Omega 1863 - Movement’s Scratch

Speedmaster.1999 · 2026-11-14T03:10:47-0600

Hello everyone!! This is my first post, so I hope I’m in the right section and following the correct format!
I’m writing to ask for your advice regarding an Omega 1863 movement, on which I’ve noticed a sort of scratch and some pitting/markings on the rhodium plating.
I’ve highlighted the main issue—the scratch/groove—within the red circle. What do you think this could be? I’ve seen it on other examples as well, though very rarely... it looks like a groove caused by the chronograph lever, which scrapes against the surface when activated.
As for the pitting on the rhodium plating, it’s quite noticeable in the last photo. It’s only visible under strong light (it’s not apparent in ambient light).

Joao_BRA · 2026-11-14T06:01:44-0600

In the zoom everything is bad.

Speedmaster.1999 · 2026-11-14T07:16:40-0600

Joao_BRA
In the zoom everything is bad.

What would you like to say?

Joao_BRA · 2026-11-14T07:22:03-0600

S Speedmaster.1999
What would you like to say?

What I meant was that, in my opinion, zooming in makes any product look much worse than it actually does to the naked eye (I was referring to the marks on the rhodium finish).

Canuck · 2026-11-14T07:27:14-0600

S Speedmaster.1999
Hello everyone!! This is my first post, so I hope I’m in the right section and following the correct format!
I’m writing to ask for your advice regarding an Omega 1863 movement, on which I’ve noticed a sort of scratch and some pitting/markings on the rhodium plating.
I’ve highlighted the main issue—the scratch/groove—within the red circle. What do you think this could be? I’ve seen it on other examples as well, though very rarely... it looks like a groove caused by the chronograph lever, which scrapes against the surface when activated.
As for the pitting on the rhodium plating, it’s quite noticeable in the last photo. It’s only visible under strong light (it’s not apparent in ambient light).

🍿

padders · 2026-11-14T07:36:41-0600

The whole movement looks filthy. Time for a service.

Archer · 2026-11-14T07:37:35-0600

Are you sure it's a scratch? This spot does not typically have wear associated with it.

So there is a small pin in the part on top (operating lever yoke), that I have indicated with a green arrow here:

That pin faces down, and goes into a small notch in the part below (operating lever spring):

That notch is lubricated with grease. The photos are difficult to make anything out in detail, but my guess is that there is no scratch, but this is simply excess grease that has worked it's way onto the main bridge.

noelekal · 2026-11-14T07:48:05-0600

Hello, and welcome to the Forum.

Did you purchase the watch brand new?

Those seem awfully insignificant from my vantage point. I would be unconcerned with them if the watch was mine.

Is the watch attractive on the wrist?

Perhaps you could post a photo of the front of the watch.

502 to right · 2026-11-14T13:48:16-0600

I learned this lesson about watches: If you enjoy your watch and it runs well don't look at it with a macro lens. Nothing good can come from it.

Speedmaster.1999 · 2026-11-15T03:21:42-0600

Archer
Are you sure it's a scratch? This spot does not typically have wear associated with it.

So there is a small pin in the part on top (operating lever yoke), that I have indicated with a green arrow here:

That pin faces down, and goes into a small notch in the part below (operating lever spring):

That notch is lubricated with grease. The photos are difficult to make anything out in detail, but my guess is that there is no scratch, but this is simply excess grease that has worked it's way onto the main bridge.

Hi, and thanks for your detailed response! That’s reassuring! Thank you so much!

What are your thoughts on those little marks on the rhodium plating?

Speedmaster.1999 · 2026-11-15T03:23:58-0600

noelekal
Hello, and welcome to the Forum.

Did you purchase the watch brand new?

Those seem awfully insignificant from my vantage point. I would be unconcerned with them if the watch was mine.

Is the watch attractive on the wrist?

Perhaps you could post a photo of the front of the watch.

Hi, thank you!!
Nono, it’s a 25 year old moonwatch 😁

Omega 1863 - Movement’s Scratch

Speedmaster.1999

Joao_BRA

Speedmaster.1999

Joao_BRA

Canuck

padders

Archer

noelekal

502 to right

Speedmaster.1999

Speedmaster.1999

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