Omega Speedsonic 188.0001 Crystal Replacement Guide

I just acquired a Speedsonic 188.0001 with the rectangle pushers (strap although I am curious about the OG metal strap). It’s in the mail but I’ll post photos once it arrives late next week. It certainly has its flaws as it was a loved piece but given production numbers and price I felt compelled to get it. Reportedly fully functional. I do plan on sending over to Rob for an overhaul after I have had it for a bit of wrist time as he is busy.

The crystal is in need of replacement. I have replaced many Seiko crystals on 6139’s, 6309 etc. I have yet to replace any Omega crystals (See my other thread on my Mark II where I have the crystal and fantastic instructions to make a jig from a member here- and the pvc parts under my desk - but have settled in to enjoy that watch with its small issues. Call me chicken😂)

This brings me back to the speedsonic.

I was wondering if anyone here has replaced a crystal and if it would involve anything more than careful use of a regular press (which I can handle) or if the crystal install might require an omega jig/fabricate my own jig.

I recognize there are not many of these out there but thought I would ask the question here before popping the crystal out only to learn I couldn’t get the replacement back in.

Thanks so much

I should add I can source the crystal but not the gasket. By chance does anyone know the part number so I can do a more focused search?

Fantastic. Thank you. The hunt begins

Has anyone replaced this crystal? Mine looks to be in rough shape and I’m contemplating replacing the crystal even if I can’t source a replacement gasket before eventually sending it to Rob for a full service. It’s worth the $60 to me to get a replacement crystal of I can install it reasonably easily like other crystals as it may be 6 or more months before I send the watch to Rob (and wait the 3 or so months to get it back with his backlog and shipping delays).
Eager for DHL to deliver mine but looking at the pictures the crystal is rough

Well after a cooling off period in customs the speedsonic has arrived.


Glad it made it through after inspection by customs - came from Venezuela so that might explain a lot.

A few observations- the crystal looks fine from some angles and from others, well it’s a disaster. Still on the hunt for the gasket although other projects have jumped in and I’m waiting for responses from a few supply houses.

I didn’t realize that if you don’t have the lobster band 1) you really need to use the OG pins as standard pins are too skinny. Glad mine came with the pins. 2) 22mm bands are tight because, well, it’s really a 21 mm opening. For now I have a cheap Chinese leather band with the original pins. Will look at other straps later.

Overall still pleased w the watch and will enjoy it more once the crystal is scratch free.

There is a bit of a ding at 4 which might impinge on a replacement glass without a touch of metal work. I may try some of the various pastes to improve the glass a bit and let Rob do the work when he services the watch. Pressing the glass into that dent could be tricky.

For those looking for a crystal gasket - they are available special order from esslinger part# G281-67.
Replacement crystals are readily available- the gasket was a bit more work for me without a swatch account.

I wonder if the crystal on these are pressed in the same way as for the Mark II's? https://omegaforums.net/threads/mk-ii-speedy-project.16554/post-196999

I have two Mark II’s and my current understanding is that they are not - but I have also not yet tried to install the crystal. Life has gotten in the way.

Interestingly I was speaking with Tanner today at TMwatchco about a rehab he will be doing on one of my Mark II’s. He just started reproducing the metal tool needed to install a crystal. While he will be replacing one for me as part of an overhaul with the OEM tool he found on eBay many years ago, I’ll likely get the tool from him just to be able to replace the crystal when I eventually break one on one of my Mark II’s as I really like both the racing and the black dial. An under appreciated 861 from my view.