Dial posts repair help (and more) ref 166.026 cal. 565

Hey there! New to the watch world and have ordered everything (I think) I need to dive in head first. The watch I am repairing is a 1969 Seamaster Cosmic.

1. The posts on the back of the dial are broken off in the movement. Has anyone had to repair these? If so, what did you use? Hobby glue? Solder? Liquid weld? Tears? =D I can include photos if required but the back of the dial is smooth and the posts are in the movement.

2. The struggle to find a dome crystal is real. From other discussions, it would appear I need 063PZ5123. It seems impossible to find one at a reasonable price. Does anyone have any leads? I have also read on this site that Tool 107 relates to a crystal diameter of 32.95mm which seems very accurate what what I am measuring outer edge to outer edge. If I decided to use non-omega replacement, would you choose 33mm or 32.9mm?

3. I need to replace the crown as I do not think it is original. (Did some Omega watches have a split crown without the Omega symbol?). Does part number 069SX42527 sound correct for the replacement?

4. I found a parts sheet for the 565 movement but nothing for ref. 166.026 which would include crown and crystal information. Anyone have one they can attach?

5. I do not see a specific oil tech sheet for this watch. Does this come down to experience and knowing where to use grease, thick, or thin oils? If you have a tech sheet, can you attach?

6. Is there a way to track purchase history for this watch using the serial number located on the movement? (e.g. 2829_ _ _ _)


Thanks in advance!

Tyler aka MrSubmariner (In reference to serving on actual submarines and not the watch style)

I just went and read through everything. Looks like I have some tough decisions to make in my future. Thanks for the link!

A few comments on the points you listed:

1. If you have no experience of repairing the feet, use dial dots. This is not perfect but at least it is reversible.
2. Tool 107 is used to remove the crystal - you will see them fairly often on eBay. A watchmaker night have them.
3. There is a split stem on this sort of watch - I'm away from my workbench and PC. The crown will fit a single piece stem or the outer part of a split stem.
4. Try cousinsuk.com and look in the download area.
5. This is a typical calibre so lubricate as usual.
6. Can't help.

Good luck, Chris

The crystal is available for around $60, mostly all are in US: https://auctionstalker.com/search?q=omega 5123&cat=173696 - some aftermarket ones from UK and I believe UK market really innovated on aftermarket crystals

I'm currently babying a precious watch, one of the dial screws are refusing to release, I suspect you check for this scenario too, maybe whoever cut the feed did it as an easy way out of this very common and irritating problem

To be honest with you I think a creative and reversible way of keeping the dial in place would be a good solution

I once used a 166.026 as a donor watch, since it's a problematic watch it's one of the common donor watches, you could also play the long game and buy a new dial for around $50

You need a special crystal for these as there is a groove all the way around the circumference to take tool 107. Obviously the Omega crystal has it but you can't fit just any generic crystal because of that. However, Sternkreuz (who make a lot of crystals and are based in Germany) make a specific crystal to replace the Omega one. I've never tried these specific crystals as have always fitted Omega ones but, there is no reason that they wouldn't be excellent and about 10% of the cost of the Omega one.

They are shown below and one has the steel colour ring, I believe the 553 (as it is XAC). The other is gold coloured and I believe that's the 557 (as it is XAG). You should be able to see the groove around the circumference.

Good luck, Chris