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  1. agemo100 Oct 5, 2016

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    Hi,

    I joined in the hope of finding out more about my Speedmaster Quartz Calibre LCD 1620, purchased around 1977/78 (can't remember exactly when), in Melbourne, Australia. Still have the original manual, but not the box. Searched this forum using a few search parametres, but couldn't find anything relevant. Apologies if I missed something.

    The number on the inside of the back cover (on two lines) is 186 0003, and directly underneath 386 0803. The number on the bracelet is ST 1299 266. The serial number on the module is 39575965 1620. The case and bracelet are stainless steel. Here's a photo.

    1004_10.jpg

    The design still looks great, even after all these years, which is the reason I got it. Unfortunately a few letters have worn off the face.

    As you can tell, the module is not working. Rang my local Omega Boutique who simply said they would have to send it to "head office". Rang The Swatch Group in Melbourne (head office) and they said if they couldn't fix it they would have to send it to Switzerland. (I mentioned that would likely cost over AUD $1,000 and she agreed.)

    So, any suggestions on how to get the watch working? Is The Swatch Group, Melbourne, or Switzerland the only options? Any suggestions welcome.

    If I can't get it fixed at a reasonable price, I will probably sell it.

    Thanks in advance for any help.
     
  2. Ken G Oct 5, 2016

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    Obviously, it's not just a new battery that's needed if you've owned it for the best part of 40 years! :)

    1620 modules occasionally come up on eBay - that's probably the cheapest route, but patience might be needed. I'm not sure about options other than sending it to Switzerland. I think I read here that even Swiss Time Services (STS - famed Omega repair/restoration specialists out of the U.K.) no longer service the 1620 and have been advised by Omega to have customers send 1620 watches to Bienne.

    You're absolutely right it will be more than AUD$1000 - I sent my cal. 1616 LCD to Bienne last year and it was around AUD$1300 (but that included an entire new case).

    Anyway, that's a great watch and worth trying to hold on to, given how long you've had it - good luck!
     
    Edited Oct 5, 2016
  3. agemo100 Oct 5, 2016

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    Thanks Ken.

    No not a battery problem. The local watch repair shop tried two new batteries and nothing happened, hence the Omega Boutique and The Swatch Group route. He was the one who suggested the module needs reconditioning or replacing.
     
  4. watchlovr Oct 5, 2016

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    Thats an Omega LCD but not a Speedmaster.
    Might be the same module though.
    Sts in the UK will be able to repair it, cost? Dunno, send it in for an estimate.
     
  5. tyrantlizardrex Oct 5, 2016

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    I've seen these with Constellation case backs on, but never Speedmaster markings.

    As far as I understand STS aren't taking digitals... this is an Omega Switzerland job.
     
    Edited Oct 5, 2016
  6. Tom Dick and Harry Oct 5, 2016

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    Its cal 1620, used in all the speedmaster and consolation chronograph model and also your. module are few and far between, eBay is your best bet.
     
  7. agemo100 Oct 5, 2016

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    Thanks for the feedback.

    Watchlovr says: "Thats an Omega LCD but not a Speedmaster."

    Here 's a photo of the original manual:

    1004_3.jpg

    Based on the manual, I assumed it was a Speedmaster.

    So is the correct name: Omega Quartz Calibre LCD 1620 (ie no "Speedmaster"), and if so was the manual generic to both Speedmaster and non-Speedmaster models?

    Also, tried searching the Omega Vintage Archive for any info on the watch without success. Does anyone know if there is anything there on this model?

    I saw a watch like my on Ebay several years ago, out of England, in working order, going for around AUD $1,000. Did a recent search of the net and nothing turned up. I gather they are now reasonably rare. But this also suggests, unless I get lucky, buying a watch or module on Ebay would be roughly the same cost of sending mine to Switzerland for repairs.
     
  8. watchlovr Oct 5, 2016

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  9. watchlovr Oct 5, 2016

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    I'd also say your manual is not correct for your watch.
    I
     
  10. Ken G Oct 5, 2016

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    The vintage database actually refers to this model as a Seamaster:

    https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/15784/

    Regarding the manual, although it says Speedmaster on the front, I'm sure your manual is correct. The Constellation 1620 LCD also came with a manual with Speedmaster on the front cover...

    [Note: only 2 of the 3 watches in the picture watchlvr linked above are Speedmaster LCDs - the other is a Memomaster]
     
  11. Ken G Oct 5, 2016

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    With patience, you can get a working watch/module for a lot less on eBay. A big advantage of paying for the full Bienne restoration is your watch will come back with a 2-year warranty. An advantage/disadvantage - depending on your point of view - is that it will look pretty much brand new on its return...
     
  12. agemo100 Oct 6, 2016

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    Thanks again watchlovr and Ken G. After 40 odd years, quite interesting to learn specifics about the watch.

    Being a Seamaster makes sense, as the back of the case says "Seamaster" with 1620 engraved underneath at the bottom. Here's a photo:

    1004_8.jpg


    Until now I never understood why the watch said "Seamaster" but the manual said "Speedmaster". If the manual applies to both Calibre LCD 1620 models, it would make sense.

    So, I gather the correct name is: Omega Seamaster Quartz Calibre LCD 1620, ST 386.0803.

    Would that be correct?

    If so, the name of this thread should be updated to avoid confusion.

    Also, what is the significance of (and difference between) the two lines of numbers engraved on the inside back cover: 186 0003, and directly underneath: 386 0803? Here's another photo:

    1004_6.jpg


    Thanks again. Greatly appreciated.
     
  13. Ken G Oct 6, 2016

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    This link explains the old numbering system:

    http://chronomaddox.com/casereferenceguide.html

    And that name you've given it is just about as precise as it possibly could be! :)

    Finally, and getting slightly off topic, a lot of Speedmasters actually did have Seamaster case backs! If you're interested, have a read:

    http://chronomaddox.com/SeM_on_SpM.html
     
  14. agemo100 Oct 6, 2016

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    Many thanks. Interesting read.

    That explains the second line of numbers. Does the first line follow the same guidelines? If so, why include it?

    So I propose changing the name of this thread to "1977 Seamaster LCD 1620, ST 386 0803".

    OK?
     
  15. agemo100 Oct 6, 2016

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    Just discovered this site by Steve Waddington:

    http://www.old-omegas.com

    It also includes an alternative explanation of the Omega wristwatch reference codes to the one cited above by Chuck Maddox:

    http://www.old-omegas.com/omrefcod.html

    And it also has some interesting old Omega adds and lots of catalogues and manuals, but no Speedmaster Quartz Calibre LCD 1620 manual.
     
  16. rogart ray it again, Ram. Oct 7, 2016

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    Looks like there is a lot of corrosion in that movement? I should say that's is the problem. Have a check with this guy? Maybe he can fix the watch for you? At least worth a try? http://digitalwatches.de/ENGLISH_INDEX.HTM
     
  17. agemo100 Oct 7, 2016

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    Yes, my local watch shop suggested corrosion seems to be the problem.

    Thanks for the link. I have just emailed him to see if he can help with repairs.