551 backup movement - worth it?

absherman13 · Jan 12, 2019

Hi all,

Curious what folks think of this: Dead Link/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/333000122106

Backstory: I’ve got a 167.005 pie pan Connie that used to be my late grandfather’s (his Omegas - and a love for Omega, and watches, that I also inherited from him - deserve their own thread at some point, but that’s for another time) and I’m thinking this could be a useful buy just to have backup/spare parts in future years in case something breaks? But maybe I’m wrong?

Here’s a pic of the Connie:

And here’s a pic of what’s currently inside - which I’d like to see keep ticking for a long, long time! (NB: please ignore the incorrect service crown. This photo was from before I got that changed out; it was right after I finished getting the movement serviced last June so I could wear it at my wedding this past November.)

Worth having a backup movement for it?

Thanks!!

wsfarrell · Jan 12, 2019

I'd hold off and send the watch to Tim Mackrain (omega_addict on eBay) if it needs service. He's a good guy, charges reasonable rates, and does great work. Here's his website.

Peemacgee · Jan 12, 2019

Nice Constellation.
A lovely memento of your grandfather.
As this is a special watch to you, nothing wrong with belt and braces by buying a spare movement for parts.
However, if you get the bug ( and Connies do this to you) buying replacement movements will limit your spending power for more watches.

absherman13 · Jan 12, 2019

Peemacgee
However, if you get the bug ( and Connies do this to you) buying replacement movements will limit your spending power for more watches.

Oh, I’ve got the bug.... had it for years.😀 Just never knew about his Connie until last year.

absherman13 · Jan 12, 2019

wsfarrell
I'd hold off and send the watch to Tim Mackrain (omega_addict on eBay) if it needs service. He's a good guy, charges reasonable rates, and does great work. Here's his website.

Thanks! Out of curiosity, where is he based?

wsfarrell · Jan 12, 2019

A absherman13
Thanks! Out of curiosity, where is he based?

Phoenix, Arizona.

hoipolloi · Jan 12, 2019

First thing to do is buying a correct second hand.

mondodec · Jan 12, 2019

I think it isn't a bad idea to have a parts movement, as long as it isn't clapped out, especially for an heirloom watch that you may intend to pass on to the next generation.

Parts from the mid-500 series are getting harder to find, and one day donor watches will be the only resource, so having a parts movement is a form of insurance for the future.

Your Grandfather's watch looks pretty good, and with regular servicing, a little care and a ready supply of parts, who knows how long into this century it will continue to beat it's little heart away 😀

hoipolloi · Jan 12, 2019

One thing I should mention here is the serial # of the one you are considering to buy. It has 17 mil serial # stamped on it and only good for earlier case ref like 14381. If you swap the whole thing into your watch, serious collectors will frown on you.

mondodec · Jan 12, 2019

Yes, I should have perhaps mentioned that a parts watch is good for everything except the train bridge, which contains serial and calibre number. If that was a problem, re-jewelling would be the only option, in my opinion, if the integrity of the watch was to be maintained.

hoipolloi
One thing I should mention here is the serial # of the one you are considering to buy. It has 17 mil serial # stamped on it and only good for earlier case ref like 14381. If you swap the whole thing into your watch, serious collectors will frown on you.

seekingseaquest · Jan 13, 2019

Umm what?

Peemacgee · Jan 13, 2019

Well you know how it is if you need a part for a beloved watch.
Either that or somebody north of the 49th parallel needs some money cleaned...

absherman13 · Jan 20, 2019

hoipolloi
First thing to do is buying a correct second hand.

Yeah, that’s been on my list for a while now. (Mine is too long by a tad, right?) I’ve never been 100% certain how best to find one. They rarely appear on the bay. Is Otto Frei a good source? At some point I think I was looking at the one in the middle on this page: http://www.ofrei.com/page871.html - the “HAN-4212A” - is that the right length/size? Or should I look somewhere else?

mondodec
I think it isn't a bad idea to have a parts movement, as long as it isn't clapped out, especially for an heirloom watch that you may intend to pass on to the next generation.

Parts from the mid-500 series are getting harder to find, and one day donor watches will be the only resource, so having a parts movement is a form of insurance for the future.

Your Grandfather's watch looks pretty good, and with regular servicing, a little care and a ready supply of parts, who knows how long into this century it will continue to beat it's little heart away 😀

As a longtime peruser of your blog, I have to say it’s an honor to hear from you @mondodec! Very much appreciate your thoughts.

seekingseaquest
Umm what?

Looks like it didn’t actually sell for that. It’s since been re-listed.

551 backup movement - worth it?

absherman13

wsfarrell

Peemacgee

absherman13

absherman13

wsfarrell

hoipolloi

mondodec

hoipolloi

mondodec

seekingseaquest

Peemacgee

absherman13

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