Planet Ocean crystal not sitting even

E Enz0

Hi everyone,
The crystal of my planet ocean calibre 2500 is not sitting flush in the case as it should be. It is only level from around the 12-3 position. I have attached a photo below for people to see. I’m not sure how long it has been like this until I noticed it one day and could not ignore it.
I first tried taking it to omega however being in Australia it means that any service is a minimum 6 months wait. Since then I have tried three different watch makers that I trust. The first watchmaker I went to removed the crystal and re-seated it back on however the same issue was still present. He even replaced the gaskets which didn’t seem to make a difference. He pressure tested it too and it passed. I then took it to another watch maker who also pressure tested it and it passed. He was not confident in trying to press the crystal any further due to the risk of damage. The third watchmaker suggested it could be because a genuine omega gasket may be required due to the case size. All three have suggested sending it to omega.
I’m posting this here to see if anyone has had a similar problem with their omega in the past. I’ve heard the calibre 2500 have had issues however that’s more of a mechanical issue not a cosmetic one. My main concern is making sure I am not causing any further damage and ensuring it is as waterproof as can be.
Any help is appreciated, thanks!

ChrisRid

I had the same thing with a 8900 PO, but couldn't remember if I'd bought it like that or not but as you say, once you notice it its hard to forget. Either way I sent it in for a waterproof service and emailed Omega letting them know I was concerned about it.

Came back completely flush again and the problem didn't reoccur.

Good luck with it in any case 👍

TiccTacc

All your watchmakers (likely) use a "Chinese crystal press" to fit the crystal (30-80 Euro press). Due to the design
of these cheap presses, the pressure is set uneven on the crystal. To make this fit, you need to use a
serious/professional press like HOROTEC MSA06.150 - Thats a 1000 Euro press (including the press disks). This press comes exactly
from the top and you can set it flat and EVEN on the crystal

In addition its recommended to not press it in one single step but to first do a short press, so crystal enters about 25-30% only,
control the crystal and than do the full press. If you see uneven behaviour you can correct this at 25% level by turning the watch 180 degree to the side which shows up, carfully press till it is even at 25%. control again if it is flat. Than do the hard press - This method can be used also with the Chinese tools. Anyhow for serious crystals 2,0-3,0 mm thickness it wont work well/at all with these cheap tools.

We have no experience with your watch but with serious thickness of a crystal it might be worthwhile to extract the bezel, do the pressing and than put bezel on watch afterwards. We use this for e.g. 3,0 mm thick crystals at some Breitling dive watches.

Again we say "likely" - we have no proof they used these cheap presses - but have seen many not investing in such a expensive press.
We have not used the BERGEON press yet. But from design it could/should work too. Although the HOROTEC is in my eyes the better design with a very long pressing handle to introduce high force.

Archer

Reusing gaskets is not a good idea, so at least he tried with new gaskets. Here is a guide I made earlier this year on fitting various types of crystals, including those on dive watches. The issue you have is a common one, and likely comes from either poor technique or poor equipment.

Basic watchmaking tips - crystal fitting | Omega Forums



The Bergeon 6173 rack press is pretty much the gold standard of presses. I used to have the Horotec press you refer to, and switched it for the Bergeon - the Bergeon is far better, so it might be something you want to try at some point.

Archer

You need to find a watchmaker with an Omega parts account - if they are certified by Omega they will have access to the correct gaskets. This is not a difficult repair for any competent watchmaker, so if you are 100% sure this is the only issue with the watch, then finding someone who is certified would be the path I would suggest.

I'm not sure how old this watch is, so if you are past say 7 or 8 years since the last service, then the watch is likely needing it now or going to do so soon, so sending it to Omega would be my advice.