Community Stories

Faulty Helium Escape Valve?

D
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Hi, first time poster here. After doing a fair bit of research, I’ve just purchased my first Omega watch, a Seamaster Planet Ocean 42mm reference 2201.50.00 (the ‘Quantum of Solace’ Planet Ocean). I like the watch but have a question about the helium escape valve, which I’m hoping someone may be able to help me with. The HEV crown doesn’t seem to screw down fully and sit flush with the case. There is a bit of the stem of the valve exposed when fully screwed down. Looking at other pictures of the watch on the internet seem to show the HEV fairly flush with the watch case. Do you think this is an issue with the watch? It’s just had a service at the dealer I bought it from so maybe it’s an issue with the quality of the service? I’ve attached a few photos showing what I mean about the HEV. Any comments much appreciated. Thanks.
 
0981F906-A9D1-46D6-BB16-0DD1A4D4C447.jpeg 6B10462A-CD89-444D-86BA-769445E16259.jpeg 24B15B52-B3B6-4B09-BE10-B6ECD6E4B970.jpeg
p4ul
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URGENT!! Search this site for escaped helium!
 
flw
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I don't have that specific model (although I covet it severely), but I do have a Diver 300M with a helium valve. To my untrained eye, that looks like something that needs correction.

On another note, the thread @p4ul linked to is great.
 
Walrus
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I put a helium detector in my house. It has gone off when I wear certain divers. I have been able to get the Mrs and the cat out of the house although the cat has levitated from the escaped helium and really freaks out, he gets a funny high pitched meow as well.
 
Dan S
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You can tell if the helium escapes because the watch will get very heavy.
 
p4ul
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Walrus Walrus
I put a helium detector in my house. It has gone off when I wear certain divers. I have been able to get the Mrs and the cat out of the house although the cat has levitated from the escaped helium and really freaks out, he gets a funny high pitched meow as well.


Get a couple of concrete blocks on the roof, stat.
 
p4ul
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Dan S Dan S
You can tell if the helium escapes because the watch will get very heavy.

True, but be titanium aware.
 
DoctorEvil
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OP, welcome to the forum and try to not take the sarcasm too seriously.
Yes, there appears to be a fault with your HEV. It should sit flush with the case when fully screwed down. I'd definitely get that rectified before submerging that watch in water.
 
dougwhiz
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Walrus Walrus
I put a helium detector in my house. It has gone off when I wear certain divers. I have been able to get the Mrs and the cat out of the house although the cat has levitated from the escaped helium and really freaks out, he gets a funny high pitched meow as well.

I got nervous and had to check my newly acquired Peter Blake Seamaster just in case! It looks ok though, no helium lost. 😉

But seriously, I believe they're supposed to fit flush.

helium valve.jpg
 
Walrus
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D damo125
Hi, first time poster here. After doing a fair bit of research, I’ve just purchased my first Omega watch, a Seamaster Planet Ocean 42mm reference 2201.50.00 (the ‘Quantum of Solace’ Planet Ocean). I like the watch but have a question about the helium escape valve, which I’m hoping someone may be able to help me with. The HEV crown doesn’t seem to screw down fully and sit flush with the case. There is a bit of the stem of the valve exposed when fully screwed down. Looking at other pictures of the watch on the internet seem to show the HEV fairly flush with the watch case. Do you think this is an issue with the watch? It’s just had a service at the dealer I bought it from so maybe it’s an issue with the quality of the service? I’ve attached a few photos showing what I mean about the HEV. Any comments much appreciated. Thanks.
Bring it back to where you had it serviced if recently see what they say. I’ve had good luck with watch makers talking care of things post service. Good luck.
 
D
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Thanks for the responses everyone. I contacted the dealer and they’ve agreed to take it back and (hopefully) correct the issue with the valve. Fingers crossed that should resolve it.
I wasn’t aware of the risk of escaping helium but my voice has been a bit squeaky recently…. 😀
 
dsd-7
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D damo125
Thanks for the responses everyone. I contacted the dealer and they’ve agreed to take it back and (hopefully) correct the issue with the valve. Fingers crossed that should resolve it.
I wasn’t aware of the risk of escaping helium but my voice has been a bit squeaky recently…. 😀
Were you able to get your helium escape valve sorted out? I'm curious as to what your dealer said, or if this could be normal for a 2201.50? My Planet Ocean Helium escape valve doesn't screw down flush either.
 
YY77
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dsd-7 dsd-7
Were you able to get your helium escape valve sorted out? I'm curious as to what your dealer said, or if this could be normal for a 2201.50? My Planet Ocean Helium escape valve doesn't screw down flush either.
Don't hold your breath for an answer, 2 posts and hasn't been back in over a year;

Screenshot_20250202-011700.webp
 
dsd-7
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YY77 YY77
Don't hold your breath for an answer, 2 posts and hasn't been back in over a year;

Screenshot_20250202-011700.webp
I didn't even notice this. Thanks for the heads up.

My Helium escape valve looks just like the one from the initial post here. It passes water resistance test, so haven't messed with it or taken it to the Omega Botique (2 hours away). I saw this thread and was curious as to the end result.
 
josiahg52
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dsd-7 dsd-7
I didn't even notice this. Thanks for the heads up.

My Helium escape valve looks just like the one from the initial post here. It passes water resistance test, so haven't messed with it or taken it to the Omega Botique (2 hours away). I saw this thread and was curious as to the end result.
It passes to full depth? Even with no crown, it'll pass to some depth, 100m, I think. If it passed to 300m, it's fully intact, at least.
 
dsd-7
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josiahg52 josiahg52
It passes to full depth? Even with no crown, it'll pass to some depth, 100m, I think. If it passed to 300m, it's fully intact, at least.
Yes I believe it was tested at full depth. I'll get it checked at Omega sooner rather than later just to make sure.
 
dsd-7
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Here is a picture of mine (all the way screwed in) for reference...

IMG_0999.webp
 
josiahg52
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dsd-7 dsd-7
Yes I believe it was tested at full depth. I'll get it checked at Omega sooner rather than later just to make sure.
Probably a good idea. The Planet Ocean could be different, too, from the SMP 300.
 
hen
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YY77 YY77
Don't hold your breath for an answer, 2 posts and hasn't been back in over a year;

Screenshot_20250202-011700.webp
No wonder, op must have thought this place was totally bonkers with all the helium jokes. 😀
 
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