I have recently found a watch that belonged to my late father. It has been lying in a safe deposit box in the bank for the last twenty years.

He bought it new in the 1960s or perhaps the early 1970s.

It is a gold Omega Constellation with a matching bracelet.

He used to wear it come rain or shine, whether he was wearing a suit to work or servicing the car.

It is a bit scratched and battered, but works fine and seems to keep good time.

I don't know much about watches, but it is of considerable sentimental value to me.

What should I do with it? Should I have it serviced and cosmetically restored, or leave it as it is?

I would like to wear it occasionally, but it could really do with a bit of a tidy up.

I also need to know whether it is worth anything, as it is as much my brother's as it is mine and I should give him half it's value.

I'm guessing that it might be worth a couple of hundred quid?

Apologies for the crap iPhone pic.

I'd be thinking about getting it serviced, as this will prolong the movement life if nothing else, though if it's running OK then perhaps something to think about in the future.

As stated by cheddar above, don't do anything cosmetic to it, as it's your (fathers) history, though the crystal may benefit from a going over with polywatch (or even Brasso) as it should be acrylic. (Hesalite?) Perhaps a nice brown leather strap as well? (Keeping the original obviously)

A good source of information for all things Connie is HERE

As for valuation, it's worth whatever someone wants to pay, but if it's solid gold, I'd be revising your estimate considerably. In fact, even if it's plated I'd seriously look at doubling your initial figure.

I was given my late mother's father's watch (my grandad) that had been restored. It had been over done and looks like new now. (same style watch as yours) New strap, crystal, full clean and polish.

It is only a gold 1960s Longines but all the old patina and signs of wear have gone. Could have been bought yesterday. I would have preferred a service and perhaps a new crystal at most, even a small clean. But sadly too much was done.

Have yours serviced, maybe a new crystal and a light clean but make sure that who ever does it sticks to exactly what you ask and leaves some of the marks and history behind.

That's really lovely. No wonder your dad loved it.

As others have said, I would have the crystal replaced, and get a more modern bracelet.

Value is difficult. I'm not an expert. I would guess that it would fetch £400-£500 on flea bay if its gold plated. Solid gold would be worth a lot more.

Bit more information has surfaced.

The watch is plated, rather than solid gold, but the bracelet is 9ct gold.

I have found a valuation certificate dated 20.06.1975, which valued it at £300.

The bracelet has a few dings, but apart from the scratches on the glass, the watch itself seems to be in good condition. There are no significant marks on the case.

The black marking that you can see in the photos is grime which will simply wash off, as Dad used to wear it in the garage.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

I am really delighted to have found this, as I had no idea it existed.

Poly the crystal, clean the strap with a soft toothbrush and warm soapy water and enjoy it, it is a lovely piece.

I bought a seamaster that looked that bad in a pic, twenty mins later it looked new, the scratches cast onto the face and look far worse than they really are.

Just my 2P.

This sounds like the way forward.

Previous experience messing about with the crystal on my old Amphibia leads me to believe that this one is beyond a bit of spit and polish.

I also have fatter wrists than my Dad and the bracelet is a bit tight.

I am pretty sure that it is the original Omega bracelet, but even though I have the left over gold that was chopped out of it when it was shortened for Dad, I can't see how it can be reinstated.

Quick update.

Watch now has new crystal, crown, service, clean and leather strap with Omega buckle.

The case, which is gold plated, has been left alone and preserves much of the patina that Dad inflicted on it over the years.

I will keep the original 9ct strap, partly because I think that it is an original Omega bracelet and partly because it is better than money in the bank. The leather strap suits it and is more comfortable.

It retains its sentimental value, but I'm not afraid to wear it and it's a lot more presentable than it was.

The case number seems to date it to about 1966.

Before:



After:

Looks very nice.