Restoring an Omega 166.088

[M.B.]

Hi all, new around here.

I have an Omega 166,088 (Seamaster diver, 120m) that was nicely preserved with a touch of patina.
Unfortunately during my moves it fell and got damaged. The bezel insert broke, and the dial is quite destroyed (the paint "popped" like an old car).
Any idea where can I find a vintage Omega specialist around here for service, and possibly tracking spares?

Edit: Located in Skåne, but can leave it for repair in Stockholm as well.

Thanks,
MB

 

[Per]

Pics are always welcome in order to give advice.

 

[M.B.]

Hi Per, you do have a point there, unfortunately I won't be back home till Saturday.
I'll try taking a picture as soon as I can.

 

[tdn-dk]

Obsolete at cousinsuk.com

 

[M.B.]

Yes, I've tried looking at sites and suppliers such as Ofrei- bezel and dial are not to be found. Hands are possible, however I'd prefer to keep the patina ones.
I was hoping to find a local specialist that might have spare parts around, or another half-borken watch we can scavenge.

 

[JohnDoe]

Werner at ABC urmakaren (hornsgatan stockholm) has a surprisingly large stock of old omega spareparts. He is oldschool and you have to visit and "be nice" to get help.

 

[M.B.]

Thank you JohnDoe, I'll be sure to take a look on my next visit.

 

[M.B.]

Finally after YEARS of search, I managed to get my hands on a correct bezel!
Unfortunately no luck on the dial search just yet.

Usually I would be against dial restorations, but seeing that it isn't possible to find any for some years now, I decided to give it a go. At least I could wear it till I find a new original dial.

1. The dial was sent off to David Bill & sons in the UK for restoration
2. The movement was left for service. Unfortunately its quite damaged and would require quite a few new parts as well, but at least the heart will be as nice is the outside!

I also got my hands on a good condition, correct bracelet to go with it.

Hopefully will turn out nicely, will update here when the dial returns from restoration.

 

[Salesmayne]

Finally after YEARS of search, I managed to get my hands on a correct bezel!
Unfortunately no luck on the dial search just yet.

Usually I would be against dial restorations, but seeing that it isn't possible to find any for some years now, I decided to give it a go. At least I could wear it till I find a new original dial.

1. The dial was sent off to David Bill & sons in the UK for restoration
2. The movement was left for service. Unfortunately its quite damaged and would require quite a few new parts as well, but at least the heart will be as nice is the outside!

I also got my hands on a good condition, correct bracelet to go with it.

Hopefully will turn out nicely, will update here when the dial returns from restoration.

Best of luck!

 

[M.B.]

Things are happening!
Two bracelets, endlinks and a new rotor arrived.

The one on the left is 1171, claimed to be NOS, I don't know if true but it's in pretty great conditions. No hairlines, tight links, etc.

The one on the right, I believe it's actually a 1171 as well but had it's clasp replaced with a 1221 at some point. Other than that it's in pretty good condition for its age.

The main reason for purchasing the one on the right, though, were the included hard-to-find 650 endsliks to fit this reference.

And then there's the new rotor as well.


Initially I wanted to use the NOS 1171 with the 650 endlinks, but seeing that the second bracelet (on the right, I believe a 1171 with 1221 clasp) is quite all right for it's age perhaps I would use that as I assume it would be easier to sell a NOS 1171 with the correct clasp.

Thoughts?

 

[M.B.]

Finally some wrist time, a great Christmas gift

 

[denjohan]

That is a very nice model. Mine says hi!

 

[Salesmayne]

That is a very nice model. Mine says hi!

Mesh looks great on that watch! Good choice!