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Seamaster 166.003 Cal. 565 crown and stem

Catharsis
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20200824_191115.jpg 20200828_171826.jpg
Hallo everybody,

I am new here as so allow me to introduce myself first. I am from Munich, Germany and I recently cought the vintage (sixties) omega virus. I just bought three pieces to start with and have a lot of questions. This amazing forum has been already very helpful to me, so tank you to all the experts here.

I have a Seamaster from 1966, 166.003, cal. 565 and the only thing that bothers me a bit ist that the crown is not original. I was told by a local watchmaker that a new crown would cost about 300 Euros, which I don't want to pay, since I paid around 400 euros for the watch and there are a lot of crowns on ebay, that cost around 20 euro. The problem is, that I don't know, which to buy. So could anyone help me out please? I would like to change the stem as well und would need an advice on this as well.

Thank you very much in advance!
 
DON
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Time to get a new watchmaker. Modern crowns are about $30.00 on or about

Bear in mind that modern crowns are gold plated. Older original are gold filled or gold capped, so your going to notice the difference.

If your talking about the color not matching the case. Any new crown is going to be the same. Beware of sellers selling NOS (new old stock) crowns on Ebay. Most are just selling older current plated crowns

Should have hung onto my stash

Us the reference number and email a parts supplier and ask about a gold crown. I only know of Cousins in the UK close to you. There must be a supplier in Germany you can order from.

Also order a new stem

Hope this helps

DON
 
Catharsis
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Thank you very much. I already send the reference number plus the caliber number to 3 sellers and no one was able to say what the crown and stem should be... So it seems not to be that easy... And actually the reason why I am here
 
Spruce
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As you know, the .003 has a semi-hidden crown and is smaller than that on, say, the 002.
I also suggest you get a new watch repairer.
 
Catharsis
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Spruce Spruce
As you know, the .003 has a semi-hidden crown and is smaller than that on, say, the 002.
I also suggest you get a new watch repairer.
You are right, thank you! One online watch repairer and part seller suggested me a 5,4 mm crown in diameter, the original for this model should be around 3,5 I guess...so I better watch out. Would love to just get the original part number...
 
Spruce
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I googled the crown for either the 165.003 (which I have) and 166.003.

I only checked the Otto Frei link because he sounds as though he may be a German supplier, and he seems to have crowns. I am sure there are other suppliers too.

425605B5-9E4F-4333-ADB3-31E7FFD1B598.png
 
Wuza72
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Catharsis Catharsis
Thank you very much! I found that too but was confused by "pink", since I need a yellow one

Thats right, the main number should fit.

Calling: @Archer

He could help you for sure 😀
 
Catharsis
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Spruce Spruce
I googled the crown for either the 165.003 (which I have) and 166.003.

I only checked the Otto Frei link because he sounds as though he may be a German supplier, and he seems to have crowns. I am sure there are other suppliers too.

425605B5-9E4F-4333-ADB3-31E7FFD1B598.png
Thank you, great site!
 
Wuza72
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Spruce Spruce
I didn’t bother checking

I already did because the shipping costs to germany, where i live, are frightening 😀
 
Catharsis
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Wuza72 Wuza72
Forget to say ... nice watch 👍
Thank you, I love it although it's a little bit too small for me... But I will pass it to my daughter anyway, so it's ok😀 the crystal is original so I would like to have an original crown as well...
 
Spruce
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Wuza72 Wuza72
I already did because the shipping costs to germany, where i live, are frightening 😀

Well, I guess that’s always going to be one of the the problems when you enjoy 50 year old collectible watches - you have to spend time sourcing and acquirIng parts for obsolete watches (and paying postage/shipping and import duty) and then find you have to track down a watch repairer who specialises in obsolete or old watches, who will know what he’s doing and will charge you more than you’d hoped to pay but less than he’d hoped to earn, just to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear you took a chance on when you bought it (probably paying more than it’s really worth into the bargain).

Of course, that’s always the way. I sometimes think that I should stick with a nice new, shiny watch with a warranty, and possibly a modern movement, and not waste all the time and effort I do on this 'addiction'.

This isn’t a dig at you - and please don’t think it is - but just occasionally it’s nice to refocus.
 
Wuza72
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Spruce Spruce
Well, I guess that’s always going to be one of the the problems when you enjoy 50 year old collectible watches - you have to spend time sourcing and acquirIng parts for obsolete watches (and paying postage/shipping and import duty) and then find you have to track down a watch repairer who specialises in obsolete or old watches, who will know what he’s doing and will charge you more than you’d hoped to pay but less than he’d hoped to earn, just to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear you took a chance on when you bought it (probably paying more than it’s really worth into the bargain).

Of course, that’s always the way. I sometimes think that I should stick with a nice new, shiny watch with a warranty, and possibly a modern movement, and not waste all the time and effort I do on this 'addiction'.

This isn’t a dig at you - and please don’t think it is - but just occasionally it’s nice to refocus.

First of all we share the same thoughts !

How many times have I asked myself, is it worth it ? A new watch would be the easiest solution, but I need the kick and my collection underlines this more than obvious.

Some times it´s just insane to pay 15€ for a piece and spend 70€ for postage and shipment and if it´s easier to find spare parts in the united states if you live near switzerland. But thats the way it is.
 
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