Hi guys,

I was handed down a vintage omega watch that used to be my grandfather's watch. No one in my family knows what year it is from or even if it is authentic. Also the watch currently doesn't operate and I want to get it repaired. I was told that they tried a new battery and it still didn't work. As far as I can tell, when I turn the dial only the hour hand moves and not the minutes. So I am wondering if there is something wrong internally?

From what I can see on the front it is an Omega Deville quartz Swiss made.

On the back it is stamped omega Deville 1332

On the clasp it is stamped Omega Stainless Steel
St 1338.324

If anyone can help me identify the watch and maybe let me know if it can be saved someday as well as recommendations where to get it repaired? I would be greatful for any and all help.

 

This is an electro mechanical watch, and one of the big mistakes people have made is assuming it doesn't need servicing in the way that all mechanical watches need servicing. It's best to see this movement as mechanical but without a balance assembly, and to treat it that way, servicing the watch every four to five years.

That having been said, there are a few specialists around who can work with these movements, including a very good one in the UK. So if you let us know your country of domicile, people will chip in with recommendations.

Cheers

Desmond

 

Ahh, I did not know that. It probably has not been serviced since it was bought, so it is safe to say that it is due for servicing.

I am currently living in midwest United States. Thank you!

 

One place I've heard recommended is http://www.accutrons.com These earlier Quartz movements have a tuning fork and were made under licence from Bulova. Here's an Omega spec sheet for the movement.

You could try the above, or hopefully others in the States will chip in with their recommendations.

Cheers

Desmond

 

Thank you so much for all of your help Desmond!

 

This is not an Accutron type tuning fork movement with a fiddly index wheel and finger set-up that requires specialized watchmaking knowledge.

This is just a pretty normal vintage quartz watch.

Technically all quartz watches have a tuning fork, as the quartz crystal is cut in the shape of a tuning fork. It is in the silver coloured cylinder mounted to the circuit.

The load on the wheels in quartz watches is only present for a fraction of each second instead of being present constantly like it is in a mechanical watch. As a result, service intervals on quartz watches can be longer than for mechanical watches generally without the risk of major wear. Likely here the oils have gummed up over time, but it could be something more serious that would require parts. I would suggest finding a watchmaker who has an Omega parts account for servicing this one.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Al

 

The recommendation I gave does do cal 1332 work

 

Just an FYI - this is what a typical quartz crystal inside the silver cylinder looks like (not my photo):



So although the tech guide does mention a "tuning fork" that can be misleading for those not familiar with the movements. It's not a "tuning fork resonator" like you find in an Accutron or f300...