Seamaster 166.0324 build questions

JonAsh6105 · Feb 6, 2018

I'm fairly new to the Omega forums, been lurking a while, though. I'm purchasing my first Omega, the PO 43.5 with 8900 caliber, this Spring as soon as I finish my Master's degree. Until then, I figured I would start building the a Seamaster 166.0324 (like a WatchCo build), since I particularly dig the aesthetics and vintage vibe (my go-to watch is my Seiko 6105-8119 that belonged to my dad). I've reworked/modded a few Seikos, so I figure I have the basic knowledge and skill to put the Seamaster together; if not, I will drop the parts off with my watchmaker and let them take a crack at it.

I have a couple of questions, though:

1) I can't find anything on CousinsUK or OFrei about a movement spacer/ holder for the 565 movement, including a part number or or whether it's metal or plastic/rubber. Any help with this would be appreciated.

2) I understand the "purists" would say use the 565 movement, but what if I wanted to use the 564 or 561 chronometer-grade movements? Do these use the same movement spacer? I see these around for sale in better condition than most 565s...

3) Here's a crazy one: what if I wanted to throw a 2500 coaxial movement into it? I assume it would fit with the correct spacer, but would the stem be the correct length to fit under the crystal? How sweet would that be?

I'm not planning on getting rid of this once I build it, it will be a fun project watch that I could wear on vacation instead of my future PO, hence why I don't care about staying "pure".

Any thoughts / help are much appreciated!

OWa · Feb 7, 2018

You don‘t need a spacer for this case and movement type. The movement gets fixed to the case by clamps.

Cheers

Stewart H · Feb 7, 2018

Re. 3) I'm not sure what you mean by "would the stem be the correct length to fit under the crystal?"

If you mean, would the stem be long enough to fit in the case then the simple answer is that they are made long so you have to cut them to fit.

If you mean, would the movement with hands mounted fit under the crystal? (And also under the case back) then you would need to measure it to find out.

Another question to consider would be, are the dial feet in the correct position for the movement? If not then you would need to cut off the existing feet and solder on some new ones in the correct positions. This would not be without risk to the dial.

Archer · Feb 7, 2018

JonAsh6105
I'm fairly new to the Omega forums, been lurking a while, though. I'm purchasing my first Omega, the PO 43.5 with 8900 caliber, this Spring as soon as I finish my Master's degree. Until then, I figured I would start building the a Seamaster 166.0324 (like a WatchCo build), since I particularly dig the aesthetics and vintage vibe (my go-to watch is my Seiko 6105-8119 that belonged to my dad). I've reworked/modded a few Seikos, so I figure I have the basic knowledge and skill to put the Seamaster together; if not, I will drop the parts off with my watchmaker and let them take a crack at it.

I have a couple of questions, though:

1) I can't find anything on CousinsUK or OFrei about a movement spacer/ holder for the 565 movement, including a part number or or whether it's metal or plastic/rubber. Any help with this would be appreciated.

2) I understand the "purists" would say use the 565 movement, but what if I wanted to use the 564 or 561 chronometer-grade movements? Do these use the same movement spacer? I see these around for sale in better condition than most 565s...

3) Here's a crazy one: what if I wanted to throw a 2500 coaxial movement into it? I assume it would fit with the correct spacer, but would the stem be the correct length to fit under the crystal? How sweet would that be?

I'm not planning on getting rid of this once I build it, it will be a fun project watch that I could wear on vacation instead of my future PO, hence why I don't care about staying "pure".

Any thoughts / help are much appreciated!

Some answers to the questions:

1 - No spacer required

2 - Again, no spacer required, so any date or non date 55X or 56X will work in this case (with the appropriate dial of course).

3 - I can't answer how sweet that would be, but honestly this is way more complicated than you believe it is, so probably not possible.

With regards to the line I highlighted, I'm not sure you have the knowledge or skills to do this based on the questions you are asking, so my recommendation would be to talk to your watchmaker.

Cheers, Al

JonAsh6105 · Feb 7, 2018

Archer
Some answers to the questions:

1 - No spacer required

2 - Again, no spacer required, so any date or non date 55X or 56X will work in this case (with the appropriate dial of course).

3 - I can't answer how sweet that would be, but honestly this is way more complicated than you believe it is, so probably not possible.

With regards to the line I highlighted, I'm not sure you have the knowledge or skills to do this based on the questions you are asking, so my recommendation would be to talk to your watchmaker.

Cheers, Al

Good call, and thanks for the honesty. I will probably stick with the 565 and drop it with my watchmaker.

I appreciate everyone's response!

Seamaster 166.0324 build questions

JonAsh6105

OWa

Stewart H

Archer

JonAsh6105

Similar threads

Seamaster 300 165.024 build help

WatchCo Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 166.0324

Unusual dial on Omega Seamaster 166.032 - is that ok?

Omega Seamaster 166.032 "concentric" dial

Home Hifi upgrade build thread, ditching Sonos for Wiim + DIY speakers with Mark Audio drivers

Do all Watchco SM300 use 166.0324 case?