Replacement Movement for 1970's Constellaton f300hz?

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I bought a Constellation f300hz off of eBay. It runs, but lacks precision. I took it to Swiss Precision Watchmaking in Manhattan. They said it needed a new movement, and that I would probably have a hard time finding one.

I also noticed that when I turn the dial to set the time, the seconds hand moves around randomly. I still haven't figured out what that's about.

I also spoke with an antique watch dealer in Los Angeles. He said said that any quartz movement that has theoretically been running since the 70s would likely be worn out.

I appreciate any thoughts people here have on this situation. Any advice on how to find a replacement movement? Is it unlikely that there is a good movement out there? Thanks!
 
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That issue when the second hand jerks around on these hummer movements is a big red flag that the movement has major issues.
 
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Hi,

the ESA 9162( Omega 1250) was used by many manufactures and you can find them sometimes on ebay. I bought one a year ago NOS for 200 Euros,

kind regards Max
 
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Ludmil in Bulgaria should be able to help, he's got the parts, the expertise a quick turnaround and is a pleasure to deal with ! Google will find his email (search for "Ludmil for service") address for you or you can send me a PM.
 
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Thank you, everyone! I'll get to work contacting these recommendations.
 
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Hi everyone, I'm writing in an update. I'm very happy with the resolution of this post and I'd like to share the whole story.

I bought this watch from someone on eBay for $550. The seller said it was an old watch that might run fast or slow at times. Actually the watch movement was in much worse condition than his comment suggested. Oh well. Caveat emptor.

I took the watch to a certified Omega repair person in Texas. He looked at it and said it needed a lot of work. At least a new movement, and possibly more. Because the model was so old (1971), finding parts would be difficult or impossible. The upper range of cost for a hypothetical repair would be so high that he did not want to say a number.

Months later, I was going to New York, so I took the watch and left it with another certified Omega repair person. He gave it a good look and said it needed a new movement. I would have to find a used movement and frankenstein it into my watch. Finding that would be hard, and more expensive than he could safely estimate.

At this point I decided to eat the loss and sell the watch to someone else with the means and resources to fix it. I had the watch listed for sale for $300. I explicitly said in the listing that the watch is not running properly and needs a new movement. No bites on the sale.

As a last ditch effort, I put my original post on this forum. I got all your responses with solid recommendations for people who could fix the watch. I first contacted Rob Berkavicius. He responded right away. He was knowledgeable, professional, transparent, and gave clear instructions on how to send the watch to him. His attention to every logistical detail was impressive.

Rob looked at the watch and quickly diagnosed the problem. All it needed was a servicing. The movement is fine! All together the repair with Rob was about $150.

Now I have in my hands this awesome watch, running perfectly. I could probably sell it for $1,000 to $1,500. But I say no deal! It's too sexy to sell. I can't wait to put a strap on it and show it off.

Thank you to Rob, thank you to @watchyouwant and @Boojumhunter for recommending Rob, and thank you to everyone else that took the time to give helpful advice. You guys rock!
 
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J Jtex16
As a last ditch effort, I put my original post on this forum. I got all your responses with solid recommendations for people who could fix the watch. I first contacted Rob Berkavicius. He responded right away. He was knowledgeable, professional, transparent, and gave clear instructions on how to send the watch to him. His attention to every logistical detail was impressive.

Rob looked at the watch and quickly diagnosed the problem. All it needed was a servicing. The movement is fine! All together the repair with Rob was about $150.

Now I have in my hands this awesome watch, running perfectly. I could probably sell it for $1,000 to $1,500. But I say no deal! It's too sexy to sell. I can't wait to put a strap on it and show it off.

Thank you to Rob, thank you to @watchyouwant and @Boojumhunter for recommending Rob, and thank you to everyone else that took the time to give helpful advice. You guys rock!

Glad it worked out! My repaired f300 from Rob -- during Covid no less -- is still humming away nicely. Enjoy yours!
 
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I’m glad you got it sorted. Looks like a 198.001. I’m sure it’s lovely but most steel hummers even when serviced and working well sell in the $450-750 range so I don’t think you came out quite as far ahead as you suggest. Better to enjoy it as a hobby than consider it a financial gain.
Edited:
 
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What a nice story, and with a lovely ending!
Keep the watch and enjoy every moment.
This Forum is amazing with solutions to the problems that we have!

And my F300 says Hi!

 
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J Jtex16
Hi everyone, I'm writing in an update. I'm very happy with the resolution of this post and I'd like to share the whole story.

I bought this watch from someone on eBay for $550. The seller said it was an old watch that might run fast or slow at times. Actually the watch movement was in much worse condition than his comment suggested. Oh well. Caveat emptor.

I took the watch to a certified Omega repair person in Texas. He looked at it and said it needed a lot of work. At least a new movement, and possibly more. Because the model was so old (1971), finding parts would be difficult or impossible. The upper range of cost for a hypothetical repair would be so high that he did not want to say a number.

Months later, I was going to New York, so I took the watch and left it with another certified Omega repair person. He gave it a good look and said it needed a new movement. I would have to find a used movement and frankenstein it into my watch. Finding that would be hard, and more expensive than he could safely estimate.

At this point I decided to eat the loss and sell the watch to someone else with the means and resources to fix it. I had the watch listed for sale for $300. I explicitly said in the listing that the watch is not running properly and needs a new movement. No bites on the sale.

As a last ditch effort, I put my original post on this forum. I got all your responses with solid recommendations for people who could fix the watch. I first contacted Rob Berkavicius. He responded right away. He was knowledgeable, professional, transparent, and gave clear instructions on how to send the watch to him. His attention to every logistical detail was impressive.

Rob looked at the watch and quickly diagnosed the problem. All it needed was a servicing. The movement is fine! All together the repair with Rob was about $150.

Now I have in my hands this awesome watch, running perfectly. I could probably sell it for $1,000 to $1,500. But I say no deal! It's too sexy to sell. I can't wait to put a strap on it and show it off.

Thank you to Rob, thank you to @watchyouwant and @Boojumhunter for recommending Rob, and thank you to everyone else that took the time to give helpful advice. You guys rock!
That’s awesome to hear mate congrats on getting it resolved!

Yea with F300s they’re a bit like rotary engine cars, you get the right specialist and everything falls into place but the majority don’t even want to touch them. Post some pics of the completed watch when you can!
 
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I’m glad you got it sorted. Looks like a 198.001. I’m sure it’s lovely but most steel hummers even when serviced and working well sell in the $450-750 range so I don’t think you came out quite as far ahead as you suggest. Better to enjoy it as a hobby than consider it a financial gain.

I'm sure you're right about the price. In any case I like the watch enough that I plan to keep it for a long time.
 
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That’s awesome to hear mate congrats on getting it resolved!

Yea with F300s they’re a bit like rotary engine cars, you get the right specialist and everything falls into place but the majority don’t even want to touch them. Post some pics of the completed watch when you can!
I've got a strap in the mail and will post a pic when I get it on!