Omega 198.0030 F300, nice condition, but I am in need of help

Hi, everyone.

I found this watch Ref. 198.030 (I think) and negotiated a price that fit my wallet, the watch was running fine. The case looked to be near mint condition and the glass is original. I will have to replace the strap, though.




At home I found out, that the second hand started jumping forward wildly when setting the time. Google says it might be a problem with the index wheel or the index pawls, I hope that is correct.

Also, the caseback turned out to be from a 198.021 and I read, that the battery should be replaced by a Renata 344 (already on the way to me).


Could you help me assess this situation? I am unsure. Should I have it serviced or flip it with it´s flaws? If I have it serviced, are there specialized watchmakers in continental europe or should I have it serviced by Omega, if they still do it?

Also - would you bother searching for the correct caseback? If so - where should I start my search, apart from ebay?

Basically I love this watch. I hugs my wrist perfectly, wears like a feather and it should be my vintage, 1972, but tha t I have to find out yet.
But I don´t want to sink money in to a bottomless pit, so your help and honest opinion is appreciated.

Thank you

The f300's are magnificent watches with tuning fork technology. Others on this forum bemoan a lack of technicians and watchmakers with adequate parts to service these watches. I have been collecting tuning fork watches for years and belong to several Facebook groups centered around Accutron and other tuning fork watches. There are at least a half dozen experienced watchmakers that still service these watches and have adequate parts for repair. Contact me for the names of the ones I use.

I found someone who is deep into Hummers and offered to have a look at the watch and determine what has to be fixed. I am pretty sure I will keep it. For now the watch runs fine withthe Energizer cell and I will leave it that way until I know what has to be done.

Thank you for your advice and opinion so far.