What time is it? Watches and horology

Ta, just having a look around now...

I'm keen on the Tag, I like the dial.

About a year ago I bought an Omega Geneve Automatic. First time I wore it the crown came off! Ooops!. On the advice of this board I spent an long time trying to find an independent repairer, preferably one I could meet face to face. About six weeks ago I made a long trip to go to a tiny little backstreet watch shop. The bloke there opened it up, had a look, and said it would also need a new mainspring. About a month, he said, because of having to order a brand new crown and spring from Omega. I agreed, shook his hand, and left the shop. The watch was sitting on a post-it with my name on. Amongst several other watches to be repaired. No receipt. No box or bag. Did I mention this is Spain, so there was a bit of a language barrier?

First picture shows the watch as I gave it to him.

Six weeks later I realised I hadn't heard from him. His number on my phone wasn't recognised - so i used the number on his website, and messaged him. That was last Friday. By return I got a picture of a lot of bits, and a short "I have started your watch". I don't mind saying that for a brief moment my heart sank.

The next day (Saturday) I got another message saying that the watch was finished. I said I would pick it up on Monday....

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... and here is the watch which I had repaired and cleaned. To my untutored eye it looks like new. I know that this isn't a particularly collectable watch, and tbh, if I sold it now I'd probably make a loss, but it looks, and feels lovely to wear. It's soooo thin and light.

I know some people will be interested, so I had the mainspring changed, the crown replaced, a couple of "wheels" replaced from his spares tin, a clean, and I think I had the glass replaced. I let him sell me a new leather strap for it as well. The whole job cost 350 euros, plus the strap.

If you ever need a watch repaired in Valencia, I can deffo recommend this chap.

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The sandpaper look is nice, yes.
@Amir_Atbak agree with the ca 300 estimate. Have been looking at 90s tags quite a lot, that's about the value probably.
Unless the dial makes it special.

Well, if anyone's interested then I'll probably be putting it up for sale. Drop me a message if so...

Cool story bro, but really.
Beautiful watch!

I actually also have a very similar automatic inherited from my grandfather that died before I was born.
The other one relatively recently deceased left me a fake one "with a warm hand" but that's a different story.

Got the real one serviced a while ago at this similar back alley shop (not as extensive as yours) by an old Turkish guy 'ere in Berlin.
"Never sell, keep forever" he said.

Mine has a beautiful milanaise bracelet which is too big though and not sufficiently adjustable.
Still fretting about having it shortened as suggested by the Omega shop (for which the excess gold should pay) or just changing it out for a leather one like you did.

Anyone interested in a near mint military-issued CWC diver? It is the newest version, issued to the Royal Navy amongst others. In original tin with CWC NATO strap, and was issued to the RN in 2023. £550 delivered in the UK? Would consider trades too. Lots more photos on request.

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Woof very appealing, these. Am personally not sure about the black case coating… how tough is it getting a hold of one?

Do you mean how easy are they to buy? Or are you asking about the coating? Sorry I'm not totally clear.

The coating is nice IRL. It's like a powdercoat - apparently specced like that for special boat service so as to limit reflections. In terms of purchasing, you can buy a new, un-issued one for £800 from CWC direct. In this condition they are hard to come by as military-issued examples.

Ah sorry, i meant to ask if it’s possible to just purchase one with a different case treatment. I’ve opened their website now and seems there’s a public release for some of them — whereas the ones you have are military issue, is that right?

Crossed-threads - sorry should have waited for your reply! Yes. Mine is a military-issued example. I only have the one.

Probably for the best I found out the cost of my van repairs before I opened this thread…

Definitely wise…

A bargain on one here Google must be watching me this just popped up in my Ad's
https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/gifts/gifts-for-him/grey-matte-watch/p/76053120

For ants tho

😂

Interesting (ish) article on the perception of class through watches;

Class Watches

Watched the first episode last night, typically Guy Richie style, it’s ok at best. Didn’t notice any watches….

Wow! Good spot.

I've finished it - very, very daft but did spot a lot of watches throughout including a Patek that plays a part in a specific scene.

I noticed the watches , and must admit I enjoyed it. Theo James for Bond I say.
Having said that watched the film version again tonight and it’s much better.

Tag now for sale in Miscellany...

Cheers mate, all good! Both mum and son are doing better than dad! :D

Theo James

I can't get past him being the bully from the inbetweeners movie