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HELP Please - 1968 SM300 in for service...

georgeFLA
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Hello everyone, my name is Turk and I'm an....sorry, I really don't need a 12 step program to get past my watch habit, I'm quite comfortable with my addiction. What I do need is a bit of advice and the thoughts of those in the know!

I took my beloved ~1968 Omega Seamaster 300 in for a long overdue service last week, and I don't mind saying I'm very nervous because I'm only going on referrals for the shop. I know it needs a Full service, but the shop owner told me that Crown needed to be replaced, and the crystal wasn't original, too small, and needed to be replaced. However, the crown locked down just fine, and I'm almost certain that the crystal is Original (w/logo) and nice & clear, but needs to be cleaned....in fact the whole watch overall is in very nice/excellent original condition... just really needs cleaned, gaskets, and routine wear parts. If you folks would, please take a look and share your thoughts and suggestions.

I don't move fast or make a lot of noise, but I do get around.

Thanks everyone,

Turk
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Edited:
 
rfcs
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It seems you are uncomfortable with the shop. Why don’t you leave it with Omega for service? Apart from cost...I would.
 
Dan S
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Could you post larger photos? The rehaut does seem to be cutting off the SWISS printing at the bottom, but honestly I can barely see anything. Maybe you can also show the crown, since you have a question about that.
 
JwRosenthal
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Replacing the crown is part of a normal service, most watchmakers won’t guarantee water resistance without replacing it or at least pressure testing to ensure it won’t leak- he should give you all the parts he replaces back after service.
If this watchmaker does not have a Swatchgroup account, then he can’t get the factory crown and crystal anyway (no, Ofrei, Cousins etc can’t get them) - and he should not replace them with aftermarket. Asking if he has a factory account would be my first question.
 
georgeFLA
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Thanks. The shop is an Omega qualified/trained shop, so maybe I shouldn't worried so much, but I am!
 
watchyouwant
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The crystal looks too small. The " double vision" points to a smaller crystal.....
 
SkunkPrince
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Crown is for water resistance and you're lucky your Seamaster has a screw-down crown because that's more modern. The crystal would be replaced anyways. When they're done it will again be certified for 200 meter depth.
 
JwRosenthal
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If they are Omega certified, it shouldn’t be an issue. Factory replacement crystals aren’t something most collectors worry about- they are considered consumables like straps. Looking at the rear gasket- it’s been a minute since it’s seen a service. Just be clear on your desire to keep the factory crown (either on the watch if you don’t care about water resistance) or just keep it in a baggie for if you ever sell it (I keep mine labeled). Also specify your desires about replacement of hands/dial, case refinishing, etc. Omega’s SOP is to make the watch “like new”, with an independent, you have more direct contact with the watchmaker and can be specific.
 
georgeFLA
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Thanks so very much for your clarification and reassurance to my worries. New Omega crystal and crown....keep the originals.

Thanks again
 
TDBK
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georgeFLA georgeFLA
The shop is an Omega qualified/trained shop
While many shops will say things like "Our Omega-trained watchmaker", this is not the same thing as being an Omega-qualified repair facility: only the latter can buy parts directly from Omega, and it also implies their shop, equipment, and training meet Omega standards. So if they are claiming anything less than full qualification, you might want to ask more directly if they themselves have an Omega parts account (not "have access to Omega parts"; having a buddy who will order for them isn't the same thing either)..
 
JimInOz
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TDBK TDBK
........................, you might want to ask more directly if they themselves have an Omega parts account (not "have access to Omega parts"; having a buddy who will order for them isn't the same thing either)..

If the "buddy" does act as a "supplier" he will be up shit creek if Omega ever finds out he's been on-selling.

Clarification as to exactly how "Omega Qualified" they are is rather important.
 
georgeFLA
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I just looked at the repair shop's website and much to my horror...nothing about being "Omega Certified".
They had several Swatch training certificates on the wall so I didn't look any further...OMG!
I'm not saying that they're not skilled and capable of doing fine work... but now I'm bummed out that they don't have rightful access to "Original Omega" parts. I'm slipping in my later years, this wouldn't have not happened in the past.
The service on the watch hasn't started yet, so I'll go get my watch.
Thanks everyone.

https://www.usaworldtime.com/
 
georgeFLA
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Yeah, maybe so. But I'm really not sure what to do at this point. The watch will be in the ocean on regular basis... in fact, this watch was a replacement for the one just like it that I lost in the south Atlantic many years ago. In the late 70s I bought a Seiko 6105-8110 that I started using on dives/work because I wouldn't be too upset about losing it. Just say'n...this will be the last service I have done on this watch, so I really need the parts to be good quality original Omega, the watch fixed right, and pressure tested. I don't go deep anymore, but I do go.
Thanks for your time and thoughts,
Turk
 
JohnSteed
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rfcs rfcs
It seems you are uncomfortable with the shop. Why don’t you leave it with Omega for service? Apart from cost...I would.

ummm. no! best way to likely get a differ3nt watch back...?
 
JwRosenthal
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George, you are in Florida I assume. We have many members here that live there, perhaps they can weigh in on the watchmaker- calling @gatorcpa

Tell us the name of the place and perhaps they are known here.
 
JwRosenthal
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JohnSteed JohnSteed
ummm. no! best way to likely get a differ3nt watch back...?
But hey, at least you get a ziplock with your watch in parts, rolling around inside.
 
JohnSteed
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
@JwRosenthal, Florida is a big place. You can drive 800 miles and not get out.

I only know my own little corner.
gatorcpa

yep ... willing to share the space?
 
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