zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

I have a different opinion from Georges.

: I'm looking to have my 1970's flightmaster sent
: to Omega in Switzerland.

I have just done this. More below

The watch was
: serviced/lubed locally last year, but I'm
: looking send it to Bienne to have a new
: crystal, hands and possibly a new dial.

That sounds like some of the work I have requested. Again more below. All the parts you list are quite easily available. If you have a local watch guy you trust ( & it sounds like it ), It may well be cheaper ( & quicker ? ) to source the parts yourself & have you local guy do the work

: Since Omega wouldnt tell me, anyone have any
: idea how much this might cost?

: Thanks,
: BT

OK, the quote for a COMPLETE restoration for a flightmaster can be found here , Omega prices

You need to click on any of the PDF files to get a breakdown of the movements.

The flightmaster has either a 910 or 911 movement - so it costs 630 CHF ( about 400 pounds or 480 dollars ). HOWEVER for this price you will get a FULLY restored watch back. It will look like new. This not may be what you want. It is certainly a lot more than just a crystal, dial & hand change.

Now to Georges points.

Hi

Someone got a 321 speedy restored by Bienne it costed approximately 446 € if not more.

Sounds about right.

Original dial and hands were replaced by luminova dial and hands. Replacing original dial and hands by something not original is a watch modification not a restoration.

There are no more ORIGINAL 321 speedy dials left. I believe the ARE original flightmaster dials left, as are crystals & handsets. They are easily found on the Internet ( I can provide a couple of addresses / E-mails contacts if you want ). So the parts that Omega will use ARE original.

Try to locate a competent watchmaker who can eventually relume the dial and the hands with tritium.

Mmmmmm... that is one way & possibly the way you choose BT. But in my case, not the way I have chosen.

A vintage watch with luminova dial and hands and is senseless and worthless.

That is Georges opinion & assumes rather a lot. If the original dial is terrible, I'd argue that a luminvoa dial is better than a terrible original dial. ( & that is my opinion )

I also met someone who wanted to sell me a Bienne restored 321 with Luminova dial and hands. I said then "Luminova dial and hands on your watch, worth of your so called restored watch, $1000 not more."

Again that is Georges opinion, not mine. What I don't understand is that in EVERY Bienne restoration that I have heard of, the original parts are returned, with the watch. So in this case, why not just reuse the original dial ? Or had the watch owner already sold it ?

So BT. you have to decide what YOU want to do, pay, & have.

Certainly what Georges suggests is one possibility.

If you have time, let me make a suggestion.

I recently sent my 911 flightmaster to Bienne ( about 3 weeks ago ). I asked for a complete job.
new crystal, dial, hands & a complete "case job".

I will publish a full report on it when it arrives back. including dates, prices etc etc

Here are the "before" pics.

Lets see what Omega make of it & how much it costs.

AS I said, this may be WAY more than you want, but I'll share the Info, when I have it.

All the Best

Steve