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is a moonphase more difficult to service?

  1. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Oct 29, 2015

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    Hey all,

    Dumb question, but I was wondering if a moonphase watch is harder to service (and therefore more expensive) than a watch without such a complication..?

    Seems it would be not much different from a date wheel, but then, what do I know?

    I'm sure I will enjoy your feedback!
     
  2. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 29, 2015

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    It depends. If we are talking about most simple moon phase watches, for example this Omega Cal. 1866, then technical faults of this particular movement notwithstanding, it's not a lot of extra work:

    [​IMG]

    You can see the disk that contains 2 moons, and this disk travels 1/2 a revolution every month. The disk has 59 teeth, so each moon phase is 29.5 days, which does not reflect the actual phase of the moon. On average the moon takes 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. This results in the moon phase complication not being accurate over time. The more accurate moon phase indicators are good out for decades (I think one is good for 1027 years), and those I would expect would be more complex, but they are not typically in the mid tier of watches where Omega is.

    If it costs more to service depends on who is doing the service I guess, but I don't charge more for an 1866 than I do an 1861.

    Cheers, Al
     
    Bienne2998, bhziii, NT931 and 5 others like this.
  3. Brench Oct 30, 2015

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    And maybe an example of a more difficult one? Interesting to read you experience Al!
     
  4. Kobus Oct 30, 2015

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    Love the detail Archer........... thanks for this and in general while I am at it.
     
  5. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 30, 2015

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    I can't think of any that I've serviced that are more complicated off the top of my head. As I mentioned these are usually much higher end watches, from companies that don't provide parts to independent watchmakers, so not watches I would normally get for servicing. The really proliferation of accurate moon phase watches is a fairly new thing, so most vintage watches are the style I showed above.

    If you Google De Bethune you will see some interesting moon phase designs, and the one that was accurate for 1027 years was an H. Moser & Cie piece I believe, but there may be others.

    Cheers, Al
     
  6. Jones in LA Isofrane hoarder. Oct 30, 2015

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  7. Geo! Oct 30, 2015

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    I wouldn't know how to tell the time on that, never mind service it!
     
  8. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 30, 2015

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    If you have to ask...
     
  9. Pvt-Public Oct 30, 2015

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    OTOH if you don't ask you don't know what amount to write on the check.:whistling:
     
  10. shoota70 Oct 30, 2015

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    Al can you expand on "...Omega Cal. 1866, then technical faults of this particular movement notwithstanding..."

    Thank you.
     
  11. jtth Oct 30, 2015

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  12. citizenrich Metal Mixer! Oct 31, 2015

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    I have a triple date - moon phase built on an ETA 1100 which I'm told is a fairly basic movement...
     
  13. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Oct 31, 2015

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    The moon phase parts had some problems with excessive end shakes that may require a few tweaks to get it functioning correctly. In some cases an upgraded part with a longer pin in it (0.8 mm long instead of 0.7 mm long) is required, and they also modified the enlargement ring to resolve interference problems with the correctors mounted in the case. I have experienced all of these problems on Cal. 1866 watches I have serviced...

    Cheers, Al
     
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