hey guys

I’m a real novice at this and recently purchased a vintage omega 121.001 as my first piece.

I wanted to check serial numbers etc. so opened the back up. When I put the case back on the movement stopped.

Any idea if I’ve done serious damage?

Will get it looked at ASAP by a pro but any ball park idea of how much damage I’ve likely done would be great.
Thanks

 

Perhaps the movement shifted and when you replaced the back the balance is impeded. Just a guess. Remove it again and make sure the movement is in the right place and reinstall.

 

Depends on what you used to open it.

 

Unlikely. The movement is held in by two big case screws.
More likely. An eyelash, bit of lint or a cat hair got into the movement.

But only the watchmaker will be able to tell us.

 

Let this be a lesson to others. When you've never handled a mechanical watch before, no good can come of opening it up.

Tom

 

If it happened 100% of the time I would agree with you. But many have done this successfully.

 

You are of course free to screw up your own watches as you see fit. The risk isn't worth it for most people.

Tom

 

And everyone is also free to open them up and still not screw them up. For many people it is not a high 'risk', and the cost of fixing anything that may go wrong would likely be incurred anyway due to their likely already being issues with the watch.

Some people are not afraid to delve into mechanical and electrical devices, and learn a bit along the way.

 

Hey, I'm just following the lead of others on the forum!

Don't EVER send to Omega! Do not polish the case! Even if it's waterproof it's not waterproof! The dial has been refinished!

Get the picture?

Tom

 

Best to just speak for yourself, rather than follow the general mood.
Everybody is entitled to an opinion that suits them.

 

Would you please tell that to my wife, thanks

 

Not a chance!

 

My guess if you took the back off and but it on having a peak you shouldn’t have done anything major. Did you open and close the case with proper tools. It is possible it was impeccable timing

 

Yes, I do get the picture. And I agree with those items. They all affect collectability, for those who care about such things (including myself).