Timing a Vintage Watch

I have serviced thousands of vintage Omega watches, each one gets timed out on my timing machine. Every now and then I’ll hear back from a customer about his watch being a little slow or a little fast. Here is some information about why your watch may run a little fast or a little slow even though it’s been timed on the machine. This information came directly from the source with a new Omega in the 1950’s and 60’s. It was true then and even more so now that your activity level makes a difference. If your watch happens to be a little fast or slow according to your life style, I will be happy to make an adjustment.

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Refurbished vs. Restored

I often see the word REFURBISHED in reference to vintage watches. As a watchmaker, this makes me cringe! I would like to set the record straight – you refurbish a toaster!!! Refurbished is typically in reference to electronics like an iPhone, VCR, or small appliance. And it is not a form of art! You can go on Amazon and buy refurbished toasters all day long.

A watch, a church or a vintage car would be RESTORED! Restoration is a form of art that requires a developed skill for form, function AND style. You will never see a '67 Corvette up for auction referred to as "refurbished." A skilled watchmaker that brings an Omega, Rolex, or IWC back to life appreciates using the word restored.

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The Dangers of Cheap Tools Damaging Case Backs

Watch case backs take a beating!!! 20 years of practice, specialty tools and a sharp eye, I can undo some damage but not all. Damaged case backs like this can be easily prevented with better quality tools.

A two pronged tool is by far the most dangerous! A tool like this is the number one cause of damage to case backs from slipping.

This tool is the next step up. Much safer but still risky. This tool can be used safely with a steady hand and some skill.

This is a Bergeon Watch Case Opener; what a watchmaker would use. I would recommend having a watchmaker open your watch to prevent damage. Inconvenient? Not nearly as inconvenient as sending me your case back to be repaired!

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More About the Importance of a Functioning Crown

I have written before about the importance of a functioning crown over having an original one. I get asked all the time "Can I keep the original crown on the watch?" Sure, if you want the watch to look like one of these.

These are several examples where owners wanted to keep the "original" Omega crown. I deal with this more than I would like to. An "original crown" has ZERO value to a watch if the gasket inside is no good. How well would you expect a rubber gasket to hold up after 50 or 60 years? I would rather have an aftermarket or another brand crown than a bad original. Every watch I buy gets a new crown if it needs it. If the original brand is not available, use any other brand till you can find one.

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