Omega T17 Restoration - Local or Through Swatch Group?

ChrisN

If the watch was working well for 24 hours, then it doesn't sound like you need a donor movement (which will probably have worn out parts as well) unless you damaged something when stripping it. The hairspring issue may very well be recoverable, it depends on what the damage is.

I think that the best is to get it to a watchmaker even though it is in parts. It may cost more as the watch arrives disassembled but leave it to the watchmaker to advise and most of us won't take on a small "get it over the line" job so, expect to pay for a full service. Ask the watchmaker for advice on how to send it as you don't want all the parts rattling around and damaging each other.

Good luck and I'm sure it will be a lovely reliable watch at the end. If you can get Al (@Archer) to look at it, that would be a bonus.

Cheers, Chris

Dr No

There's no need to replace the movement. T17 parts are still available. A watchmaker should be able to diagnose mechanical issues and replace parts as needed.

Your watch was issued with a case number and movement number. Replacing the movement will render it spurious in Omega's records. In other words, Omega wouldn't be able to issue an extract confirming its originality once the movement is replaced.

This '43 ref 3635 T17 . . .

. . . was serviced by my watchmaker in Ventura County, Southern California. He was able to source a critical movement part from his usual supplier in the Midwest.

Cordially,

Art

samizdat

Thank you, this makes sense. I won't look into that unless I'm told by a professional I should.

That is a really beautiful watch. I hope I can get mine to look anything like that.

Archer

Don't think anyone is saying the movement should be swapped, just that a donor is available for parts if needed.