Help Removing Movement Cal. 354

A.aeschbury · Feb 16, 2023

Hi All

I already asked this question in my thread about the crystal replacement but I thought I'd start a fresh thread as I'm kind of stuck. For a quick refresher: I'm working on a Seamaster case ref. 14350 its in really rough shape overall so I'm trying my hand at a diy crystal replacement.

I've successfully removed the stem and one screw and tab (case clamp?). But the movement is still stuck tight in the case. I'm tried gently prying it near where the screw and tab was inserted but I'm hesitant to pull harder than I have.

Can anyone give me tips? Are there additional screws holding the movement to the case or do I need to rotate the whole movement or something similar? I've attached a couple photos, the location of the screw I removed in circled in red.

Thanks in advance.

X350 XJR · Feb 16, 2023

There is a pin on the other side of the movement that fits into a notch in the case.

Try applying a bit more upward pressure.

If all else fails take it to a professional.

Screen Shot 2023-02-16 at 2.43.00 PM.png

sheepdoll · Feb 16, 2023

I accidentally etched out this pin on a broken screw. At least was a practice watch. The pin was somewhat gone to start with. These can often be hard to see.

A.aeschbury · Feb 16, 2023

Thank you! Am I supposed to move the pin or something? Or is the pin just part of the assembly that holds the movement in the case?

X350 XJR · Feb 16, 2023

A.aeschbury
Or is the pin just part of the assembly that holds the movement in the case?

Yes.

A.aeschbury · Feb 17, 2023

thanks for your help @350 XJR. A little patient prying was just what the doctor ordered. I've liberated the movement. Somewhat weirdly the crystal popped right out of the bezel with very little pressure. I thought I needed to pop off the bezel and then remove the tension ring/crystal. So now I'll work on getting that bezel off.

Thanks again for your help!

X350 XJR · Feb 17, 2023

Why are you removing the bezel?

sheepdoll · Feb 17, 2023

I am seeing a tragedy unfold here.

This thread should also be in the watchmaking section.

As much as I encourage self repair (In moderation.) I als recommend practicing on cheap watches, Like those from A Schild or even Bettlach and Baumgartner.

I did get one of those cheap bezel tools with the four knife blades. Right before joining these forums. I then preceded to attempt to remove a bezel that was screwed on. I also got a crystal lift.

Problem is that MFGs of the high value stuff like Omega, what restrict user repair. A vestige left over from the electronic watches in the 1970s which like transistor radios had no 'No user replaceable parts.' Some of these cases are specifically designed not to be opened with such cheap tools.

Omega makes special tools for this. Sometimes they show up on online auctions. They are going to cost $$$ and there is a reason for that. Be wary of the You Tube vids those are designed to generate clicks. Some of it is subtle advertising for the expensive tools.

The worse is one of these.

The way it is opened is compressed air is pumped in after the crown is removed. I tried a small pump similar to the Bergeon one, but it is hard to get a seal around the stem opening.

A.aeschbury · Feb 20, 2023

X350 XJR
Why are you removing the bezel?

You know, I had someone else ask me the same thing. I was under the impression the bezel had to come off to install the new crystal, but I was clearly mistaken.

Ordered a replacement crystal from Esslinger this morning. Fingers crossed I got the right one. Went with a G-S Step-tite. So its supposed to have the tension ring with a small relief shoulder cut in the underside to clear the dial. $13 felt like a more appropriate price point for this project.

A.aeschbury · Feb 20, 2023

sheepdoll
I am seeing a tragedy unfold here.

This is a very funny comment! You watch folks can be quite dramatic.

DON · Feb 20, 2023

A.aeschbury
This is a very funny comment! You watch folks can be quite dramatic.

Because we see a lot of these posts and if someone can't do the simplest job. How are they going to do the hard ones

A.aeschbury
You know, I had someone else ask me the same thing. I was under the impression the bezel had to come off to install the new crystal, but I was clearly mistaken.

Ordered a replacement crystal from Esslinger this morning. Fingers crossed I got the right one. Went with a G-S Step-tite. So its supposed to have the tension ring with a small relief shoulder cut in the underside to clear the dial. $13 felt like a more appropriate price point for this project.

All you have to do was mentioned Omega crystal and case reference # Gold or silver tension ring

Do you have a crystal press? Crystal should not have popped out that easily, so guessing it didn't have the correct one

A.aeschbury · Feb 20, 2023

DON
Because we see a lot of these posts and if someone can't do the simplest job. How are they going to do the hard ones

All you have to do was mentioned Omega crystal and case reference # Gold or silver tension ring

Do you have a crystal press? Crystal should not have popped out that easily, so guessing it didn't have the correct one

I'm approaching this project with a lot of humility and good clarity about what I do understand and don't. You all have been kind enough to answer all my dumb questions.

The watch definitely had the wrong crystal, no tension ring was present. I do have a crystal press, well technically I'm borrowing one from a friend but at any rate I'm aware and plan to use one on re-install.

sheepdoll · Feb 20, 2023

A.aeschbury
I'm approaching this project with a lot of humility and good clarity about what I do understand and don't. You all have been kind enough to answer all my dumb questions.

The watch definitely had the wrong crystal, no tension ring was present. I do have a crystal press, well technically I'm borrowing one from a friend but at any rate I'm aware and plan to use one on re-install.

Have you checked that it is the right press? Omega often uses special tools and fixtures. This is why I can work on an AS 1194 or even a Valjoux 72 but not my speedy. Especially when working with case parts such as stems and pushers.

I have a Ladies Geneve Omega dynamic. (I actually have two now.) Others here pointed the need for the special tool. I have yet to get the courage to try it. The second watch was for practice. (I still need to source some case clamps.)

Do you have finger cots? An N95 mask? Is your work area clean free of dust and lint?

A finger on a dial or hand and the part is toast. The damage may take a bit of time to show.

We mention these things, because we have been there ourselves.

A.aeschbury · Feb 20, 2023

sheepdoll
Have you checked that it is the right press? Omega often uses special tools and fixtures. This is why I can work on an AS 1194 or even a Valjoux 72 but not my speedy. Especially when working with case parts such as stems and pushers.

I have a Ladies Geneve Omega dynamic. (I actually have two now.) Others here pointed the need for the special tool. I have yet to get the courage to try it. The second watch was for practice. (I still need to source some case clamps.)

Do you have finger cots? An N95 mask? Is your work area clean free of dust and lint?

A finger on a dial or hand and the part is toast. The damage may take a bit of time to show.

We mention these things, because we have been there ourselves.

I think he has the correct dies to press the crystal in. Do you have any tips on how to ensure its the correct set up for this case (#14-350)?

I do have gloves, after taking the recommendation from another forum member. I don't wear a mask is that to protect me or the watch haha? My work area is very clean, and I put everything in sealed storage boxes after I'm done working with the watch for a particular session.

Help Removing Movement Cal. 354

A.aeschbury

X350 XJR

sheepdoll

A.aeschbury

X350 XJR

A.aeschbury

X350 XJR

sheepdoll

A.aeschbury

A.aeschbury

DON

A.aeschbury

sheepdoll

A.aeschbury

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