ID Watch - is this a 165.024?

bigtriangle68 · Oct 13, 2022

It might be an optical illusion, but that Omega crown looks like it **might** be shaped a little bit different than either the early production Niad or later screw down crowns intended for this model.

It might be a good idea to track down the part numbers for the correct Omega crowns and winding stem for this watch and do a visual comparison to see if a watchmaker installed an incorrect crown or stem at some point.

Even better -- if you have a pair of digital calipers, measure the dimensions of your crown and then compare those with the known dimensions of the correct factory crown/s for this model.

I think the original Niad crown had performance issues (it could allow water inside when the watch was immersed in shallow water), so the later screw down crown addressed this performance flaw and was part of an Omega service bulletin upgrade at some point.

You mentioned you want this watch to be water resistant again. If your existing crown is either an early Niad type or incorrect, have your watchmaker purchase a genuine Omega screw down crown intended for this model.

Keep in mind some collectors prefer the earlier Niad crowns even though they had performance issues.

Some experts here can provide you the correct part numbers if you need them...

bigtriangle68 · Oct 13, 2022

I'm growing more suspicious that someone **may** have installed the wrong Omega crown on your grandpa's Seamaster 300. The first photo below is your watch.

The second photo below shows a Niad symbol in the center of the Omega logo. (Image sourced from reference website I posted earlier)

Your photo shows the crown on your watch does not have a Niad symbol in the center of the crown that would be correct for a Niad crown. So you can rule out that this crown is a Niad crown.

Like the crown on your watch, the Omega replacement screw down crowns didn't have the Niad symbol. But your crown visually doesn't appear quite long enough to be the correct later screw down Omega replacement crown (although I could be mistaken).

The only way to tell if your crown is the correct Omega replacement screw down crown is to measure all the crown dimensions with a pair of calipers and compare those to the dimensions of the Omega factory screw down crown for this model.

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asdrubalex · Oct 13, 2022

bigtriangle68
So the foreign substance on the back came off with isopropyl alcohol or not?

Hi there!! Thanks for all your advice, yes, I am in the UK in the Brighton area.

I didn't have any alcohol so I've just tried picking at it a bit with a cotton swab (not wet), some of it is coming off so may be a good service will be able to do more.

I really appreciate the time you are all dedicating to this, such invaluable advice.

Yes, the part seems like it's omega but it looks a bit off in terms of the fit. I agree that it doesn't have the niad symbol. I'll try to measure and report back but i don't think i have a pair of calipers. But presumably a jeweler would know?

My dad said to make sure i get it serviced by omega themselves (he said that that is what his dad said because someone dishonest might change the movement (Italian paranoia!))

But could a reputable jeweller that specialises in luxury watches yield the same results? Or should I go with omega (or we have a goldsmiths or watches of switzerland which i think service the omega watches here in my city)

Thanks again! 😀

I'm really keen to getting this watch serviced and wearable. Currently I'm using a citizen chronograph (i like them as they have sun powered movement) but from what I understand omega is on a completely other level!!!

bigtriangle68 · Oct 13, 2022

The photos below show the correct Omega short Niad crown and the longer Omega replacement screw down crown.

Note that the crown on your watch doesn't resemble either of these correct Omega factory OEM crowns. I would suspect that an independent watchmaker installed the wrong Omega crown when your grandpa had the watch serviced at some point.

As far as where to get it serviced, I'm afraid I am unable to assist as I live in the USA. Omega could certainly service it. Alternatively, there may be an independent vintage Omega specialist, that would charge less than Omega, in the UK that folks on this forum might recommend...

The cool thing is that when you get it serviced professionally, you will have an heirloom than belonged to grandpa that you can wear with pride. And this watch will be something you can pass down to your son. These old Omegas are very robust and can be kept running for a very long time.

And the value of the watch will likely only increase with time as these are highly sought after.

asdrubalex · Oct 13, 2022

Thanks for all your help!!! I'll have it serviced properly and the various components looked at!!

I've learnt loads from all these exchanges! 😀

Davidt · Oct 13, 2022

If you’re in the UK I’d get in touch with Simon Freese (I have a Seamaster going to Simon as we speak).

The other more costly but equally competent place would be Swiss Time Services. They’re more expensive but do have access to Omega parts.

janice&fred · Oct 13, 2022

That ain't rust. It's regular ole garden variety grunge and will come off easily enough when it's serviced.

JwRosenthal · Oct 13, 2022

janice&fred
That ain't rust. It's regular ole garden variety grunge and will come off easily enough when it's serviced.

It’s just how you like them, Fred.

downtownbobbyb · Oct 13, 2022

Doesn’t look like rust on the case, just a massive buildup of grunge.

bigtriangle68 · Oct 13, 2022

A asdrubalex
Thanks for all your help!!! I'll have it serviced properly and the various components looked at!!

I've learnt loads from all these exchanges! 😀

Be sure and post "after" photos here once you get it back from service. The incorrect crown on your 300 might be an Omega Speedmaster crown. Tell your watchmaker you want an authentic Omega OEM screw down crown for the 165.024.

Concretepuppy · Oct 14, 2022

A asdrubalex
Thanks for the replies everyone. I can't believe how many people are willing to share their knowledge 😀

The crown does turn and I hear the clicking sound, but it clearly isn't catching what it needs to catch to turn the hands. It pulls all the way out. The strap itself has no markings whatsoever as to what make it might be. Possibly something cheap?

The watch does seem to be ticking along nicely even though I can't change the time XD

Adding more photos!

Need some crackers and Claret to go with that cheese?

asdrubalex · Oct 16, 2022

I've sent it off - might be some weeks before I get some updates, but as I have them I'll let you know gents 😀

JwRosenthal · Oct 16, 2022

A asdrubalex
I've sent it off - might be some weeks before I get some updates, but as I have them I'll let you know gents 😀

Who did you send it to?

JwRosenthal · Oct 16, 2022

The reason I ask- any watchmaker can service a 565, it’s a pretty basic movement. Parts are proprietary but many watchmakers, even without an Omega parts account, have their ways of getting parts.

It is important however to specify to whatever watchmaker you send it to that you do not want them to “polish” the case or touch the dial in any way. Many watchmakers polish watches as SOP as most clients want it “shiny” when they get it back- make it look like new. But, that requires actually taking material off the case to get the scratches out- which in turn softens/removes the factory lines and finishes of the case. Most of us would rather have a clean and nicely worn watch with original finishes than one that has been polished up.

Another very important note is that the bezel is NOT to be put into an ultrasonic cleaner- in fact don’t submerge the bezel in anything!
The best way to clean up a watch is to take the movement out of the case (and service that) then take apart and drop the rest into an ultrasonic- it will remove pretty much anything that’s attached to the metal.
But that will also take the lettering off the underside of the bezel and remove the adhesive that’s holding the Bakelite insert into the metal ring.
Furthermore, these bezel inserts can partially delaminate from the metal ring and any moisture that gets under it will start to destroy the black paint and lettering- we see it so often.

I told my watchmaker years ago not to polish my watches. When I got one back, he had rebrushed the sides of the case and the bracelet. I said “I told you not to polish it”, to which he replied “I didn’t, I just corrected the grain” 🤦

I am very specific now.

S.H. · Oct 16, 2022

JwRosenthal
The reason I ask- any watchmaker can service a 565, it’s a pretty basic movement. Parts are proprietary but many watchmakers, even without an Omega parts account, have their ways of getting parts.

Not that basic, if you don't have the omega specific tools to open the inverser wheels you may have trouble - I know, I did before I got my hands on them. Now I get the proper power reserve. But you are right, the 56x are plentiful and parts are not a problem yet.

bigtriangle68 · Oct 16, 2022

S.H.
Not that basic, if you don't have the omega specific tools to open the inverser wheels you may have trouble - I know, I did before I got my hands on them. Now I get the proper power reserve. But you are right, the 56x are plentiful and parts are not a problem yet.

I have a Watchco with 552 movement. What's the correct power reserve in hours using Omega OEM parts?

The reason I ask is Archer mentioned the power reserve for a 552 should be about 38 hours. Mine lasts about 50 hours.

Archer said a 50 power reserve would mean an incorrect main spring was installed. Did Watchco install incorrect main springs in their 300s?

S.H. · Oct 16, 2022

Archer should know, he's omega certified and has access to the docs/parts. I usually get around 40-44h.

Archer · Oct 16, 2022

bigtriangle68
I have a Watchco with 552 movement. What's the correct power reserve in hours using Omega OEM parts?

The reason I ask is Archer mentioned the power reserve for a 552 should be about 38 hours. Mine lasts about 50 hours.

Archer said a 50 power reserve would mean an incorrect main spring was installed. Did Watchco install incorrect main springs in their 300s?

38 is what Omega states, but they often go much longer. 48 isn’t unusual.

bigtriangle68 · Oct 16, 2022

Archer
38 is what Omega states, but they often go much longer. 48 isn’t unusual.

Thanks Archer. In your experience, to what average daily deviation can fully serviced 552s be regulated?

watchyouwant · Oct 17, 2022

bigtriangle68
Was the crown open and "out" when your dad gave it to you or did you unscrew it and pull it outward? When you turn the crown and you push it inward towards the watch, does it screw back down or is it stuck in the "out", open position?

My concern is if you were given the watch with the crown in the open position, some water may have gotten in the case years ago when it was in storage given how badly the caseback and bracelet appear to be rusted.

Is there a logo or symbol on the other side of the bracelet buckle? Any printed numerals on the clasp interior? It appears to have a twin button deployment at the clasp buckle, which would likely date the bracelet to the 1990s or newer, but I'm not sure what brand it is. It's certainly not an Omega OEM bracelet however.

Don't scare him too much ..... Can be an easy fix. 1 ) No rusted back. Just a lot of DNA. Rus t does not peel off like in the picture. Just take a Wooden tooth pick and remove that Family DNA. 2 ) Stem with the Crown has slipped out of the setting and winding section. Not a big deal. Don't expect Rust damage inside. 3 ) Get it serviced. Bin the Band. 4 ) Don't worry about Omega replaced parts, incl. Dial and Hands. It's your Family Heirloom; you won't sell it. Or ? .... Be happy. Don't worry. All is well.

ID Watch - is this a 165.024?

bigtriangle68

bigtriangle68

asdrubalex

bigtriangle68

asdrubalex

Davidt

janice&fred

JwRosenthal

downtownbobbyb

bigtriangle68

Concretepuppy

asdrubalex

JwRosenthal

JwRosenthal

S.H.

bigtriangle68

S.H.

Archer

bigtriangle68

watchyouwant

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