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Asking help managing expectations on 90's Speedmaster time keeping

charleswonjun
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Hello guys,

I'm writing to ask for some input to gain some perspective on an issue: for those of you collecting vintage Speedmasters, do you guys care at all about how well it keeps time? Should it be a reasonably important determinant in my decision to purchase a vintage watch?

I recently acquired a 1995 3592.50 (maybe it isn't old enough to be considered vintage). During the buying process, I was sure to do some research - research on what original parts look like, what the correct bracelet/end links are, whether the case was overly re-finished. I also paid extra for box and papers.

Although I'm quite satisfied with the purchase in terms of the watch's exterior, I find that it consistently gains about 50 secs/day. I feel like it is in "working condition," but can't help feeling a little disappointed with the precision of the watch.

Being a beginner in collecting older watches, I feel like I am wrongly applying the same criteria I use when purchasing modern watches.
 
wilderbeast
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Sounds to me like it needs to go to a good independent watchmaker who is sympathetic to vintage Omega for a service. It should definitely perform better on timekeeping than that. If you post your location some other members here may be able to make some recommendations.

Do you have details of the last service on the watch?
 
charleswonjun
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wilderbeast wilderbeast
Sounds to me like it needs to go to a good independent watchmaker who is sympathetic to vintage Omega for a service. It should definitely perform better on timekeeping than that. If you post your location some other members here may be able to make some recommendations.

Do you have details of the last service on the watch?
The seller had mentioned on its website that it had been cleaned and serviced. I just didn't know if I should different expectations for a "serviced" vintage watch.
 
gbesq
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50 seconds fast is way out of spec. It needs to be examined by a qualified watchmaker.
 
machamp6650
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charleswonjun charleswonjun
The seller had mentioned on its website that it had been cleaned and serviced. I just didn't know if I should different expectations for a "serviced" vintage watch.

With proper servicing there's no reason to assume that a 90's 861 movement wouldn't be able to keep time to modern / new standards.

Have you contacted the seller about the matter? Did their representation of the watch being cleaned and serviced mention whether it was keeping good time? You might have grounds for referring it back to the seller.
 
Wryfox
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+1 on being magnetized. Could have happened after servicing. Try demagging and see if this improves. Simple and can't hurt.
 
charleswonjun
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machamp6650 machamp6650
With proper servicing there's no reason to assume that a 90's 861 movement wouldn't be able to keep time to modern / new standards.

Have you contacted the seller about the matter? Did their representation of the watch being cleaned and serviced mention whether it was keeping good time? You might have grounds for referring it back to the seller.

I actually get to return it (no questions asked) within a week of the shipping date. It's good to know that I can expect more. Thanks for this.
 
charleswonjun
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Wryfox Wryfox
+1 on being magnetized. Could have happened after servicing. Try demagging and see if this improves. Simple and can't hurt.
Off to a watch repair shop first thing tomorrow to try this. Thank you!
 
Scarecrow Boat
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charleswonjun charleswonjun
I actually get to return it (no questions asked) within a week of the shipping date.
charleswonjun charleswonjun
Off to a watch repair shop first thing tomorrow to try this.
Just read through this thread and remembered that you bought your watch through Crown & Caliber. If you are unsure about keeping it, do not take it to a third party. The "no questions asked" is only possible if 1- the red security sticker is still affixed and 2- you don't take it to a third party to be opened. I just pm'd you.
 
Evitzee
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I seriously doubt the watch in question was really serviced. Most of these places just check to make sure it's running and the functions work. If you are buying a 25 yo watch you really need to budget for an overhaul in the price. Never trust what they say. So either send it back or keep it and arrange a service at your expense.
 
rootbeer7
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If bought from a bricks & mortar business contact them first. Mine from 1997 keeps near-perfect time.
 
Pvt-Public
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charleswonjun charleswonjun
do you guys care at all about how well it keeps time?
Of course we do, after all a watch is a “time keeping “ instrument. Duh.
 
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