a local watchmaker - Omega's pretty good when it comes to specific requests regarding case polishing but they will replace hands and crowns if they don't mee...
I'm using Herndon Clock & Watch in Northern Virginia, USA
Mr. Dung Lam is supposedly the best in the area from what I've been told and spotted the need for a replacement crystal immediately upon using his loupe. He was confident in everything but the gasket for the crown. I am not 100% sure, but I *think* it's a...
Cal 563 after stopping in today
Also confirmed the serial and lug width. Next time I'm by the boutique I'll check the strap book unless there is a better suggestion? I think this means I have a Reference 166.033 possibly based on my serial number. ...
Ah, so you've got the upgraded movement, possibly due to . . .
. . . the gold case / dial / date wheel(!). Exquisite!
Some further info (assuming the Internet hasn't failed me)
Mr Lam was busy, his wife was outside handling trash and mail, he seemed a bit rushed and in the middle of something, so I took the photos and got out quickly. Lugs are definitely 18mm. I need to look for the US style "Ross-mate" buckle with the thin Omeg...
My guess is that it's solid 14 kt gold. 10 kt gold-filled is possible . . .
. . . but the rim of the case appears to be solid gold. It it is a solid 14 kt gold case then the optimal choice would be a 14 kt 16 (or 14) mm buckle.
Inside of the case back
the outside of the caseback is steel with the hippocampus. I didn't get a picture of that. ...
I'm going to need your help locating a buckle.
I stopped by the boutique today. Lovely people, but the "strap book" they had was new only, the reference numbers I gave the poor girl produced nothing in her computer and all she kept repeating was "let us restore it for you." They have a lovely selectio...
I checked on eBay several days ago and again today, could come up with only two authentic period-correct buckles . . .
. . . but they're 13 mm; you'd probably have to order a custom strap. I'll send links via pm. Best. Art
Oh, the rabbit holes we go down...
It took a minute for it to sink in that I needed to stop and research not Omega straps, but the people that made Omega straps for the US market: Kreisler, JB Champion, and Hadley-Roma. To make a long story short, given there's a dearth of 14mm buckles (fo...
The 13 mm buckle you ordered is an American type, which would be . . .
. . . closer to correct for your Omega than a Swiss-sourced Omega buckle. And there are custom strap makers that might be able to accommodate an 18 / 13 request at reasonable cost. Best of luck on the restoration project! Gramps would be proud. Art
Yes, the open tabs on my watches browser window...
...are now in sprawl territory, I might need a 2nd window just for this! Delugs is of course on the list and I'm looking at others. I do have an actual 1960s NOS strap inbound that will take the 13mm buckle, I'll reserve judgement until I see how everythi...