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Quick question on servicing a 60s SM De Ville

scapa
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Hi all,

I have, and occasionally wear, a 60s Seamaster DV, likely with a cal. 5xx. It keeps surprisingly good time, but I'm not aware of its service record, only that I had it cleaned and checked (not polished, though it was likely polished at some other point) around 2011 by a local watchmaker in the UK. In the last few months it has become difficult to hand-wind and set the time, due to increased stiffness in the crown. I'd like to get it serviced, but I'm wondering whether such a service requires an Omega or vintage specialist, or can be cone by a competent technician. Its value is primarily sentimental, but it was any first Omega, wears beautifully due to is size and the BoR bracelet, and I'd like to keep it running well long into the future fir my own children, if I can.

Any feedback from the experts here is much appreciated. I don't have any images of the movement, and am reluctant to open the case with my ham fingers, but here are some of the watch:

IMG_8711.jpg
 
IMG_8708.jpg IMG_8709.jpg IMG_8710.jpg
Walrus
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I’m am no expert but yeah if last time you had it touched was 2011 it’s probably time. No need to send to omega they would screw it up and charge you too much. I’m in the US but we have plenty of local omega qualified watchmakers (independent) if you look around. From what I read here it’s quite similar in the UK. I’m sure people will give you some feedback on someone in your area. Nice looking watch.
 
scapa
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Walrus Walrus
I’m am no expert but yeah if last time you had it touched was 2011 it’s probably time. No need to send to omega they would screw it up and charge you too much. I’m in the US but we have plenty of local omega qualified watchmakers (independent) if you look around. From what I read here it’s quite similar in the UK. I’m sure people will give you some feedback on someone in your area. Nice looking watch.

Many thanks for the advice. I'm in Canada through this spring, but will have a look round for a qualified watchmaker here to give it a once-over. And I had been thinking about sending it to Omega, so will move that option to the bottom of the list. I'm guessing that a SM of this vintage shouldn't go anywhere near water.
 
JwRosenthal
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scapa scapa
Many thanks for the advice. I'm in Canada through this spring, but will have a look round for a qualified watchmaker here to give it a once-over. And I had been thinking about sending it to Omega, so will move that option to the bottom of the list. I'm guessing that a SM of this vintage shouldn't go anywhere near water.
And to answer your questions- gradually stiff winding/setting is indicative of needing a service.
If it’s been almost 10 years since it had the rear case seal and crown inspected/replaced (captured gasket inside) then avoid water.
Oh- and good looking watch!
 
VetPsychWars
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Walrus Walrus
No need to send to omega they would screw it up and charge you too much.

I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BULLSHIT.

Omega charges $550 for this service. This is not too much depending on where you are.

As for "screw it up" that depends entirely on the goals of the person who owns the watch. Yes, they refinish the case. Yes, they may change other parts.

HOW DARE YOU tell someone what to do with his property?

It is HIS choice, not yours. You may of course share an opinion but I am getting damned sick of this ex cathedra shit.

Be honest. Share links to where Omega refinished a dial without notice and permission. Share other links where people were happy with what they got.

Tom
 
efauser
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BULLSHIT.

Omega charges $550 for this service. This is not too much depending on where you are.

As for "screw it up" that depends entirely on the goals of the person who owns the watch. Yes, they refinish the case. Yes, they may change other parts.

HOW DARE YOU tell someone what to do with his property?

It is HIS choice, not yours. You may of course share an opinion but I am getting damned sick of this ex cathedra shit.

Be honest. Share links to where Omega refinished a dial without notice and permission. Share other links where people were happy with what they got.

Tom
Do you work at an Omega service center?
 
VetPsychWars
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efauser efauser
Do you work at an Omega service center?

No, and I suggest avoid the service center in Miami.

How would you feel if I told you that the Toyota dealer sucked and always go independent? That's what I was told by multiple people. You know what? The Toyota dealer treats me well and not every service costs a lot. In fact, oil change and tire rotation is pocket change compared to independents.

But I am NEVER going to tell anyone where to go and what to do. It's not my place. I might share info if someone asks me but that's all.

Tom
 
Dan S
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
HOW DARE YOU tell someone what to do with his property?

I can see that you're passionate about this issue, but this comment seems a little over the top.

The OP asked for advice. You give your advice, @Walrus gives his advice. It's the internet ... people are allowed to give their opinions. Some opinions are better than others, and it's up to the OP to sort that out. That's the world we live in. Respectfully, it's not appropriate to tell other people that they can't give their opinions.
 
VetPsychWars
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Dan S Dan S
I can see that you're passionate about this issue, but this comment seems a little over the top.

The OP asked for advice. You give your advice, @Walrus gives his advice. It's the internet ... people are allowed to give their opinions. Some opinions are better than others, and it's up to the OP to sort that out. That's the world we live in. Respectfully, it's not appropriate to tell other people that they can't give their opinions.

Never did I say that. I said:

Angry Guy said:
You may of course share an opinion but I am getting damned sick of this ex cathedra shit.

Tom
 
Dan S
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
Never did I say that. I said: ...

"You may of course share an opinion but I am getting damned sick of this ex cathedra shit."

True.

First you said "HOW DARE YOU tell someone what to do with his property", then you said "You may of course share an opinion ...".

I suppose they are subtly different.

@Walrus wrote "No need to send to omega they would screw it up and charge you too much." This seems like an opinion to me, but that's just my opinion. 😁
 
Walrus
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
I AM GETTING SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BULLSHIT.

Omega charges $550 for this service. This is not too much depending on where you are.

As for "screw it up" that depends entirely on the goals of the person who owns the watch. Yes, they refinish the case. Yes, they may change other parts.

HOW DARE YOU tell someone what to do with his property?

It is HIS choice, not yours. You may of course share an opinion but I am getting damned sick of this ex cathedra shit.

Be honest. Share links to where Omega refinished a dial without notice and permission. Share other links where people were happy with what they got.

Tom
Ha sorry I like the “how dare you” part. I told the guy I’m not an expert and in the US anyway. Told him my thoughts on the subject of he chooses to disregard the whole thing it’s fine. I wouldn’t send it to omega, that’s the position I was coming from. Maybe you only use omega, that’s cool as well.
 
VetPsychWars
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Walrus Walrus
Ha sorry I like the “how dare you” part. I told the guy I’m not an expert and in the US anyway. Told him my thoughts on the subject of he chooses to disregard the whole thing it’s fine. I wouldn’t send it to omega, that’s the position I was coming from. Maybe you only use omega, that’s cool as well.

Actually, no, I mostly use a local watchmaker who is CW21 and Rolex-trained. Many of my vintage projects are on the side, but my other requests like bracelet refinishing run through his store.

They handle sending my modern Omega watches to Omega service centers. I had a modern-ish Speeddmaster with 1861 serviced by Omega a few times. Sent back a few times. Got an early coaxial on eBay, sent it for service, had to go back.

My 2254.50 will need service at some point. I sure as heck won't send it to Miami... maybe Nesbit's.

But don't discount factory service. It doesn't suck for everyone.

Tom
 
KingCrouchy
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Since you are in the UK, there are some great Watchmakers around, I can personally recommend
@ChrisN , I heard only good things about Mitka Watchmaker or Christian Dannerman his page is watchguy.co.uk
 
Edward53
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I've been very happy with work done by Richard Askham in South Yorkshire. A craftsman who IMO genuinely cares about your watch, understands vintage issues and is not OTT price-wise.
 
scapa
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Edward53 Edward53
I've been very happy with work done by Richard Askham in South Yorkshire. A craftsman who IMO genuinely cares about your watch, understands vintage issues and is not OTT price-wise.

Thanks for the heads-up. We're in Canada through the spring but perhaps I'll take it with me and have it seen to while we're there.
 
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