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1970s Megaquartz 32 KHz Help

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I received this watch as a gift from my father-in-law and plan to give it to my son as a graduation gift. I have no intention to sell it but was hoping to learn more about it. It is currently not working so I’d also like to hear about best approach to repair/restore it.

It was bought in Switzerland in 1973 or 1974. It worked when I got it. The battery subsequently died and was replaced at a jewelry shop. It worked for about two weeks afterwards and then completely quit. That is the only time it’s been opened up while I’ve had it and per my father-in-law it’s never been serviced.

There are a dozen very similar models but I’ve only found a few very brief references to this specific model.
Edited:
 
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Spruce
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The battery is comparatively easy to replace. You need to unscrew the back. A watchmaker’s rubber ball or a dog’s rubber ball or kong will do the job.

Next you need a small fine screwdriver to unscrew the battery lock arm.

Here’s my electronic quartz and you’ll see what to do.

upload_2022-10-31_19-21-17.jpeg


Two things; first, sometimes the battery isn’t sitting properly and a simple adjustment (loosening, moving the battery, tightening) can resolve the problem. Second, a battery change may be needed.

Good luck.
 
N
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Spruce Spruce
The battery is comparatively easy to replace. You need to unscrew the back. A watchmaker’s rubber ball or a dog’s rubber ball or kong will do the job.

Next you need a small fine screwdriver to unscrew the battery lock arm.

Here’s my electronic quartz and you’ll see what to do.

upload_2022-10-31_19-21-17.jpeg


Two things; first, sometimes the battery isn’t sitting properly and a simple adjustment (loosening, moving the battery, tightening) can resolve the problem. Second, a battery change may be needed.

Good luck.
 
Spruce
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I only made the suggestion based on what you posted.
On occasions, I’ve changed my battery, it’s run and then stopped and it starts working once I’ve re-sited the battery.
In your case, I’m not sure I’d rely on a ‘jewellers shop’ and would try re-siting the battery.
 
byunjoe
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If you're based in the US, I have heard of https://www.accutrons.com/

A Google search also provides Geneva Watch Repair based out of San Francisco but I have no idea if they'll service beyond Accutrons.
 
N
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I called Omega yesterday (here in San Diego) they can send the watch back to Switzerland for full service which I understand as a full restoration and repair. Omega noted that it will cost me 600-800 USD but will verify when I bring it in. It's a sentimental piece so I'm not interested in selling it but I also wonder what it's worth? Also, is a full restoration a good idea with a vintage watch?
 
JayBe
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Omega restoration is not really a popular option around here, or for collectors in general, as they replace important items (dial, hands). This view can change, if you just want an "as new" watch to wear. That being said, I find that yours has ages well and would want to preserve the current state.

My advice would be to source a running movement (or cosmetically challenged, but working watch with same movement) from ebay or similar sources. Have any above avarage watchmaker swap the main bridges on the movements, so that your SN remains identical and swap the new movement in your watch.
Should be possible for up to 300 USD.
 
N
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Well I got a few different estimates. A certified Omega repair place quoted me 865 USD to repair. Omega would charge 550 USD to send back to Switzerland. They noted that they would replace or fabricate parts. They’d also send back all parts removed.

I photographed the back and even Omega couldn’t tell me what model this is. Based on my own research it appears to have been made in 1975. Can anyone tell me roughly what it’s worth? specific model? year of manufacture?
 
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Gav1967
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Google search omega megaquartz st196.0036 and you will find other examples for sale and have a guesstimate yourself at value based on its condition compared to others and the fact it is currently not working
 
N
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Gav1967 Gav1967
Google search omega megaquartz st196.0036 and you will find other examples for sale and have a guesstimate yourself at value based on its condition compared to others and the fact it is currently not working

Thanks, that was very helpful. Interestingly, all of the watches that come up in that search match in every way but they carry the Geneve tag which mine doesn't have?
Edited:
 
Gav1967
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N Nucities
Thanks, that was very helpful. Interestingly, all of the watches that come up in that search match in every way but they carry the Geneve tag which mine doesn't have?
I have seen both in my search

Screenshot_20221102-030925_Chrome.jpg Screenshot_20221102-030840_Chrome.jpg
 
Leeroy
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The 1310 movement uses a 386 battery, yours appears to have a 389 which is a bit thinner.
 
JayBe
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Leeroy Leeroy
The 1310 movement uses a 386 battery, yours appears to have a 389 which is a bit thinner.
Well spotted. Some people have reported that the 389 would not work, albeit having the same nominal voltage, even when the contact is intact, due to lower capacity. I believe that @kaplan had a similar problem with his hummer.
So maybe you should try a 386 first before giving up on the movement.
 
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