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1962 Constellation - Replace Crown?

Barnetty
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Hi, I’m new to the forum and have been lucky enough to have a 1962 Constellation (14393) bought for me as present. I’m aware that the crown is a service replacement - the watch was serviced by Omega earlier this year and as part of the service the crown was routinely replaced. My question is, as have all the parts that were replaced on the service, including the original crown, should I go back a replace the service crown with the original or leave alone. Phots attached - thoughts would be welcome. Cheers
C4D8597B-F416-4A85-9D79-A7A2A43D41B0.jpeg DC639D61-ECEC-42D8-9CF9-8ABD46DF7B65.jpeg BF3229A2-6E3C-4A5F-90BA-7D8190CBB813.jpeg 8409066D-29ED-4AB5-B124-64A1DB46A5FE.jpeg
 
TheGreekPhysique
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I’m not a watchmaker so I don’t know if it would mess anything up but if it’s a possibility and you have someone capable of doing it I certainly would put the original back on.
 
Donn Chambers
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I would say it depends on what you intend to do with the watch. If you intend to wear it and enjoy it, keep the service crown. It was put on by Omega to ensure the proper water resistance for the watch. Putting on the old crown will likely compromise that. If you want to keep it in a collection to look at and have an “all original piece”, then sure, put on the old crown.

My opinion. I don’t deal with vintage watches anymore, but when I did, I always followed the watchmakers recommendation and replaced the crown, pushers, and gaskets when I had the watch serviced.
 
wagudc
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The answer depends on what you value: water resistance or originality. You can't have both.
 
MtV
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To provide an alternative view: I'd have the decagonal crown installed. It's not extremely waterproof anyway, even with the service crown, and if you take a bit of care - make sure it doesnt get wet when washing hands/when it's raining etc, you might as well wear it in it's original look. To my eye, the crown does make a difference. I've been wearing vintage watches that arent waterproof for quite a while and it was never really an issue to look out for them. Worst comes to worst, let's say when I was on the bike to work and it started raining, I just take it off and put it in an inside pocket of my jacket.
The crown that was returned to you is also a service replacement, by the way. I wouldnt mind, it's the correct style, but since you brought up the matter I figured I'd mention it.
 
Barnetty
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Thanks for these comments - that gives me something to think about. Cheers
 
BarbVl
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I like more the original crown and i did not fully understand why was replaced in the first time..if was only because the water proof i will personally take care of the watch do not touch the water..and swap the crown.
 
Barnetty
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BarbVl BarbVl
I like more the original crown and i did not fully understand why was replaced in the first time..if was only because the water proof i will personally take care of the watch do not touch the water..and swap the crown.
Thanks for that BarbVI - I think the crown is routinely replaced because that’s a required by Omega when they carry out a service. I guess I also need to consider if replacing the crown then invalidates my service guarantee. I agree, I do like the look of the original one more and it’s a pity Omega discontinued that style. Many thanks.
 
krogerfoot
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Barnetty Barnetty
Thanks for that BarbVI - I think the crown is routinely replaced because that’s a required by Omega when they carry out a service. I guess I also need to consider if replacing the crown then invalidates my service guarantee. I agree, I do like the look of the original one more and it’s a pity Omega discontinued that style. Many thanks.

@Archer clarified this point for me here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-166-010-advice-requested.150592/page-2#post-2060384. For what it’s worth, like @MtV above, I take my chances with the original crowns. If the watch doesn’t fog up on humid days, it’s probably enough to just be vigilant about keeping it out of the rain.
 
DON
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I'm surprised Omega didn't have an original crown or they didn't call any parts suppliers to place the original design back on.

As the original is still attached to the original stem. Should only take a couple of minutes to replace them

DON
 
Barnetty
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krogerfoot krogerfoot
@Archer clarified this point for me here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-seamaster-166-010-advice-requested.150592/page-2#post-2060384. For what it’s worth, like @MtV above, I take my chances with the original crowns. If the watch doesn’t fog up on humid days, it’s probably enough to just be vigilant about keeping it out of the rain.
Thanks @krogerfoot, appreciate the additional information. I know an experienced watchmaker so will take it to him and see what he thinks. Hopefully it will a straightforward job as @DON pointed out the crown is still attached to the stem. Regards
 
Archer
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Barnetty Barnetty
Thanks for that BarbVI - I think the crown is routinely replaced because that’s a required by Omega when they carry out a service. I guess I also need to consider if replacing the crown then invalidates my service guarantee. I agree, I do like the look of the original one more and it’s a pity Omega discontinued that style. Many thanks.

Changing the crown will absolutely invalidate the 2 year warranty you have on the service. It will also most likely leave your watch susceptible to water ingress. You should have received some indication of what water resistance the watch has, and even with a snap on case back, I’ve had lots of vintage watches pass pressure testing just fine. So changing the crown back will make a material difference in the amount of water resistance this watch has.

Personally I would advise against it, at least until your warranty period is up.

Cheers, Al
 
watchem
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I agree with most people here, keep the service crown for now. Change it back once warranty period is over.
 
Barnetty
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Archer Archer
Changing the crown will absolutely invalidate the 2 year warranty you have on the service. It will also most likely leave your watch susceptible to water ingress. You should have received some indication of what water resistance the watch has, and even with a snap on case back, I’ve had lots of vintage watches pass pressure testing just fine. So changing the crown back will make a material difference in the amount of water resistance this watch has.

Personally I would advise against it, at least until your warranty period is up.

Cheers, Al
Thanks Al - as I intend to wear it regularly I think you’re advice is sound. Appreciate you taking the time to review and respond. Regards
 
watch_er
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Beautiful watch and awesome you have someone that would gift it to you. Wear it in good health.
 
C
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I’m late to the party.
This might be old news, but I’ve successfully replaced crown gaskets in 5 of my 6105 Seiko Diver’s, using this technique:
https://adventuresinamateurwatchfet...eiko-6105-and-62mas-crown-gasket-replacement/
https://adventuresinamateurwatchfet...eiko-6105-and-62mas-crown-gasket-replacement/

The OP’s crown might not require this amount of effort to just pry out the washer and replace the gasket…

Was the cost of that Omega Service mentioned? Looks like they replaced a lot of parts.

Regards,
Chris
 
Barnetty
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Thanks chr
C Caci
I’m late to the party.
This might be old news, but I’ve successfully replaced crown gaskets in 5 of my 6105 Seiko Diver’s, using this technique:
https://adventuresinamateurwatchfet...eiko-6105-and-62mas-crown-gasket-replacement/

The OP’s crown might not require this amount of effort to just pry out the washer and replace the gasket…

Was the cost of that Omega Service mentioned? Looks like they replaced a lot of parts.

Regards,
Chris[
 
Barnetty
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Thanks Chris - I’ll take a look. The Omega service was done before I bought the watch but from the paperwork that came with it the cost was £500! Appreciate your post.
 
norb1967
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Archer Archer
Changing the crown will absolutely invalidate the 2 year warranty you have on the service. It will also most likely leave your watch susceptible to water ingress. You should have received some indication of what water resistance the watch has, and even with a snap on case back, I’ve had lots of vintage watches pass pressure testing just fine. So changing the crown back will make a material difference in the amount of water resistance this watch has.

Personally I would advise against it, at least until your warranty period is up.

Cheers, Al
In your experience, is it not possible to replace the gaskets on original Constellation crowns?
 
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