| Author | Message | ||
     Jorge11 New member Username: Jorge11 Post Number: 1 Registered: 07-2007 Rating: N/A |
I write to request a possible valuation on my Great Uncle's watch. What research I have been able to complete suggests that it is an 18k solid gold watch made around 1947. The dial, hands and markers are also gold. The picture I include is from another watch. I could not figure out how to focus my camera on the watch. Specifics: 17 Jewels, Movement No: 10803627. The number on the snap back is different: 10807607 There is also 2499 on the snap back The diameter is 33mm Chronometre, with Subsecond function. I look forward to any valuation information or historical information you have.  | ||
| Jorge11 New member Username: Jorge11 Post Number: 2 Registered: 07-2007 Rating: N/A |
I forgot to speak to the condition of the watch. It has been sitting in a jeweler's cloth bag since hed died in 1965. Before that it was lovingly worn. There are some scratched on the glass, and minor dings on the case. Question: To whom do I turn for resotration work? Omega? Are there any reputable companies you can suggest? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2687 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I can handle the restoration work, see here for an example: http://www.classicwatch.com/discus/messages/622/11111.html?1169784011 As far as value, most examples fall between $2000 and $2500. | ||
| Gatorcpa New member Username: Gatorcpa Post Number: 25 Registered: 11-2006 Rating: N/A |
You may find extensive historical information on your watch from Omega at their website: http://www.omegawatches.com/cu_vintage/ You will need to register, but it is free and without further obligation. Enter "2499" under "Reference Number" and you will find the information you seek. If your digital camera has a "Macro" mode (see the instructions). Use the Macro setting without a flash, and you should be able to get a passable picture of the watch face. Hope this helps, gatorcpa | ||
| Blgg New member Username: Blgg Post Number: 75 Registered: 04-2007 Rating: N/A |
from the restoration work text: "The dial is put in the ultra sonic machine in very short bursts and dried in between." Zaf -- may I ask, do you use any cleaner in the water? Do you 'rub' at all with a q-tip or anything? I put the dial below into an ultra sonic machine with a little dish detergent - and I was getting good results removing the yellowed material and stains -- but I left it in too long, and one of the hour dots popped out. I thought I could replace it into its hole myself, picked it up in my tweezers - and it shot at least 2' - beyond my 'sterile field' - into the ether. I washed down the entire room (including myself) with no luck. I get it back from Kirk Rich Dial next week. I'm having them NOT replace the minute register, or the name - just leaving the gold hour glass - as it seems redials never get those right. LOL!  | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2690 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
The bath has a very small amount of ultrasonic cleaner. You can use a drop or two of dish soap alternatively. The dial is not touched at all. It is blown dry between attempts. This is NOT a 100% safe operation. I'd only do it if the dial is crappy to begin with or you know in advance that the paint is robust. The Futurematic paint is pretty solid. That's why I went with it. | ||
| Jorge11 New member Username: Jorge11 Post Number: 3 Registered: 07-2007 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the links and the possible valuation. I was concerned about spending more on the restoration than the watch was worth, beyond the sentimental value that is. I will check out Omega's site. Go to the source, as it were. | ||
| Jorge11 New member Username: Jorge11 Post Number: 4 Registered: 07-2007 Rating: N/A |
Last Question: Can the watch be restored to an accurate time keeping piece? I spoke to one jeweler in town who told me that the bumper movement is not as reliable as their later movements found in the Constellation and Seamaster models. He also mentioned parts availability being an issue. Is that true? | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 2694 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I don't think parts are an issue with most Omegas. The movement shares most of its parts with the non chronometer version and those are very common and found in inexpensive watches that can be bought for their parts. |