Omega Chronostop questions?

[tvrolet]

I have an Omega Chronostop that was my dad's watch that I've had for years and never really worn, but I now fancy using it and I've a couple of queries that google hasn't been able to resolve for me. Having wound it up it seems to keep good time despite having been sat in a drawer for 30-odd years, and the 'second hand' stops and flies back as I guess it should.



I see some Chronostops have the dial at right angles, and others have a date window - this has neither so I'm guessing something from the early 60s? I can't see any other markings on the back apart from 'WATERPROOF TESTED 30M'. I assume it's genuine but nowhere near as valuable as a Seamaster or whatever. I have no box or paperwork so no idea of its history.

The 'glass' (which I assume is original) has a crack all around the outside that's visible from certain angles and in certain lights. It seems sound though, and I won't be trying out the claims of being waterproof, so is this something that really should be fixed (but making it non-original) or just live with it? If it's something I should look at fixing is this something a regular watch repairer can do, or needs a specialist? Any guestimates on cost?



I'm assuming the strap is fake? It does say Omega but there are no other markings, and none on the clasp (which does seem robust and quite well made). It's a good colour match for the dial, but from googling I think these should have a steel link or mesh strap? Assuming the strap is fake, any ideas what a proper strap should be? Looking on eBay it seems many are advertised with Omega part numbers but I've no idea what to look for. And many seem way more expensive than a complete used watch with strap, for just the strap alone! Any good sources for a more economical but genuine strap option...assuming of course the current one is a fake?

Or should I just put it back in the drawer and leave it for another 30 years before I look at it again? although I'll be dead by then

[Dominic H]

Good evening, nice Chronostop.

According to Omega these were launched in 1968. The three versions are;

146.009 Chronostop no date, your watch.
146.010 Chronostop 'Driver' with dial rotated 90deg from the norm.
146.012 Chronostop with date,

These were available on a leather strap or a mesh bracelet. Your watch is fitted with a grey leather strap (possibly original) with a modern universal, unbranded folding clasp. I think these are an 18mm fitment, a quick look on ebay shows an enormous selection.

The crack around the plastic glass will fail at some point. Better to have this replaced sooner rather than later, this is a straightforward job for a competent watchmaker.

Hope this helps....

[fflump]

tvrolet said:

I have an Omega Chronostop that was my dad's watch that I've had for years and never really worn, but I now fancy using it and I've a couple of queries that google hasn't been able to resolve for me. Having wound it up it seems to keep good time despite having been sat in a drawer for 30-odd years, and the 'second hand' stops and flies back as I guess it should.



I see some Chronostops have the dial at right angles, and others have a date window - this has neither so I'm guessing something from the early 60s? I can't see any other markings on the back apart from 'WATERPROOF TESTED 30M'. I assume it's genuine but nowhere near as valuable as a Seamaster or whatever. I have no box or paperwork so no idea of its history.

The 'glass' (which I assume is original) has a crack all around the outside that's visible from certain angles and in certain lights. It seems sound though, and I won't be trying out the claims of being waterproof, so is this something that really should be fixed (but making it non-original) or just live with it? If it's something I should look at fixing is this something a regular watch repairer can do, or needs a specialist? Any guestimates on cost?



I'm assuming the strap is fake? It does say Omega but there are no other markings, and none on the clasp (which does seem robust and quite well made). It's a good colour match for the dial, but from googling I think these should have a steel link or mesh strap? Assuming the strap is fake, any ideas what a proper strap should be? Looking on eBay it seems many are advertised with Omega part numbers but I've no idea what to look for. And many seem way more expensive than a complete used watch with strap, for just the strap alone! Any good sources for a more economical but genuine strap option...assuming of course the current one is a fake?

Or should I just put it back in the drawer and leave it for another 30 years before I look at it again? although I'll be dead by then

Certainly replace the acrylic crystal it will make the watch more desirable not less. The strap may be genuine but I don’t think it’s the type that came with the Chronostop. The clasp is definitely non omega if it has no markings. If you want to restore to original spec there is a correct leather strap at size 18/15 with the clasp on chrono24 for £228 in Germany.

[JohnP]

I've also got one that was my dads 21st birthday present (back in 1969).

Still works well, only issue I've had was the button cover fell off and had to be replaced.

Doesn't get worn very often though but you don't part with these things do you?

[BrokenSkunk]

Dominic H said:

Good evening, nice Chronostop.

According to Omega these were launched in 1968. The three versions are;

146.009 Chronostop no date, your watch.
146.010 Chronostop 'Driver' with dial rotated 90deg from the norm.
146.012 Chronostop with date,

These were available on a leather strap or a mesh bracelet. Your watch is fitted with a grey leather strap (possibly original) with a modern universal, unbranded folding clasp. I think these are an 18mm fitment, a quick look on ebay shows an enormous selection.

The crack around the plastic glass will fail at some point. Better to have this replaced sooner rather than later, this is a straightforward job for a competent watchmaker.

Hope this helps....

^This^
Omega crystals are about £90 ish these days. Plus fitting. Amoungst collectors crystals are considered a service item, much like a windscreen on a car. If it's cracked, it should be replaced and doing so does not devalue the watch.

I would strongly advise getting it serviced (at an independant NOT at Omega). You should stipulate a crystal change, movement strip and clean. Case not to be polished, no parts to be replaced without your consent. If you ask this of Omega they will say "Certainly sir" and then ignore your request. The problem is this often means getting a watch back with a replacement dial. Sometimes the replacement will be completely different.

After this amount of time the oils lubricating the watch won't be doing their job. Running the watch without lubrication will cuase wear and soon you'll have a big bill.


I think that's the original strap. The clasp is as you suspect aftermarket.

[Fitz666]

I had my Omega serviced by Martins of Glasgow. Might be worth giving them a shout for accurate costings. It came back like new and I was really happy, even after spending £500 on the service. An heirloom watch should be cherished and used imho.

[tvrolet]

Thanks for all the replies - I've been away for a while so only just catching up now. I have put the watch in to get the glass replaced - jeweller said these can be treated as consumables? I'm not really a watch guy but my daily watch (my ONLY watch, apart from this one) is a Longines I bought maybe 25+ years ago and it's been worn every day doing everything including working on the car and bikes, welding and machining, gardening, painting, DIY...apart from sleep it never comes off my wrist and it's still unmarked. Maybe Longines use better 'glass' and metal then Omega? Anyway...

fflump said:

If you want to restore to original spec there is a correct leather strap at size 18/15 with the clasp on chrono24 for £228 in Germany.

I guess my googling isn't up to it, or maybe it's been sold but I couldn't spot that.

[Janluke]

Genesis Watchmaking might be worth an email and not too far away from us

https://genesiswatchmaking.co.uk/index.html

[bazza.]

The chronostop is a great movement, and one I like working on.