Seamaster 300 Replacement Bezel Balls

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Whilst cleaning up a SM300 I inadvertently dislodged and ended up losing the 3 ruby balls that sit underneath the bezel. Fortunately the springs were still intact.

I ended purchasing a new set from eBay from general*vintage. The cost was circa £50 for a new set. The ruby balls are minute so I had to use a loupe and tweezers to place these into the holes. With a bit of patience I managed to get them into the holes. I then snapped the bezel back on and voila all working again.

Thought I would share this just in case anyone is removing a bezel and to be mindful of the balls and if replacements are needed that they are available via eBay.
 
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If money or time plays a role, buy 3 of the cheapest plastic ball pens. Squeeze out the tiny stainless balls from the pen, clean in methylated spirits and use them. They fit as well.
 
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You can search for 1mm diameter ruby or ceramic ball bearings. They do the trick as well.
 
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I've got four steel ones if you need them.

They're somewhere on the carpeted floor of my watch room.

Bring a very strong magnet.
 
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Oh Dear..... Can I keep the watches, lost in your Flokati style carpet and rescued by my magnet?
 
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Oh Dear..... Can I keep the watches, lost in your Flokati style carpet and rescued by my magnet?

We actually had one of those in a house we moved into many years ago.
My ex went to use the Hoover "beater" vacuum to make sure it was clean. The vac just jammed up and I had to cut it free from the strands. Left a bald patch in the carpet.

Lucky it was a Defence house 😁.
 
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I think they are only a couple of pounds from omega, did you get a quote from a watchmaker?
 
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Part number for them is 099ST0029 for the 166024/165024 cases. Still available from Omega, and not very expensive.

Springs are part number 085ST0030.

Cheers, Al
 
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I would be inclined to send this off for a service and a clean.
 
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Part number for them is 099ST0029 for the 166024/165024 cases. Still available from Omega, and not very expensive.

Springs are part number 085ST0030.

Cheers, Al
I'm assuming you need an account to order parts directly from Omega?
 
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I'm assuming you need an account to order parts directly from Omega?

Yes. But if you have a watchmaker you work with that has an account, they can get these and install them for you.
 
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Grime time!
Yes. It’s a new arrival and I was investigating the cause of the stuck bezel. Seems to be filth.