Hi OF, I recently bought a replacement for the lightly cracked crystal on my 14700. As I understand it, this reference shares its crystal, PZ 5140, with many other references, and it has been a bit hard to find. I found one on eBay which was claimed to have been an original Omega crystal for my reference, but I'm afraid that it was too good to be true. I would like to confirm my reasoning before returning it, though, just to make sure I'm right before I lose what I thought was a decent deal. The first problem is the profile. I put my crystal, which I assume is original (no idea if it really is), side by side with the new one, and they are clearly different. The diameters are the same, though, for what it's worth. The second problem is the signature, or lack thereof. There is some mark in the center of the crystal, and I guess it's possible that it once was an Omega that has been polished. It seems more likely that it's just a coincidental mark or maybe even a poorly attempted forged signature. This came is the envelope pictured, which was opened and could have been repurposed. Can anyone confirm that this is not a genuine PZ 5140? Or better yet, confirm that I'm wrong? Thank you as always to the ever-helpful OF members. -Joseph
The profiles did changes between the 50’s/60’s and now so that’s less of a concern. There should be an Omega logo in the centre that I can’t make out. Try looking again, holding it at an angle in good light. Bear I mind the logo is etched on the underside
Ah, I see. The movement was made around 1961, so I suppose I have a later crystal on there at the moment? And the replacement I purchased may be an earlier profile? I've avoided the temptation to get a generic replacement for fear of the tension ring damaging the dial, but that would not be a problem if this is in fact just an earlier model of the same crystal?
It is very hard to make out even under magnification, but there is definitely something there. I think there used to be an Omega, but maybe someone polished the inside of the crystal. Plus there is a small nick just beside is which I was mistaking for part of the logo.
I happen to have a Swedish crystal list that includes the Ref. 14700: According to the list, #18 is the correct replacement for Ref. 14700. See upper right. The “BA” means it is has a gold tension ring, like yours. However, there is also a listing showing that the #6 crystal will also fit that case. That could explain the difference. PZ5140 is likely the Swiss replacement. It could have been made by another supplier, which could also explain the difference. gatorcpa
60 USD plus 15 for international shipping. I'm not sure if that's a good deal, but it was the only one I could find for sale in a few weeks of searching. The ones with gold tension rings are listed on eBay for over twice that. But to be clear, it's apparently not a Swiss 5140 but a be Swedish 18, if I understand correctly. Makes sense because the language on the package is Swedish.
Mine actually has a stainless steel tension ring, so perhaps it's a 6 in packaging for an 18? It's odd to me that ref 14700 and 14701 each accept a 6, but they had different crystals with gold tension rings. And also odd that none of the other refs that accept a 6 had a gold counterpart listed.
I have a bunch of Omega crystals from a watchmakers estate. Some are individually packaged and some are in little Omega tubes that have the crystal code and diameter on the top. One of these tubes is marked 5140 and 29.6mm. Both stainless and gold rings are included. The crystals inside measure 29.6mm and have the Omega logo in the centre, although it can be hard to see and photograph (excuse the fluff). Here is the profile, as best as I can capture it. It seems like it's similar to the taller of your two crystals.