I have an Omega Seamaster Polaris that I bought brand new back in 1987. It's been through a lot with me and has a great deal of sentimental value. A little over a year ago, the pin that attaches the bracelet to the case came out and was lost. When I took it in to get a new pin installed, the repairman pointed out that the hole in the case where the pin goes had some 'tear out' and he advised against putting in a new pin as it would just pull out again.

So anyway, I'm on the hunt for a replacement case with "good" bracelet pin holes, and transfer my movement and bracelet over to the replacement.

Today I found a Polaris Titane case with a broken 1430 movement being sold at a good price 'for parts or repair'. My question is this: Will my 1445 movement (from a SS Polaris) fit in a Titane Polaris case?

 

Please provide case numbers of both cases...

 

I'm afraid I don't know the case number of mine. I'll have to take somewhere and have it opened up. As for the the Titane... I contacted the seller and requested the number. His photo of the back cover wasn't readable.

Thanks for responding... I'll get back to you with the information as soon as I can!

 

How big is the chip/"tear out" on the inner lug hole? Pics? Maybe it could be repaired with some laser welding instead of needing an entire case replacement.

 

Is it viable to do laser welding to build up that location, then redrill a clean hole?

 

Yes as re drilling will make the bracelet line up wrong.

 

Here is a photo of the tear out...



The other side looks ok...



My watch...



Here is a photo of the Titane. I'm still waiting for the case number...

 

Wow, that looks like fatigue in the steel. A repair would work, but it'll likely happen again on the undamaged side, which looks like it's about to go too.

 

LOL... Like I said, it's been through a lot over the years.

 

I don't know if you are in the US, but if you are, you should contact Beau at LA Watchworks to see if they can do some laser welding magic on the lug. Might be more viable than getting a replacement case, especially one that may or may not be a direct fit

 

Nice to see your love for a Polaris. As yours looks like steel/gold, and you are looking at a titanium/gold donor, unless it also comes with a titanium/gold bracelet, there is going to be a mismatch between the bracelet from your original and the donor case even if it's feasible to do a transplant.

Laser welding seems to be the best option unless you can get hold of a compatible steel/gold donor case.

*Edit* Given that I've no idea what the cost and feasibility of laser welding is likely to be, maybe it's time to retire your current Polaris and start breaking in a new one like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Se...400508?hash=item3d666ca23c:g:HNwAAOSwcF1bB21OPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I've been watching that one!

 

Update. I drove into town a little while ago and had my Polaris opened up. I found out that my movement is actually Cal 1440. There are two numbers inside the case: 396 1022 and 396 1222. I hope one of those is the case number.

The watchmaker I took it to was an old guy like me, and he said he was getting ready to close up shop and retire in the next few weeks. He looked at the tear out on my case lug and said he could probably make a new pin that would go all the way down to the bottom of the hole, and it should hold. He went on to say he'd just make two new pins, and do the other side at the same time. I asked how much that would cost, and he said about $15.00.

He figured he'd have it done sometime tomorrow... I'm STOKED!

(But not quite ready to buy the house a round of drinks just yet)

 

This might not be be the best remedy but it is commendable.
Laser is the way to go.
Good luck my friend.

 

I have decided to forget about the Titane Polaris in my OP. The seller can't or won't provide me with the case number. So for now, I'm hoping the new custom pins will do the trick. Fingers crossed. I appreciate your recommendation @marco.