Incoming: restore from Biel/Bienne

[priamo]

So I sent my 1970s Omega square case Dynamic ref 166081 (top loader) to Omega for overhaul, new crown and crystal, early Oct... Archer was swamped last autumn. OK, they say it needs dial restored because it's damaged so that the watch will not seal properly unless fixed. This defect could only be discovered by a watchmaker, not by eye or loupe as I looked closely at it quite a bit prior. I gave the go ahead which is more than I anticipated . Anyway, given what I paid for it, plus this overhaul and restore I think it's a wash in terms of value once done ... to be continued once the refreshed watch/bracelet is back from Switzerland...here's a pic of a similar ref from Ebay...tinypic went kaputski so no pics of my actual watch.

So total expenditures for the piece will be about $2k when done. Never had original box/papers. Not sure about Omega's new COA ($800) program. Kind of tough to justify for that one. We'll see but I'm quite leaning against it at this point?

[Baco Noir]

I think the COA pays off if you have a military issue to prove it, but otherwise I’d skip it. They wouldn’t service it if it were fake and the service receipt is all you need to prove things are authentic. Looking forward to the post service pics.

[priamo]

Jan 29, 2020 20:59:19 GMT -6 Baco Noir said:

I think the COA pays off if you have a military issue to prove it, but otherwise I’d skip it. They wouldn’t service it if it were fake and the service receipt is all you need to prove things are authentic. Looking forward to the post service pics.

Thank you Baco and I will heed that advice. Omega Switzerland has quite a back log of service. Figure 6 months and I've got around 3 more months to go. And if anyone uses this service it's best to call CS for info. instead of email, based on my experience.

[priamo]

The restore by Omega is back in a red travel case. They replaced quite a few parts.


~New buckle, new crown. Left the sticker on buckle and caseback.


~a light polish applied retaining some aged character 


~New ss hands, cleaned date wheel, perfect detailed print. And a delightful surprise when I reviewed this photo. An Omega signature on new crystal. I had no clue it was there even through loupe. btw this model has no pips at hour indices and date. As original.


~The dial has it's original textured finish. Watch is all Omega in ss and grey ca. 1970s. So I'd say this is not an untouched original but it is an authentic Omega restored by them as original. Hope you enjoyed a brief glimpse of Omega's outstanding work.

[Baco Noir]

Wow, they did an amazing job bringing that back to original condition. It’s like stepping in a time machine and going back to the 70’s, which damn, it now 50 years ago. I’m getting old and don’t look nearly as good as that watch. Congrats and look forward to seeing wrist shots as you enjoy that piece again.

[carl]

Wow! I was not prepared for this! It is indeed like stepping back in time. That dial absolutely stunning in it's simplicity! To think back then, they actually did a date wheel to match the dial. I think that Omega did a wonderful job on that case. So often you see vintage pieces way over polished. This retains the look of the original, just a good clean up! Well done to be enjoyed for many more years!

[muckymark]

Wow, that looks great. I really like the radial finish on the case.

[mrjeff680]

Jan 28, 2020 12:21:44 GMT -6 priamo said:

So I sent my 1970s Omega square case Dynamic ref 166081 (top loader) to Omega for overhaul, new crown and crystal, early Oct... Archer was swamped last autumn. OK, they say it needs dial restored because it's damaged so that the watch will not seal properly unless fixed. This defect could only be discovered by a watchmaker, not by eye or loupe as I looked closely at it quite a bit prior. I gave the go ahead which is more than I anticipated . Anyway, given what I paid for it, plus this overhaul and restore I think it's a wash in terms of value once done ... to be continued once the refreshed watch/bracelet like best watches is back from Switzerland...here's a pic of a similar ref from Ebay...tinypic went kaputski so no pics of my actual watch.

So total expenditures for the piece will be about $2k when done. Never had original box/papers. Not sure about Omega's new COA ($800) program. Kind of tough to justify for that one. We'll see but I'm quite leaning against it at this point?

i have same watch as you have...can you please tell me from where you get your watch repaired?

[priamo]

Sept 15, 2020 15:11:13 GMT -6 mrjeff680 said:

Jan 28, 2020 12:21:44 GMT -6 priamo said:

So I sent my 1970s Omega square case Dynamic ref 166081 (top loader) to Omega for overhaul, new crown and crystal, early Oct... Archer was swamped last autumn. OK, they say it needs dial restored because it's damaged so that the watch will not seal properly unless fixed. This defect could only be discovered by a watchmaker, not by eye or loupe as I looked closely at it quite a bit prior. I gave the go ahead which is more than I anticipated . Anyway, given what I paid for it, plus this overhaul and restore I think it's a wash in terms of value once done ... to be continued once the refreshed watch/bracelet like best watches is back from Switzerland...here's a pic of a similar ref from Ebay...tinypic went kaputski so no pics of my actual watch.

So total expenditures for the piece will be about $2k when done. Never had original box/papers. Not sure about Omega's new COA ($800) program. Kind of tough to justify for that one. We'll see but I'm quite leaning against it at this point?

i have same watch as you have...can you please tell me from where you get your watch repaired?

Welcome mrjeff. Contact:
Swatch Group
Address: 55 Metro Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Phone: [phone]
They will provide info. They'll want you to send the watch to them. They will forward watch to Omega in Switzerland for overhaul or complete restore depending on what is required. The Omega site has info. on their service provided as well.