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Houston we have a problem...
A couple of months back I left the chronograph running overnight and the next day it had stopped. It's only seven years old and was keeping good without the chrono running and the amplitude was around 300, but operate the chrono and the amplitude drastically drops, the line on the timegrapher starts wandering all over the place and then it stops. Obviously not right so time for a look.
I opened it up and on close inspection there's tiny black spots of dirt on the movement -
There's only one extra wheel running when the chrono is engaged which is the seconds recording wheel, which is the top centre wheel seen below -
I removed the bridge with the Omega logo, then the hammer and spring which allowed the seconds wheel to be removed an cleaned. I didn't see anything which would cause a problem, but after reassembly it was exactly the same. This was telling me the centre wheel, which is directly underneath the seconds wheel might have some dirt trapped inside the tube where the seconds pinion runs through, but to get at that the whole thing has to come apart, so that's what I did -
When I removed the train wheel bridge, and then the crown wheel which is attached to the underside I found the culprit -
I'm not sure what lubricant was originally used here, but it appears to have hardened and then migrated through the movement causing the problems. Happy that I'd found the cause, everything went into the cleaner for a full movement service and now with the chrono running it looks like this -
When I bought this I was thinking I'd send it to Omega when service time comes. Obviously I can do it myself, but the two year Omega warranty would add value and provenance if I were ever to sell, plus the case would be refinished to a standard I could never achieve. The only problem was the cost as Omega are now charging £825 to service one of these, so **** the provenance and all that, it's good for the next 6+ years, I can live with the scratches it's picked up, and it's only cost me about four hours of my time.
4hrs? Bloody hell. Fully dissembled, cleaned and reassembled in 4hrs. Dunno what you do for a living but would being a watch jockey pay a decent return on current evidence?
All the parts of that watch laid out like that gives me the fear!
I cannot imagine being able to take all that to bit and not mash/ mislay / lose some tiny tiny bit 😱
It took me 2h to take a hoover to bits and get it back together yesterday. Parts count is alot less than that!
UGOG! As always fudster, that is impressive!
boblo
Free Member
4hrs? Bloody hell. Fully dissembled, cleaned and reassembled in 4hrs. Dunno what you do for a living but would being a watch jockey pay a decent return on current evidence?
That is what I do.
It takes about 45 mins to disassemble as all you're doing is attacking it with a screwdriver and laying it all out on the bench. 20-30 minutes in the cleaning machine and I'll have a coffee break, then the remaining 2-3 hours on the rebuild as I'm going over the pictures I've taken working out how it goes back together and referencing the tech sheet to confirm where it needs lubricated and which lubricants should be used, plus doing checks on every operation as it goes back together and closely inspecting every part for wear.
That's on a seven year old watch which hasn't been messed with before so stuff like this is gravy. It's when you get the 40+ year old watches that've previously been through the hands of butchers where you need to know your s**t and it might require several hours on top tracing and remedying the problems, often with a break for a few days or weeks while you're waiting on parts from the internet to arrive. Then you total it all up at the end and sometimes you realise you've barely made minimum wage on that one.
tall_martin
Full Member
All the parts of that watch laid out like that gives me the fear!I cannot imagine being able to take all that to bit and not mash/ mislay / lose some tiny tiny bit 😱
It took me 2h to take a hoover to bits and get it back together yesterday. Parts count is alot less than that!
Just take lots of pictures as you strip it down and lay out the parts in order. A wooden floor for when you inevitably drop parts also helps, as does a golf putter with strong magnets attached for sweeping up the dropped parts .
That is what I do.
Well that explains a lot then ya cheat 😁 We (I) thought you were the mandatory STW stereotype IT Middle Manager messing about with watches in your spare time 👍
I always love Fudd's posts, great reading and photos
@Fudd amazing work. Just amazing.
Haven’t mentioned on this thread before as u don’t meed another watch, but always fancied a really good moon phase watch, I’ve absolutely no real idea why - as I can just look 👀 k upwards and see the moon phase, but no matter
so CW have this C1 moon phase that I’ve just got an email about and I really quite like it, but there’s something about it that I don’t - but I can’t put my finger on what - yet
Fudd, I doff my cap. Great post, as always.
so CW have this C1 moon phase that I’ve just got an email about and I really quite like it, but there’s something about it that I don’t – but I can’t put my finger on what – yet
As a recipient of their magazine (Loupe) I've been staring at this for a few days. The detail in the mag is greater than the web, pretty much everything about it feels a little bit special. And I don't have a dress watch.
Luckily I don't have the funds either 😀
As a recipient of their magazine (Loupe) I’ve been staring at this for a few days. The detail in the mag is greater than the web, pretty much everything about it feels a little bit special. And I don’t have a dress watch.
Will grab a copy of the CW magazine.
I think I’m not a fan of the no hands face (but understand why it doesn’t) and the finish of the case. Plus I’m now not really someone who really wears a dress watch. Maybe a more rugged moon dive esque watch will surface.
Thankfully I don’t have the funds.
I was reading about that CW moonphase the other day, and it’s a remarkable piece of work. The fact that the phases of the watch match exactly the phases that you can see of the moon, and apparently will do for something like 125 years, and it’s also a proper halftone illustration of the moon I think is just wonderful! It’s sheer simplicity really appeals to me, and the moon actually looking like the moon is lovely.
It’s not a watch I would wear, but I can’t help but really appreciate the design.
I think I’m not a fan of the no hands face (but understand why it doesn’t) and the finish of the case.
Not sure, but if you’re referring to the Moonphase, it does have hands, quite clearly, but it doesn’t have anything else on the face to detract from the moon face.
I find regular moonphase watches too cluttered, but the clarity and simplicity of the CW is very much to my taste.
Not sure, but if you’re referring to the Moonphase, it does have hands, quite clearly, but it doesn’t have anything else on the face to detract from the moon face.
Yes it does, I meant to type no indices, it does clearly have hands.
It is a lovely watch.
Gravel specific wris****ch anyone? I don't mind it actually, but probably a bit expensive for a kickstarter beater.
Gravel specific wris****ch anyone? I don’t mind it actually, but probably a bit expensive for a kickstarter beater.
Listened to their pitch: "I wanted a tough watch I could just throw on and go out and do stuff... all the available ones are over $1000!" Errrr, never heard of g-shocks? The solar powered ones will do the automatic winding thing if you're going to be away for a loooooooong time.
I don't disagree that some of the bullshit about tough watches can get piled a bit high.
However, I do increasingly find that, on balance, I prefer that to the knee-jerk "g-shock" response whenever somebody wants something which is capable of more than a cocktail party.
I find it weird that such recommendations always seem to presuppose that the person somehow hasn't heard of g-shocks.
Edit - case in point is the upcoming Elliot Brown "white-out", nice capable watch, hyperbolic marketing.
\tangent
I’ve seen a very collectible vintage watch at an auction house (the traditional type) that also run online auctions.
from the limited pics it looks in reasonable condition / not a franken-watch
Where do these places typically find their stock (it’s being sold as part of a lot with a load of no value watches).
I’ve always figured that in the modern world there is very little scope for arbitrage as it’s so easy to find something’s true value on the internet.
if I can get the watch for the estimated price it could be a steal, but I’m wary of getting something that is a rust pit once the movement is opened up (I can’t visit the auction to view in person)
However, I do increasingly find that, on balance, I prefer that to the knee-jerk “g-shock” response whenever somebody wants something which is capable of more than a cocktail party.
Which is absolutely fine; but don't try and BS us that you've invented a unique bargain (at up to 5 times the price of a G-shock)... why not acknowledge that it's not a new idea but some people may want something else... something "nicer"... something a little more exclusive?
case in point is the upcoming Elliot Brown “white-out”, nice capable watch, hyperbolic marketing.
Wait, don't tell me - was it manufactured in response to a request from a certain unit of HM Armed Forces?
EB's brochure is an amazing thing.
The military police?
thekingisdead
Free Member
\tangent
I’ve seen a very collectible vintage watch at an auction house (the traditional type) that also run online auctions.
from the limited pics it looks in reasonable condition / not a franken-watch
Where do these places typically find their stock (it’s being sold as part of a lot with a load of no value watches).
I’ve always figured that in the modern world there is very little scope for arbitrage as it’s so easy to find something’s true value on the internet.
if I can get the watch for the estimated price it could be a steal, but I’m wary of getting something that is a rust pit once the movement is opened up (I can’t visit the auction to view in person)
Be careful. One of the oldest tricks is to put a fake in with a bunch of very ordinary watches and the seller hopes someone spots it and takes the bait.
Not many auction houses nowadays will let a collectable watch be sold in a job lot of tat, you can be pretty sure they will have sifted through for a hidden gem, buyer beware.
Just had a look at that no-name ‘gravel’ watch, (or is it actually ‘Gravel’?), anyway, that’s a shittonne of style over substance, and very little style at that! It appears to have a bezel, but it’s got a smooth edge and doesn’t apparently turn, so it’s useless. No lume on the indices, and 100m water resistance? So that’s a no, then, especially at those prices. <br />I’m not a big fan of G-Shocks, most are far too cluttered and difficult to read - I’ve got a fairly cheap analogue one, but it’s time-keeping is atrocious!
I’m not a big fan of G-Shocks, most are far too cluttered and difficult to read
I've started to dislike g-shocks really quite intensely, not exclusively for that reason but it doesn't help.
If anyone has an Omega deployant that they can’t get a comfortable fit with I’ve found the perfect answer. Was between holes on the strap and my Speedy was either too loose or too tight. Switched it out for a Formex Essense 39 clasp which micro adjusts
[url] https://formexwatch.com/accessories/essence-thirtynine-deployant-clasp-with-fine-adjustment [/url]
Cost was £128 with next day postage from Switzerland and whilst not cheap, is worth it for a nice fit 👍🏻
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Nice - great reco!
Am after some old watch advice chaps have seen a birth year watch on fleabay
question is how do I verify the watch is genuine? Or put any kind of value on it ? I’m not flush enough to go bananas on buying it, I like it but maybe not that much now I’m thinking on it. Also thinking I prefer more modern watches with some interest.
Watch is an omega - no model specific from the listing.
Would have helped to include the link, https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145366826439?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=PW_VgQ5gS96&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KLDlWsJxT8-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Can I ask opinions on Frederique Constant?
I quite like the idea of a Small Seconds Classic as a dress watch:
Thanks @neilnevill decided against going for it. My reasoning is If it wasn’t for the year, I’d never give it a second look. Think I’ll sack this idea off.
I bought the classic Tropic for my chronograph as a summer strap, and think I made a good choice. But you may have noticed its nor summer any longer. What would the gang suggest to replace it with?
Apologies to @Blazin-saddles, I appear to have got most of this in focus.
😂 It’s no problem to me, we just seem to enjoy ribbing Kryton on his photography skills. All meant in a good way.
@tthew - have you had a look at Crafter Blue's range?
I have one of their silicons on my Samurai and it looks the bollocks as the ends are radiused to snuggle up to the case. They're not cheap (£70^) but they're very good quality.
Will Crafter Blue recommend a strap? They've not got a one listed for my watch, and I assume the lug length is as critical for a correct fit as the width?
I'm not stuck on rubber, leather or maybe even a nice beads of rice bracelet, which would be an improvement on the standard one.
Bargin Alpinist anyone? Rather pretty imo but I don't expect the brown face and gilt bits and bobs are everyone's cup of tea!
Courtesy of HUKD
Bit odd - I'm not seeing the link I posted but if I go back to edit it's right there. Oh well.
It's an SPB211 at Goldsmith's for £320.
Hello gang. I flew into LA this morning, from Honolulu, NZ, Oz and Thailand before. I'm over halfway around the globe and have made my first crossing of the Pacific (by night, so saw nowt!). Now at Union Station dodging tranq zombies threatening to stab and shoot me (not joking) and waiting to board the Southwest Chief to Santa Fe.
Cheeky wristy from O'ahu with the Diamondhead in the background. I did visit Pearl Harbor but wasn't thinking about my watch. The aviation museum had some classic jets of my youth, which I've mostly never seen in real life before, let alone fondled: F104, A4, F4, F14, F15, F16, F18, plus B17, Zero, P40, B25, SBD, all sorts! And the Mighty Mo, BB63, just waiting/hoping/praying for Erika Eleniak to give me a thorough motorboating in a shadowy gangway!
Also a spot of hunting in Otago. No deer came anywhere close to injury but a few bunnies got the good news. Rifle is my friend's Canadian built 1942 No4 Mk1*.
@gaidong Is dissapoint. Was expecting a Cuckoo clock for the wrist with extra filigree and gold tassels...😁 That one's actually quite nice/tasteful 👍
Seiko Prospex Alpinist Watch SPB211J1 down to £320 on Goldsmiths.
Chrono24; not sure what I’m doing wrong - if anything - here but I could have sold 2 watches about 5 times over. <br /><br />
The issue is, the buyers are either Italy, Spain or Germany and all are insisting I sell a nearly new £420 watch at €200. They won’t accommodate me adding the postage costs - about £27 - becuase of thier import taxes that will be applied. <br /><br />
im stubbornly holding out to the “your taxes aren’t my problem and don’t reduce the value of the watch” line. Am I wrong?
The issue is, the buyers are either Italy, Spain or Germany and all are insisting I sell a nearly new £420 watch at €200
They can insit away. its £420. I dont get it?
How do they expect you to get it to them if you dont post it?
"Dont" add the postage cost on, post it for free, except the watch is now £450, and they get no insurance or warranty or guarantee it will turn up?
Sorry I’ll be clearer.
The watch retails at £420. It’s second hand but in VGC and I’m selling it at £250. I’m being offered €180-€200 delivered overseas, and when I then mention the additional cost of £27 delivery I’m getting moaned at / offer withdrawn becuase of the “don’t you realise I have to pay import tax” excuse.
So I’m being made to feel that I need to reduce the cost of my item to supplement the import tax.
eh, is it not just the usual give n take of haggling over selling? They ask for a c35% discount and you tell them to go swivel/ grudgingly offer 15% if they're polite about it?
I know a lot of stuff is priced "optimistically" on Chrono24, but if you're seeing similar watches priced similarly shifting quickly enough then you've no particular requirement to drop to what they're asking, right?
ETA: useful to be aware of though, as I need to start thinking of selling my Oris Propilot GMT 10-day and blue Tudor Heritage Chrono.
Of course, negotiation is part of the process although my watch - an SKK GMT - is the lowest price of its kind on the site. This isn’t negotiation. It feels like daylight robbery. Cheapest watch by far and they won’t buy it. I already got miffed with one buyer who complained about no warranty and told him there were plenty of shops selling new watches if he’d care to look. <br /><br />
I posted because I wondered if my expectations are wrong.
Selling a watch anything is a matter of seller and buyer agreeing what it's wish to them. Since we brexited import costs complicate it as is a noticeable cost on the sale.
You're 'buyers ' could be trying it on, or could be reflecting what it's worth in their market. If you aren't in a hurry just wait for a uk buyer?
If you find a foreign buyer willing to pay at a price you find acceptable, one way to reduce their customs costs is to label the watch as “diving supplies” when you ship it. I live in Switzerland and that’s how my Scurfa was sent to me, saved me a bit of money for sure..;-)
@Kryton57 If you get that SKK on eBay today, they're doing the 80% off fees deal. Personally I'd put it on as an auction for £1 start, that always seems to be the best way to attract excited bidders, £250 looks well achievable having looked at the completed/sold listings.
Thanks all. Yes I'll try that, just had a rather uncomfortable HMRC bill that I need to pay 🙁
I'd wait for a UK buyer, tbh. You can put "repaired watch" on the declaration and hope no-one asks to see proof, but since the B-word, ES and DE postal services apply a handling fee even if no duty to pay.
I won't buy anything from the UK now (blame lies with the petty behaviour of Correos when handling UK shipments, but not bothering when it's coming from US or China etc)
Useful. Feedback thanks Bob. Should have slammed them on eBay a month ago, they’d have been sold by now!
Well there's a thing, 3hrs on eBay and the Glycine is sold.
Well there’s a thing, 3hrs on eBay and the Glycine is sold.
Too cheap?
😉
Too cheap?
🤣 That'll send him nuts. Well played 👍
£15% profit I'll have you know sir.
I thought this may be an interesting watch, no pun intended…..
Is that really only rated to 100m?
If that’s correct, then I did not know that, and I’d have expected more.
Yep, the GMT-Master II is 100m. Same case as the Sub, but uses less robust gaskets around the crown, IIRC?
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My Alpinist arrived today.
The strap fits up to a 10" wrist.
Does it not have erne triple lock crown then? The one with 3 dots beneath the coronet.
My Alpinist arrived today
I got one last week because I liked the colour and prefer the single crown casing to the double on my SARB017.
I'm afraid it's going to have to go back, the indexes/numbers are disappointingly flat but mainly because I'm not happy about the finishing on the dial. The texture is inconsistent.
I don't want to piss on your chips but yours looks like it's a bit "blobby" between 9 and 10 - hopefully just a trick of the light on yours.
A quick 'good service' story for a change. My Steinhart Nav-B Chrono started to feel a bit clunky when winding and the chrono buttons had always been a bit stiff. Then the chrono hand wouldn't return to zero so I emailed Steinhart. Bearing in mind it's a year out of warranty, they asked me to return it to them free of charge using their FedEx account number (sussing out the FedEx website was a nightmare but that's another story).
Was contacted yesterday morning to say it was repaired (much quicker than they advised) and asking for 50 Euros. I replied to say why should I be charged when it had gone wrong and they came straight back apologising and it arrived on the doorstep an hour ago! Even got a free pen in the package. Winder feels really smooth now, chrono hand replaced and the buttons feel much better.
So, big thanks to Steinhart 🙂
I thought this may be an interesting watch, no pun intended…..
Over priced trinket that represents everything wrong with high end watches.
I'd love a Rolex as like my Volvo's and Sandvik axe they are the ultimate tool watch and can be serviced/repaired/worn for life before being passed onto my niece and nephew. But Rolex themselves deliberately limiting production and flippers out for a quick buck have ****ed it.
Arrived today.
100% good service from SubDial
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Lol "ultimate tool watch" - they're not even the ultimate swiss made automatic tool watch made by a swiss brand with 5 letters in their name!
It's nonsense like that which encourages shit like "Rolex themselves deliberately limiting production and flippers out for a quick buck" to happen.
That AT is gert lush noshy!
neilnevill
Free Member
Does it not have erne triple lock crown then? The one with 3 dots beneath the coronet.
I believe that's correct, yep
I'm tempted by a cheap mm300 on tz but haven't got around to selling any o need to... so limited time offer, if anyone is interested in a sbdc059 for £600, or a rado captain Cook bronze blue colourway for £1250 message me. I'd need to shift both really.
Love that Omega!
Facinating:
Love an Aqua Terra. Nearly bought a 15,000 Gauss last year, but procrastinated and missed out. Keep looking at them now but have my name down for an Explorer 40mm. If that doesn’t happen then I’ll go Aqua Terra or Speedmaster Sapphire as I’m really liking my newest Seamaster.
Aqua Terra is a stunning watch...my mate is a serial flipper and I personally think he made a major error when he flipped that one.
neilnevill
Free Member
Does it not have erne triple lock crown then? The one with 3 dots beneath the coronet.
Twinlock so two crown gaskets instead of three, but the reality is that it's likely just as water resistant as a Sub.
Rolex themselves deliberately limiting production...
The only Rolex that was ever limited production is the SS Daytona. Everything else is just supply stripping demand. They're flat out and announced a $1bn investment in a new factory last year, so don't believe all the clickbait vids on YT or s/h dealer sales talk.
Any recommendations for insurance?
Another Aqua Terra fan here; I've got a Mk1 (bought 2009) as my dressy watch.
They've got better with each version, and now IMHO are a better package all round - except residuals - than a Rolex OP or even Explorer. I just wish Omega would stop trying to chase every single imaginary niche with their combinations of colours and models; trim it down to say 12 different variants and leave it at that.