Anyone Know Anything About Vintage Watches

[GB72]

I have just inherited a 1960s Omega Seamaster. It seems to be working fine but I want to take it in for a check over and the band needs a little restoration.

I will be making some phone calls over the weekend but anyone know what sort of costs are involved in having a vintage watch serviced and whether the value of the watch warrants the outlay. If there is no financial sense in servicing and a bit of restoration then I am as well off just having the band fixed and enjoying it as it is.

 

[bluewolf]

Really not an expert in these things at all, but one thing I have noticed over the last few years is that the value of "vintage" watches has really shot up.. The Omega Seamaster Pro I bought in 2003 is worth more now than what I paid for it.. Not really an investment, but nice to know nonetheless...

 

[Lord Tyrion]

The joy of a watch like that is its classic looks and its internal workings. By its nature you will need a specialist to look at this. Question, is it keeping time or are you looking to get it serviced just because you think that is the right thing to do? If it keeps time then just fix the strap and enjoy it.

Value of the watch, based on a very quick internet search, is between £500-£1,000. Of course, if Sean Connery was a previous owner..........

I have a Moto smartwatch and I have more Omega faces on it than any other brand. Lovely watches, simple designs.

 

[GB72]

Certainly not in it for the value. It belonged to my grandfather who was given it for 25 years service at a company and then it passed to my dad. He never wore it and my mum handed it down to me when he died. I want to keep it for my nephew until he is 21 but the decision is whether there is any sense in a service and refurb or whether I am better just getting it in a condition where it is just a decent watch for daily wear.

 

[GB72]

The joy of a watch like that is its classic looks and its internal workings. By its nature you will need a specialist to look at this. Question, is it keeping time or are you looking to get it serviced just because you think that is the right thing to do? If it keeps time then just fix the strap and enjoy it.

Value of the watch, based on a very quick internet search, is between £500-£1,000. Of course, if Sean Connery was a previous owner..........

I have a Moto smartwatch and I have more Omega faces on it than any other brand. Lovely watches, simple designs.

It is a lovely, simple face with only the words 'Omega' and 'Seamaster' on it. It appears not to be anywhere near a high end model as it is stainless steel and has no date on the face (which I love). Appears to be keeping time and the service was really just because I felt with was what I should do. Love the design on the back of the watch and the Omega symbol on the band catch.

 

[TheJezster]

This isn't a watch. It's a timepeace. To be looked after and cherished. Enjoyed for years to come from all who take it for an outing.

A watch is a Timex/Casio/designer name etc

Enjoy the Swiss made luxury and it will be well worth the expense to look after it properly.

 

[bluewolf]

This isn't a watch. It's a timepeace. To be looked after and cherished. Enjoyed for years to come from all who take it for an outing.

A watch is a Timex/Casio/designer name etc

Enjoy the Swiss made luxury and it will be well worth the expense to look after it properly.

Well put.. Mine is engraved with a lovely message from the Wife, and will be passed to my Son on his Wedding day (I really hope that he waits to get married ).. It's a family heirloom rather than a watch...

 

[Lord Tyrion]

GB - Lovely back story to it. I have my dads old watch. It is solid gold, he got it second hand for his 21st and is over 60yrs old now. He wore it every day but I can't bring myself to do that in case I damage it. I wear it on special occasions but I do wind it up regularly. The name has become so faded that I can't see it now, even under a microscope, but I know it is not an elite brand. Very nice but not Omega for example. I took it into a posh jewellers in Newcastle once and the jeweller advised that if it was keeping time then don't worry. It was so I walked out after replacing the strap only.

If you can get past the sentimental aspect of worrying about it then wear the watch, it is what it is there for.

Following the above comments this is great tag line from Philippe Patek
[h=3]"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation."[/h]

 

[GB72]

Like the wedding day idea. That may but me a few more years before I hand it over to my little nephew (OK he is only 11 now so I have a bit of time).

Never owned a timepiece before and this has me really excited. It just feels special.

 

[Val]

I have a Seamaster and I wear it every day. These pieces deserve to be worn and shown not stuck in a cupboard for special occasions.

Its a beautiful piece, get it serviced and looking good again and show it's glory.

 

[DCB]

You'd better be sitting down when you get the cost of a proper "authorised" service, but it'll be well worth it in the long run.

 

[Tashyboy]

When I finished work I always said I would buy myself an omega. But never got around to it purely because of cost.
I have a gorgeous Hamilton Ventura with diamonds I wear on special occasions. My grandads full hunter silver fob comes out every Christmas. It is a lovely ticker.
would sooner spend good money on a watch than the latest expensive phone.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I would say it's worth getting it serviced properly with Rolex, I know I would. The older timepieces are very much sort after as opposed to their newer siblings, and can command a greater value as well.
To me, getting it serviced By Rolex would be an investment in it, and to whoever it's passed on to.

 

[MrBrightside]

I would defiantly have the watch serviced and restored if you plan on keeping it in the family.... as above you might want to sit down when getting quotes and it's likely the work will equal the value of the watch.

i have cermramic Rolex submariner and the service is £500 every two years at an authorised dealer without parts.

try mailing a chap called Paul at Swiss watch trader, he'll point you in the right direction with reference to whom to go to for servicing.

 

[Val]

I would say it's worth getting it serviced properly with Rolex, I know I would. The older timepieces are very much sort after as opposed to their newer siblings, and can command a greater value as well.
To me, getting it serviced By Rolex would be an investment in it, and to whoever it's passed on to.

I'm sure when you say Rolex you mean Omega.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I'm sure when you say Rolex you mean Omega.

Of course, but the same would apply if it was an old Rolex as well

 

[Val]

Of course, but the same would apply if it was an old Rolex as well

Absolutely, pardon the pun but watches like this really are timeless

 

[USER1999]

Watch doctors, other wise known as Hertfordshire horologists in Tring. On the Web. Cheap as chips, and the best service, refurbished etc you will get. Made my cartier look brand new for 50 quid, and it was battered. Thoroughly recommend their services.

 

[mashleyR7]

I can highly recommend Watchfinder for servicing high end watches. Great service and lovely people two who live for watches, a friend of mine works there and although they are a fast growing company they are still a small team and really take care of their customers.

I can not wait for this time next year when I will have saved enough dough to go buy my first watch, it'll be an Omega, Panerai or IWC. For my son to enjoy of course

 

[MattM]

I inherited my Grandfathers watch which hadn't been worn in about 30 yrs when I got it.

I went through the same process and got mine serviced by an independent guy in Leicester (I can send you details if interested) who did a good job for a decent price and did exactly what I asked - movement service and new band only - no restoration of dial or case (it would have devalued my particular watch - not that I was interested in selling at all)