Is the cal. 1002 worth the “trouble”?

morrisbeef · Aug 2, 2020

Everyone here at OF is always so helpful and knowledgeable and I’d like to express my gratitude up front.

I’m thinking of acquiring a 166.088 “120” (1971) and of course heard the horror stories on the 1000 series. Been in contact with a nice guy and he’s said all the right things. No service history yet he’s timed it at +6/day. Not that I trust that, but I plan on a full service if I get it. Are the 1002’s worth a service from a certified Omega guy? I trust my guy. He’s performed a full service on my Reduced and my non-diver Admiralty, cal. 613, and they are spinning like a top. I’m worried I’ll take the 1002 in and he’ll find something beyond repair. Or are the 1002’s as serviceable as any Omega movements?

Also a quick question on the crystal (mineral?). I’ve seen some crystals on the 166.088 that sit above the bezel and below. So is above/below an indicator of the crystal being original? And I can’t find the etched Omega symbol on any 166.088’s I look at. Maybe just bad photos. Or is it a crystal without a symbol?

Sorry for the trouble, yet I like to go in with some knowledge and here is the best. BTW, I did try to look at old threads regarding the 166.088, and found some good info. Any comprehensive threads on the 166.088 like I found for the Admiraltys? Thanks to those who directed me to that thread, @DIV @STANDY.

Thanks again and all stay healthy!

Morris

ObiWanKannoli · Aug 2, 2020

I have a 1011 and 2x 1012's sitting around. Quite frankly I want to toss them into the ocean, haha. You can get them up and running easily enough, and parts are pretty readily available so it's not the end of the world if something is found to be irrevocably broken. However, still not the easiest watch to wear regularly in comparison to the pre and post 1000's. I will say though, I find some of the vintage Omega's housing these movements to be of my favorite designs. I'm a sucker for a TV Dial, those make them worth it for me.

airansun · Aug 2, 2020

Use bold SELECTIVELY, please.

All bold hurts my old eyes.

morrisbeef · Aug 2, 2020

airansun
Use bold SELECTIVELY, please.

All bold hurts my old eyes.

Sorry.

When you think you’re helping. You are not. I haven’t used a desktop in years, so it’s my fault. On an IPhone, the small sized letters, are easier to read in bold, for me. My bad. Thanks for letting me know for future posts.

Morris

morrisbeef · Aug 2, 2020

O ObiWanKannoli
I have a 1011 and 2x 1012's sitting around. Quite frankly I want to toss them into the ocean, haha. You can get them up and running easily enough, and parts are pretty readily available so it's not the end of the world if something is found to be irrevocably broken. However, still not the easiest watch to wear regularly in comparison to the pre and post 1000's. I will say though, I find some of the vintage Omega's housing these movements to be of my favorite designs. I'm a sucker for a TV Dial, those make them worth it for me.

“I find some of the vintage Omega's housing these movements to be of my favorite designs. I'm a sucker for a TV Dial, those make them worth it for me.”

That’s exactly my issue! I love those designs too. I’ve almost bought a TV Dial like 20 times. Just haven’t pulled the trigger. Then this 166.088 Seamster came up (with the baby blue seconds), and I need it. But I trying to be patient. Thanks again.

Morris

Dan S · Aug 2, 2020

Don't overthink it, buy what you love, you only live once (add any other appropriate cliches here). It will just give your watchmaker a bit more work.

Seriously, they may not be the absolute best movements ever made, but they are acceptable. After all, there are people collecting old Timexes and watches with pin-lever movements.

morrisbeef · Aug 3, 2020

Dan S
Don't overthink it, buy what you love, you only live once (add any other appropriate cliches here). It will just give your watchmaker a bit more work.

Seriously, they may not be the absolute best movements ever made, but they are acceptable. After all, there are people collecting old Timexes and watches with pin-lever movements.

You always know what to say @Dan S!! Thanks.

chipsotoole · Aug 3, 2020

This series of movements has been discussed and criticised a lot here. Whilst I'm not a fan and have said so on a few occasions (due to persistent breakdowns) that may be just my luck.More knowledgable OF members disagree and say its a bad rap. the 1xxx series may not be classics, but Omega didn't produce rubbish either. Buy what you like . If you're smitten by a particular object of desire..go for it.

wilderbeast · Aug 3, 2020

chipsotoole
This series of movements has been discussed and criticised a lot here. Whilst I'm not a fan and have said so on a few occasions (due to persistent breakdowns) that may be just my luck.More knowledgable OF members disagree and say its a bad rap. the 1xxx series may not be classics, but Omega didn't produce rubbish either. Buy what you like . If you're smitten by a particular object of desire..go for it.

+1. In my reading about the 10xx movements (including Desmond's excellent essay on the 10xx series Constellations and many threads here) the balance seems to be between a less aesthetic looking movement and possibly a need to service a little more regularly against generally larger case size, convenient quickset date and high-beat sweep hands. But, like you, I feel that the designs of the early 1970s are captivating and, if looked after, there’s no reason why an Omega with a 10xx movement won’t give you a lot of pleasure.

This thread is lacking photos, so here’s a movement, case and spiderweb closeup of my Cosmic 2000, cal1022.... which is due back from my watchmaker this week:

As Sheryl Crow once sang, “if it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad”.

ObiWanKannoli · Aug 3, 2020

morrisbeef
“I find some of the vintage Omega's housing these movements to be of my favorite designs. I'm a sucker for a TV Dial, those make them worth it for me.”

That’s exactly my issue! I love those designs too. I’ve almost bought a TV Dial like 20 times. Just haven’t pulled the trigger. Then this 166.088 Seamster came up (with the baby blue seconds), and I need it. But I trying to be patient. Thanks again.

Morris

They really are some damn good looking watches. As others have said, they are a decent movement, you just should go into ownership with the expectation of more than regular maintenance. Congrats on the pick up!! You're going to love it. Enjoy!

Archer · Aug 3, 2020

I wouldn't lump all the 1000 series together. The latter 1010 and 1020 (and the 1030 manual wind) movement are completely different movements to the earlier 1000 series. Most of the parts (with a few exceptions) are all new in the 1010 series and beyond, and very little was transferred from the 1000 series forwards.

These were specifically made to be thin movements, and that required some compromises, so some parts can be a bit delicate. But many of the issues seen on these are due to poor servicing practices, so if properly looked after they can be good performers.

morrisbeef · Aug 3, 2020

Archer
I wouldn't lump all the 1000 series together. The latter 1010 and 1020 (and the 1030 manual wind) movement are completely different movements to the earlier 1000 series. Most of the parts (with a few exceptions) are all new in the 1010 series and beyond, and very little was transferred from the 1000 series forwards.

These were specifically made to be thin movements, and that required some compromises, so some parts can be a bit delicate. But many of the issues seen on these are due to poor servicing practices, so if properly looked after they can be good performers.

I can’t argue with that! And I won’t! Thanks for the knowledge @Archer. Any thoughts on my crystal questions. Symbol or no symbol on the 166.088 “SM 120” ? Mineral crystal sits below bezel? Or above bezel? Thanks

chipsotoole · Aug 3, 2020

Archer
I wouldn't lump all the 1000 series together. The latter 1010 and 1020 (and the 1030 manual wind) movement are completely different movements to the earlier 1000 series. Most of the parts (with a few exceptions) are all new in the 1010 series and beyond, and very little was transferred from the 1000 series forwards.

These were specifically made to be thin movements, and that required some compromises, so some parts can be a bit delicate. But many of the issues seen on these are due to poor servicing practices, so if properly looked after they can be good performers.

would I be right in assuming the 1012 was between the 1010 and the 1020 in the development stage and "belonged " to that general family?

Dan S · Aug 3, 2020

chipsotoole
would I be right in assuming the 1012 was between the 1010 and the 1020 in the development stage and "belonged " to that general family?

I think the 1012 may just be the high-jewel version of the 1010. Perhaps with jewels added to the auto-winding mechanism.

morrisbeef · Aug 3, 2020

Well guys/gals... I took @Dan S, @ObiWanKannoli, @wilderbeast and @chipsotoole nudge forward and got the SM 120, 166.088 baby blue. I do love those 70’s dials and cases. Thanks for the push and all the advice. The seller was very nice and we came to a fair agreement. It was a US sale, so no waiting weeks and weeks or custom fees this time, haha. It’s a little beat up, but I hope that means it’s mostly original. I know these Omega 120’s were worn hard, so off to the watchmaker when it comes in and I know I’ll love it for years to come. I’ll throw up some pics on this thread after it comes back from the mechanic. Thanks again to all and be well!

Morris

NGO1 · Aug 4, 2020

morrisbeef
Everyone here at OF is always so helpful and knowledgeable and I’d like to express my gratitude up front.
Morris

I too tip during check-in. They guy behind us won’t get a free upgrade.

Archer · Aug 4, 2020

morrisbeef
I can’t argue with that! And I won’t! Thanks for the knowledge @Archer. Any thoughts on my crystal questions. Symbol or no symbol on the 166.088 “SM 120” ? Mineral crystal sits below bezel? Or above bezel? Thanks

This case uses a mineral crystal, so there won't be any Omega symbol in it like an acrylic crystal has.

The crystal is 3mm thick, and the crystal gasket is 2.9mm tall, so I would not expect to see a lot of crystal sticking up.

Archer · Aug 4, 2020

chipsotoole
would I be right in assuming the 1012 was between the 1010 and the 1020 in the development stage and "belonged " to that general family?

1010, 1011, and 1012 are date only, where 1020, 1021, and 1022 are day and date.

1010 is 17 jewels
1011 is 23 jewels (and adjusted to 5 positions originally)
1012 is 23 jewels

1020 is 17 jewels
1021 is 23 jewels (and adjusted to 5 positions originally)
1022 is 23 jewels

morrisbeef · Aug 4, 2020

Archer
This case uses a mineral crystal, so there won't be any Omega symbol in it like an acrylic crystal has.

The crystal is 3mm thick, and the crystal gasket is 2.9mm tall, so I would not expect to see a lot of crystal sticking up.

Thanks @Archer. So I would assume the 166.088 120’s where I see (for sale) the crystal is sitting above the bezel, have the wrong sized gasket or simply the wrong crystal installed?

Archer · Aug 4, 2020

morrisbeef
Thanks @Archer. So I would assume the 166.088 120’s where I see (for sale) the crystal is sitting above the bezel, have the wrong sized gasket or simply the wrong crystal installed?

No idea, but I don't believe the crystal should be sitting substantially above the gasket.

Is the cal. 1002 worth the “trouble”?

morrisbeef

ObiWanKannoli

airansun

morrisbeef

morrisbeef

Dan S

morrisbeef

chipsotoole

wilderbeast

ObiWanKannoli

Archer

morrisbeef

chipsotoole

Dan S

morrisbeef

NGO1

Archer

Archer

morrisbeef

Archer

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