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Omega 2981-6 front or back load?

bbo139
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Hello,

I have an Omega cal. 491 that I want to install in a NOS Omega case 2981-6.
The problem is that through the back I can't fit the movement, but through the front it goes and aligns as butter.. (making me think that is a front loader, even if the back comes off as a snap on)

Now, if I install it through the front, how would someone service it in the future since the glass would be pressed in?
 
bbo139
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Or is this a "convertible" case, where the back is only to remove the stem and you load the movement through the front and use a press to release the glass with its tension ring?
 
DON
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If a front loader. Watch maker just removes the bezel and crystal to remove from case
 
ErichKeane
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It is not at all uncommon for front loaders to also have removable backs. Typically they go in from the front, but have some sort of retention mechanism (clips, screws, etc) that can be accessed from the back.

Service just requires that the watchmaker KNOW it is a frontloader, and use the correct tools to remove the bezel.
 
bbo139
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
It is not at all uncommon for front loaders to also have removable backs. Typically they go in from the front, but have some sort of retention mechanism (clips, screws, etc) that can be accessed from the back.

Service just requires that the watchmaker KNOW it is a frontloader, and use the correct tools to remove the bezel.
This doesn t have a removable bezel, seems more that after I add the movement I purely just need to add a glass with a tension ring

Odd that other versions (-1, -2 etc) of this case are back loaders
 
ErichKeane
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I was looking at this picture: https://omegaforums.net/threads/thoughts-on-this-omega-geneve-2981-6.150953/

It very much looks like it has a removable bezel? You can see the 'gold' colored top ring around the glass that is a bezel, does that not come off?

And are you sure that the other versions are back loaders? This -1 (https://omegaforums.net/threads/195...981-2-tone-dial-w-cross-hair-serviced.114740/) is very clearly a front-loader as well.
 
bbo139
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
I was looking at this picture: https://omegaforums.net/threads/thoughts-on-this-omega-geneve-2981-6.150953/

It very much looks like it has a removable bezel? You can see the 'gold' colored top ring around the glass that is a bezel, does that not come off?

And are you sure that the other versions are back loaders? This -1 (https://omegaforums.net/threads/1958-omega-genève-automatic-ref-2981-2-tone-dial-w-cross-hair-serviced.114740/) is very clearly a front-loader as well.
Asked a couple of people on ebay on their different versions if they are front or back and they confirmed back (-1 and -2 vers at least)

I don t see any gaps to remove a possible bezel and the leg lug seems more than attached to the bezel (for me at least)

Added some pics below

https://bbo66.tumblr.com%2Fpost%2F792953208010080256
 
ErichKeane
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That looks like the bezel comes off to me, it just goes 'below' the lugs. I'd hope someone with more knowledge of this comes by.

BUT also, re the -1 and -2, every single one I've found pictures of appears to be a front loader. I'm guessing those ebay sellers are incorrect.
 
bbo139
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
That looks like the bezel comes off to me, it just goes 'below' the lugs. I'd hope someone with more knowledge of this comes by.

BUT also, re the -1 and -2, every single one I've found pictures of appears to be a front loader. I'm guessing those ebay sellers are incorrect.
Will wait for 1-2 more people to provide some insights if this has or not a bezel, before trying to remove it.

But really appreciate your time replying and trying to help!
 
ErichKeane
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bbo139 bbo139
Will wait for 1-2 more people to provide some insights if this has or not a bezel, before trying to remove it.

But really appreciate your time replying and trying to help!
Yep, smart idea 😉 @JimInOz typically has good knowledge of these sort of things, and of course @Archer does too.

Do you have pictures between the lugs of the bezel-area? It still looks like it should be able to pop off, but the pry location is often hid there?

That said, even if not, and since the movement fits in well from the front, it could also possibly be one that requires a crystal removal tool to fit/remove the movement (see https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-4266-watch-crystal-remover-tool-crystal-lift-10-to-45mm/).
 
bbo139
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
Yep, smart idea 😉 @JimInOz typically has good knowledge of these sort of things, and of course @Archer does too.

Do you have pictures between the lugs of the bezel-area? It still looks like it should be able to pop off, but the pry location is often hid there?

That said, even if not, and since the movement fits in well from the front, it could also possibly be one that requires a crystal removal tool to fit/remove the movement (see https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-4266-watch-crystal-remover-tool-crystal-lift-10-to-45mm/).
Sure, below is a pic with between the lugs (both sides)
https://bbo66.tumblr.com%2Fpost%2F792957200855351296
 
JimInOz
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Just from what I can see from the pics.

The bezel is removable. It looks like it was installed incorrectly at some point and the notch to assist removal isn't visible.
Like "front loader" monocoque cases, the bezel and crystal are removed as one unit.
The movement is installed, secured at the rear by the two case screws and the bezel/crystal is then pressed onto the case.
 
bbo139
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JimInOz JimInOz
Just from what I can see from the pics.

The bezel is removable. It looks like it was installed incorrectly at some point and the notch to assist removal isn't visible.
Like "front loader" monocoque cases, the bezel and crystal are removed as one unit.
The movement is installed, secured at the rear by the two case screws and the bezel/crystal is then pressed onto the case.
Thanks for the reply
Went ahead and tried the bezel (after getting 2 confirmations from you and @ErichKeane) and indeed it was hidden and the bezel popped smoothly. Wasn't expecting for the notch to be hidden on a NOS, but thank you both for the advice

Just a couple of additional questions, if you guys are aware:
- do you use gaskets between the:
- bezel and case
- caseback and case
- on the stem/crown
- a certain way to correctly measure the glass (with a tension ring) for this model, as I understood it usually is not a straight forward way

I know it s not waterproof, but trying to be make it as much as I can "bulletproof" for my dad
 
bbo139
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bbo139 bbo139
Thanks for the reply
Went ahead and tried the bezel (after getting 2 confirmations from you and @ErichKeane) and indeed it was hidden and the bezel popped smoothly. Wasn't expecting for the notch to be hidden on a NOS, but thank you both for the advice

Just a couple of additional questions, if you guys are aware:
- do you use gaskets between the:
- bezel and case
- caseback and case
- on the stem/crown
- a certain way to correctly measure the glass (with a tension ring) for this model, as I understood it usually is not a straight forward way

I know it s not waterproof, but trying to be make it as much as I can "bulletproof" for my dad
*(just so it is more readable)
Just a couple of additional questions, if you guys are aware:
- do you use gaskets between the:

a)bezel and case
b)caseback and case
c)on the stem/crown

- a certain way to correctly measure the glass (with a tension ring) for this model, as I understood it usually is not a straight forward way
 
JimInOz
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bbo139 bbo139
a)bezel and case NO
b)caseback and case YES
c)on the stem/crown YES
Have to have dinner, back later.
 
JimInOz
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The crystal you need has a basic part number of PN1040.
@Archer may be able to identify the correct Omega PN if they are still listed.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a tension ring.
 
bbo139
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JimInOz JimInOz
The crystal you need has a basic part number of PN1040.
@Archer may be able to identify the correct Omega PN if they are still listed.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a tension ring.
By the gasket on the stem/crown you mean the one built-in the crown right? That usually you just need to buy a new crown for as they are not sold separately
 
Archer
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Crystal - 062PN1009

Crown - 069ST32006
 
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