Community Stories

Omega Speedmaster clouding up

Jones in LA
Posts
5,562
Likes
54,024
Archer Archer
The OP's watch appears to be a 35213000, and if so it has a press fitted case back with a hard plastic seal. A case opening ball will not be of any help to remove the back, and even if he removes it a press is required to install it again. This is a job for a professional...

Yes, I was wondering about that and just assumed it was a screw-down.

Sorry @xluxions , my approach is stymied by the caseback style. As @Archer indicated, you're going to need some help, the very least being getting the back off the watch.
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
Archer Archer
The OP's watch appears to be a 35213000, and if so it has a press fitted case back with a hard plastic seal. A case opening ball will not be of any help to remove the back, and even if he removes it a press is required to install it again. This is a job for a professional...
I have a press actually. Like a crystal press. Could i use that?
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
Archer Archer
Your watch needs all the seals replaced, so that means a new crown, new pushers, and new case back seal at a minimum. There is also a seal under the bezel, and one for the crystal that should be considered at least.

Most watchmakers will only do this as part of a full service, so this will be somewhere close to $1000 likely, depending on who does the work.

Do not take this swimming or get it wet...that will only make the costs higher.
if i found someone who was willing to replace only the gaskets, how much would that be?
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
xluxions xluxions
I have a press actually. Like a crystal press. Could i use that?

It's your watch. If you want to take the risk of causing even further damage, it's up to you.
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
xluxions xluxions
if i found someone who was willing to replace only the gaskets, how much would that be?

There's no standard fee for this, so it will be up to the person you find to tell you.
 
Donn Chambers
Posts
2,703
Likes
3,599
xluxions xluxions
My newly purchased omega Speedmaster just randomly clouded up yesterday, no rainnor anything. How do I fix it???
upload_2023-3-20_6-48-31.jpeg

Your newly purchased watch is at least 20 years old and has very likely never been serviced in its life. As others have said, needs all the seals replaced and should probably have a full service as well. One of the costs to be aware of when buying old watches with unknown service history. Just because a seller says it is "running fine" or "has been cleaned and adjusted" doesn't mean it was actually serviced.
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
Your newly purchased watch is at least 20 years old and has very likely never been serviced in its life. As others have said, needs all the seals replaced and should probably have a full service as well. One of the costs to be aware of when buying old watches with unknown service history. Just because a seller says it is "running fine" or "has been cleaned and adjusted" doesn't mean it was actually serviced.
yeah ik, its from 1994 and i doubt its been serviced ever.
 
hoshimachi
Posts
90
Likes
37
While you take it to a professional, wouldn't it also be a good idea to get it pressure tested?
I wonder if it is even possible to get a speedmaster pressure-tested.
 
Ascalon
Posts
197
Likes
311
I had some issue with a Mark II, where the lower pusher spring was corroded and it was letting water in.
I got a NOS pusher kit and changed out the spring and seal with out having to remove the pusher tube form the case.
Lubed it all with silicon grease and job's good 'un!
 
Canuck
Posts
15,480
Likes
45,849
xluxions xluxions
I have a press actually. Like a crystal press. Could i use that?

If you go about it the right way, a crystal press will do the job. Go about it the wrong way, and you are in for a world of hurt! Take it to a specialist watchmaker, and ask him to remove the case back, allow the watch to dry out, then re-fit the case back properly. You may have to approach more than one specialist before you find one that will do a minimal repair like that. I suggest you DO NOT take the watch on your trip, OR wear it near water, snow, ice, etc.
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
Ascalon Ascalon
I had some issue with a Mark II, where the lower pusher spring was corroded and it was letting water in.
I got a NOS pusher kit and changed out the spring and seal with out having to remove the pusher tube form the case.
Lubed it all with silicon grease and job's good 'un!

These pushers are not really designed to come apart. Most likely, the screw will snap off if you try to unscrew it...
 
Larry S
Posts
13,698
Likes
53,498
@xluxions …Tell us where you are located and we can recommend someone. When I bought my first vintage watch, a 2998 Speedmaster, the dealer said, don’t take this to the beach. In fact, don’t even THINK about the beach when wearing it. This is the case with most vintage. Even though my watchmaker tells me I can swim with my vintage Rolex watches, they will never see duty on Lake Michigan. Unfortunately this may never serve as an aquatic watch. Suggest you get yourself an inexpensive new diver for sport.
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
Larry S Larry S
@xluxions …Tell us where you are located and we can recommend someone. When I bought my first vintage watch, a 2998 Speedmaster, the dealer said, don’t take this to the beach. In fact, don’t even THINK about the beach when wearing it. This is the case with most vintage. Even though my watchmaker tells me I can swim with my vintage Rolex watches, they will never see duty on Lake Michigan. Unfortunately this may never serve as an aquatic watch. Suggest you get yourself an inexpensive new diver for sport.
Colorado Springs, I took it to someOne in the area and they said some confusing things, it’s definitely a speed master but idk what to do from here.
upload_2023-3-21_12-35-31.png
 
Archer
Posts
29,672
Likes
76,830
If the "watch guy" actually told you that, find a proper watchmaker.
 
Larry S
Posts
13,698
Likes
53,498
The very fact that you wearing this watch caused condensation, this is BS, with the exception of the fact that even after service this will not be a swim watch. Find a competent watchmaker. A proper service will ensure that you can at least wear this on a hot day. Unfortunately for your age and resources, you have jumped into the deeper end of the pool.
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
Larry S Larry S
The very fact that you wearing this watch caused condensation, this is BS, with the exception of the fact that even after service this will not be a swim watch. Find a competent watchmaker. A proper service will ensure that you can at least wear this on a hot day. Unfortunately for your age and resources, you have jumped into the deeper end of the pool.
Yeah you got any suggestions?
 
josiahg52
Posts
1,480
Likes
3,019
xluxions xluxions
Yeah you got any suggestions?

State your locale so someone can make service provider recommendations and then save up about a $1000. Have watch serviced and repaired and be able to wash your hands and enjoy a rainstorm.
 
xluxions
Posts
37
Likes
1
josiahg52 josiahg52
State your locale so someone can make service provider recommendations and then save up about a $1000. Have watch serviced and repaired and be able to wash your hands and enjoy a rainstorm.
I’m in Colorado Springs but I’m not really terribly sure how to proceed lol
 
josiahg52
Posts
1,480
Likes
3,019
xluxions xluxions
I’m in Colorado Springs but I’m not really terribly sure how to proceed lol

There are good providers in the US. I have no experience with them as I send all my watches to @Archer in Canada. This is going to cost money, though, you must realize. There is no question your watch requires repair and servicing and should not be worn near water (or really, at all).

I did go to some website last year and found a "certified" Omega service provider very close to me and I might take one of my less precious Omegas to them to see how they stack up.
 
40 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Bor

Omega Speedmaster 125

Bor Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
M'Bob
M'Bob
Posts
1
Views
98
L

Looking for help Identifying an Omega Speedmaster

Lola520 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
L
Lola520
Posts
11
Views
220
F

Omega Speedmaster Mark II 1159 Bracelet

FSquicciarini Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
F
FSquicciarini
Posts
0
Views
53
N

Omega Speedmaster Advice and Help

npiano101 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
N
npiano101
Posts
9
Views
227
DonovanMartin

Omega Speedmaster Mk II serial too late

DonovanMartin Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
DonovanMartin
DonovanMartin
Posts
4
Views
176
S

Omega Speedmaster 145.022, 1991?

Scaruzi Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
S
Scaruzi
Posts
9
Views
283