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HEV plug?

t268
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Possibly an idiotic idea, but given that the HEV on the SMP 300 is such a divisive thing, could it be plugged?

I’m not suggesting a one off fix by a random jeweler. Given that watches are very finely machined, why couldn’t the HEV crown be replaced with a threaded screw that ultimately sits flush with the case. As long as the thread pitch and length as well as screw size are the same, why couldn’t this be done through Omega as an option offered by an AD? It could be another add-on item and service to make them money.
 
Dan S
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If it bothers you, why not buy a watch without a HEV?
 
t268
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Dan S Dan S
If it bothers you, why not buy a watch without a HEV?

Just a random curiosity on my morning run Dan.

Hope you’re well.
 
bananapeanut
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Not sure why some people are making such a big deal about the HEV. That's said, I am sure the hole could be plugged somehow and laser welded. Perhaps Rolliworks would do it.
 
t268
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bananapeanut bananapeanut
Not sure why some people are making such a big deal about the HEV. That's said, I am sure the hole could be plugged somehow and laser welded. Perhaps Rolliworks would do it.

It wouldn’t necessarily see it as a deal breaker, but given the fuss so many make over it, it was just a curiosity.
 
foxtrot
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I HAVE THINK SOMETHING SIMILAR TO YOU. I ALWAYS THINK WHY THEY DO NOT INSTALL A SCREW (ALLEN, FOR EXAMPLE), FLUSH, AND THAT 0.05% OF DIVERS THAT NEED THE VALVE, ONLY MUST HAVE THE SCREWDIVER, BUT NOT, WE MUST ALL CARRY THE VALVE..
 
Donn Chambers
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As much as you wish Omega will do this, they won’t. The HEV on the Seamaster 300m and Planet Ocean lines have become a design element and one they use in marketing the watches.

Omega obviously can make cases that don’t have a HEV (Aqua Terra, Seamaster 300). But they have chosen to not do this in their “professional diver” lines. Maybe some day they will decide to do so, but probably not soon.
 
t268
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
As much as you wish Omega will do this, they won’t. The HEV on the Seamaster 300m and Planet Ocean lines have become a design element and one they use in marketing the watches.

Omega obviously can make cases that don’t have a HEV (Aqua Terra, Seamaster 300). But they have chosen to not do this in their “professional diver” lines. Maybe some day they will decide to do so, but probably not soon.

I’m sure you’re right. Brand identity is a powerful thing.
 
Archer
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You could get someone to make you something, but Omega won’t participate.

You would have to remove the movement from the case, disassemble the HEV, and then remove the tube for the HEV from the case. This will require heat to be applied to the case to loosen the Loctite, so will also require the removal of the bezel, then the crystal.

Once you have the plug installed, you can install the crystal with a new gasket, install the movement, then the bezel.
 
t268
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Archer Archer
You could get someone to make you something, but Omega won’t participate.

You would have to remove the movement from the case, disassemble the HEV, and then remove the tube for the HEV from the case. This will require heat to be applied to the case to loosen the Loctite, so will also require the removal of the bezel, then the crystal.

Once you have the plug installed, you can install the crystal with a new gasket, install the movement, then the bezel.


Thanks Archer for the informed response(as always). I wasn’t really thinking of having someone do it, more of just a musing that would be an interesting topic of conversation on OF.
 
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