Hi Everyone!

I joined the forum to learn more about Omegas, but specifically the 3330 movement.

Here's the story: I am not far off purchasing a modern Speedmaster Mark II Racing. I love the look, and when trying it on in the Omega boutique it was just perfect.

As with any expensive purchase, I like to do a lot of research before pulling the trigger. In this case, I researched the 3330 movement and unfortunately I have come across a few cases of people who had bad experiences with it, specifically that the movement simply "stops" when using the chronographe function. One person's post said that this happened after only a few weeks of ownership and that Omega replaced it, but the new watch had the same problem (so he asked for his money back).

Granted, a lot of these posts / cases seem to be from around 2016, with nothing more recent than that. So I am wondering if there was a batch of "iffy" 3330 movements back then, or if there was indeed a problem with the design of the 3330, and if so, has it been modified/fixed since then ?

Thanks,

FB

 

Here are the cases I was talking about:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-3330-quality.33522/

https://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/speedmaster-racing-3330-movement-stopped-after-2-days-4205386.html

 

There is no widespread issue with the 3330 that required "fixing" so nothing has been changed.

 

Omega has used the 3330 in several other models, including the recently released Speedmaster 38 line. I believe it was also in the previous generation Seamaster 300M diver chronographs. If memory serves, it was based on the 7750 with the coaxial added. At any rate, I’d have to assume it would be pretty solid for Omega to continue using it. That said, it’s pretty clear that Omega is moving toward their newer METAS certified movements.

Like you, I love the case design of the MkII easy to wear and a bit distinctive. I wouldn’t obsess too much about the movement - if you buy new Omega would warrant it for 5 years, so you’d be protected.

Alternatively, you could keep the look and go vintage (I did). The original MkII, MkIV and Mk4.5 all pretty much share the same case design. You could choose from 3 movements: the 861 (MkII), the 1040 (MkIV) and the 1045 (Mk4.5).

 

I have had a 38mm Speedmaster with the 3330 movement for several months now with absolutely no issues whatsoever. On my wrist during most days, on the dresser at night, is averaging +1-1.5/sec/day. I've been really delighted with it, really exceeded my expectations for accuracy.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll go forward with an open mind towards this movement

 

The 33XX has been a workhorse in a lot of their chronographs over the years.

I've had several including a very early 00's America's Cup Chronograph as well as a first gen. PO chronograph. Both worked like charms (obviously as long as you give them some love every now and then).

I've had my AC chrono for 16-17 years, it's been serviced twice and has been awesome.

 

What you are referring to is the 3301/3303/3313 series of movements, which are based on an F. Piguet chronograph movement. This has a column wheel and vertical clutch.

Not at all the same movement as the 3330, which has a column wheel, but is still a horizontally coupled chronograph, same as the ETA 7750 that it is based on.

These are very different movements, and not related at all.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks!

I'm considering a Mark 4.5 that is relatively low priced (I also know a watchmaker that can service it for a decent price), however once purchased and serviced, I'm half way to the price of the new one.

Decisions, decisions.

 

Thanks Al - good to know. I was always under the impression that they were just modifications upon a base 3300 movement. Thanks for clearing that! It looks like I have a 3303 in my America's Cup. It's been a fantastic watch over the years. I had some issues way back when with the minute hand on the chronograph not jumping ahead but a simple service took care of that no problem.

Was the 3330 what then became the first of the co-axial chronograph movements?

 

The first co-axial chronograph movement was the 3313. The 3330 came well after that.

 

Hello fellow members,

I’ve seen a constellation linked below for sale with the 3330 movement and I would like your opinion of the watch if you’d care to share and maybe an indicator of what would be a fair price. Thank you

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/omega-constellation--id18615411.htm?SETLANG=en_GB&SETCURR=EUR

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yes it doesn’t make a lot of sense. The photos I uploaded were received from him in response to me asking for box and papers and a photo of the movement and case back which I didn’t receive.

Seems a fishy prospect. It’s not pretty hard to find something honest and at a fair price.

 

Yes I will do for sure and thanks for your help. I’m getting a bit disillusioned with looking for a good vintage constellation at a fair price and might just focus on looking for a Tissot T12 chronograph instead.

 

Yes I’ve replied to myself below! Agree with you. Hard to find anything suitable so far.

 

I’m looking for a constellation with a 5 series calibre on a bracelet ideally for a maximum of €1,200. Maybe I’m in dreamland expecting that but if I am I may amend my expectations accordingly!