Omega

Looking for the right watchmaker makes all the difference....

Hi all

i find myself actually in my office ( posting from a computer as opposed from my cell phone).   I do not know if this ever happened to you. But i purchased a watch off of "THE NET" .   i posted pics of it here in the past ( AFTER PICS). The watch I am talking about is my 18k Seamaster Date chronometre with its original stretch oyster omega signed 18k yellow gold bracelet. I was very excited in making the deal and getting the package. I go to open it up and upon inspection the entire case and bracelet has be "lightly" polished just enough to remove all the satin finish to the case!! With a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat . I said to myself " it still is a great watch ..." I place it on my wrist as my wife walked into the room and screamed at me " your not wearing that in public !! ".   The next time i took it out to show a WIS friend of mine Ken, he held back a laugh. Then he told me that I was ready for the country club in CT.

Here are the Sellers pics and a few of my own showing the "Bling" look ....

Here are a few i took before i put the watch into storage.

The above happened about 3 years ago, since then I kept the watch in a box. But every time I met a new watchmaker I would ask if he can refinish cases. I would either have pics or was able to bring the watch with me. One watchmaker told me " you can fix it yourself with a scotchbrite pad" , I pass on that suggestion. Another watchmaker said " leave it as is". I was traveling one time and met a watchmaker that was under the age of 50 ( I would consider young in this business). I did not have the watch with me but I did have my laptop and showed him photos. He stared at the photos for about 20 mins and said "I might be able to help" but i would need to have the watch in hand first. I had to ask if he would suggest the use of Scotchbrite pads and he laughed ( made me feel better). He also stated to me that he would not touch it unless he knew he could make it better ( closer to the original factory finish).

When i returned home from that business trip, picked the watch up from storage at the bank. The next day packed and shipped it out US Registered mail insured to the watchmaker. A week later I got a call from him confirming that he received the watch without issue. Then he told me he needs to "think about" how this case should be brought back to its original finish, I asked " how long will that take?". His reply " it will take some time". About two weeks later he called me back saying " I have a plan and I think I can bring it back pretty close to the original finish". I told him to go ahead as I could never wear the watch the way it was presently. For me I normally NEVER have a case polished or refinished, this is my one and hopefully only time .

To make a long story shorter another 3 weeks pass and I got a call saying the watch was going to be shipped back to me this week, He also mentioned that after working the case and bracelet, he likes the watch BUT loves the bracelet!!   I have to quote him saying " The watch head is the most expensive link in the bracelet!". I started to laugh on the phone. I then asked " how does it look?" He said its nice.... and I would like it. He then said " I will send some pics to you later on. But you will love it...".

I had to wait another 10 days and oh boy when I opened the box !!! Wow!!!

I will let his pictures speak for themselves...

One thing I can say about this hobby it is not for people looking for instant gratification lol!!.   But is a journey of finding the right watch and the right watchmaker to bring it back to its former glory.   I bet there are a lot of people out there " sitting" on a project looking for the right part or a watchmaker with a specific skill..   Do not give up hope... its out there just keep your eyes open and ask.....

Good Hunting

Bill Sohne