I'd be willing to buy a nicely printed copy of all of Archer's posts in book form... Things My Watch Maker Said - 2019 edition. Specifically his break downs on how things actually work and examples of different tests he's doing. @Archer 's posts are one of the best reasons to read through these kinds of threads 😀
It's pretty self explanatory, but essentially the "pressure" being exerted is not directly on the seal locations to put it very simply.
Even if it was, a 1 atmosphere pressure increase is negligible when swimming, so the bottom line is that myth has long been busted.
As I've said, the pressure test is just a snapshot in time, so it only tells you the current state of the seals. It's not a predictor of the future state, so how do you know how long the seals will last? I guess my view on this is that factory recommended service intervals are for the entire watch, not just the movement. All watch companies replace all seals every time they service a watch, and that service interval is generally every 5 years or so (yes some are more and some less, but this is sort of the typical length I've seen over the past couple of decades).
If you take that as a guide, then the seals should last 5 years or so. I think replacing them every year is overkill myself, but it depends on how much the watch gets used and how it gets used. With the crown seal on the Speedmaster Pro being "worn" every day during winding, it is likely the weak spot. If you don't wear the watch every day, and like most here have a rotation, then I would be more inclined to let the seal change go a little longer than someone who winds and wears it every day.
But in the end, you have to do what you are comfortable with.
Cheers, Al
Interesting remark from the OB rep was that the dial would potentially not be covered under the warranty, only the movement. Lets see what the diagnostic comes back with but that does not seem right to me, when they acknowledge faulty product performance, then why only partly rectify it. Have a feel it won't come to that though.
Interesting note on the dial btw, using the magnifying glass in the store, the luminova seemed mostly effected, some raindrop-like build up had formed on them, which appeared as crystals to the naked eye.
Will let you know how the story ends...thanks for the (emotional) support so far!
Just to report back that Omega accepted the watch back and likely be repaired under warranty, pending outcome of diagnostics from the service centre. Should have it back within 4 weeks.
Interesting remark from the OB rep was that the dial would potentially not be covered under the warranty, only the movement. Lets see what the diagnostic comes back with but that does not seem right to me, when they acknowledge faulty product performance, then why only partly rectify it. Have a feel it won't come to that though.
Interesting note on the dial btw, using the magnifying glass in the store, the luminova seemed mostly effected, some raindrop-like build up had formed on them, which appeared as crystals to the naked eye.
Will let you know how the story ends...thanks for the (emotional) support so far!
Any update, @jackjacob?
Tomorrow will mark four weeks since I dropped my RM off at the service center. As of now, the online Omega system shows they are still waiting for parts. The original estimated completion date is a week from tomorrow. I'm thinking it doesn't look good for having the watch back by then. But I suppose if the parts show up by tomorrow and they were to jump right on it, it could probably be done. Not counting on it, though.
Just got the watch back. Totally chuffed with the results, everything looks great, couldn't be happier, Omega done a great job and kept a fervent enthusiast.
I'll be way more reserved going forward in taking the Railmaster close to water though. Even though it should be up to the job, trust has eroded in this particular model, just don't want to risk it. Maybe a screw down model needs to be added to the collection now... a (sub) 40mm Seamaster, with date, preferably without the Helium valve, would certainly tick a lot of boxes...one can hope, maybe the new Bond model?
@rainking. Attached is the status trail my repair walked through. It took about a week for the parts to be received, followed by the service which took 4 days to complete. Maybe within Europe delivery is quicker than Switzerland to US? Maybe you can give the Service Centre a call to ask for an update? Really hope you'll get yours back shortly.
