As a new member I thought I'd better briefly introduce myself before raising my query.......
Hi, I have recently inherited a few vintage watches, nothing of great value, but it has re-kindled my interest in vintage mechanical watches.
I have started getting those serviced and have also started to acquire a few watches, but nothing to standard of most of the watches I've seen on here.......

As to my query.......I have recently bought what I believe is a 1951 omega cal. 351 bumper watch. It looks to be 'well used', but I'm happy with what I paid for it.
Hopefully there will be some photos lower down this thread.

It has a new crystal on it and keeps good time, so I'm assuming it has recently had some kind of service......but I will have it serviced again soon.
The query is that although it keeps very good time, the second hand about every 7 seconds seems to jump a couple of seconds and then wait before carrying on.
Do I assume that one of the wheels has a tooth missing or bent? .......or is this likely to be something more severe?

Also I have seen watches that appear to have the same dial and movement, and also marked 'Seamaster'. Can anyone explain?
Thanks.

 

Nice watch. In this period, each case had numerous, numerous dial combimations, so it is entirely possible that there ks a very similar seamaster dial. Just one of those things.

Re the second hand. Itis a loose pinion, I think. Nptjing serious and wont impact time keeping. If you search through the forum, perhaps for "loose second hand" you should find some more info.

 

Thanks for those comments guys.
I assume if it is a loose pinion, it would get picked up in a good service.

I'll try searching the posts, however the search keeps removing common words or numbers.....making it slightly harder for a novice like me.

 

The jumpy second hand is likely due to insufficient tension on the friction spring for the sweep seconds pinion. A common issue with indirectly driven sweep hands. Adjusting or replacing the spring at service would probably solve this issue.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks Archer........I'm learning all the time

 

Are those springs available for bumper movements?

 

Just checked - it's discontinued, so you would have to find a donor if it's damaged. Likely just needs to be adjusted.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks Al
What´s the part number of the friction spring for the sweep seconds pinion on a a 353/355 movement?

 

They are all 72203501255...all discontinued...

 

Trying to see it on the technical guide to figure how is this little piece, but the TG uses another nomenclature

 

72203501255

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks

 

You also have to have a business license or prove you're a watchmaker for them to sell it to you. They make sure too....

Unless this has changed very recently.

 

I have a few 354 donor movements with these springs. PM me if interested.

 

I had seen on here that 'Swiss Time Services' have been recommended for servicing, so I emailed them with the above re: servivicing and looking at the second hand.

Their reply. Quote: 'We specialise in repairs of older Omega watches, however, your watch now falls within Omega’s list of Calibres that can only be repaired by the Omega factory in Switzerland.'

Are there any other recommendations for the UK?

 

stefan
Send him a PM