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Seamaster Deville help

M
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Hello,

I am new to the board and I am not a big watch person. I came across my 92 year old fathers old Omega watch. He bought it in the 60s but the crown is missing and I think that happened not long after he acquired it. So there it sat in a box for all these years. I decided to see about getting it to work mostly for a keepsake and to wear occasionally. I also think its a handsome looking piece.

I decided to try and replace the crown and figured it would be easy enough. However, I am having a very hard time because I'm not very savvy with watches. I did open the case and the model is 136.020 and the the caliber is 611. Though I cannot locate the exact model crown, I think there may be other models advertised that may fit(see photo). From what I gather, the crown should have a female stem. If you look at my images, it looks like there is a male stem? I think I'm in the right place from all the very knowledgeable discussions I have read in this forum.

Any advice would be appreciate. I would really like to get the watch working again. I want to alsol hand it down to my son someday for a way to remember his grandpapa.

Thank you
Max
 
thumbnail.jpg thumbnail (2).jpg thumbnail (3).jpg thumbnail (1).jpg omega crown.JPG
nicks
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Very nice watch but it certainly looks dirty. For sure, the lubricants are long gone.

I’d say it wants a full service from a qualified watchmaker. Solve the crown at the same time.
 
X350 XJR
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The rusty stem sticking out of the movement likely contributed to the loss of the original crown.
 
M
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
The rusty stem sticking out of the movement likely contributed to the loss of the original crown.

It was almost new when he lost the crown though. I know its dirty but if I can get the right parts I will feel better about putting money into it. I saw several of the same models offered for sale without the crown. So I'm thinking they are not available. Or at least very hard to find.
 
Aroxx
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Running the watch now would be like running your car without oil and will put a lot of wear and tear on the mechanism. Like nicks said, the smartest move will be to get a complete movement overhaul by a competent independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account. They will fix the crown for you during the service. You don't want Omega to service it. They tend to replace lots of parts which ruins the value and charm of a vintage piece. Having the watch properly serviced first thing is definitely the way to go especially if you intend to pass it down.
 
M
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Aroxx Aroxx
Running the watch now would be like running your car without oil and will put a lot of wear and tear on the mechanism. Like nicks said, the smartest move will be to get a complete movement overhaul by a competent independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account. They will fix the crown for you during the service. You don't want Omega to service it. They tend to replace lots of parts which ruins the value and charm of a vintage piece. Having the watch properly serviced first thing is definitely the way to go especially if you intend to pass it down.

Thanks. But I'm really looking for any advice on finding the crown for now.
 
Dan S
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M madmax@2112
Thanks. But I'm really looking for any advice on finding the crown for now.

Only a watchmaker with an Omega parts account can buy the crown from the manufacturer. Your best bet will be to contact used parts dealers and/or keep an eye on eBay. Watchmakers usually have developed a good network of sources and often have parts lists, you are starting from scratch. But good luck.
 
M
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
Next...🙄
Dan S Dan S
Only a watchmaker with an Omega parts account can buy the crown from the manufacturer. Your best bet will be to contact used parts dealers and/or keep an eye on eBay. Watchmakers usually have developed a good network of sources and often have parts lists, you are starting from scratch. But good luck.

Thanks, I appreciate that. I have contacted some parts dealers and no luck so far. I have me eye on Ebay as well. Thanks again.
 
Spruce
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It’s good that you found OF @madmax@2112 but, for us enthusiasts, it can be more than a little frustrating when questions like yours are asked, advice is given based on experience (and knowledge) after examining your photos, that the watch needs a service and the rusting parts treating and you appear to ignore it all and keep saying - “I’m just looking to buy a crown”.

Anyway, it’s your watch and entirely your choice as to what to do about it.
 
DON
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Any new crown is gold plated as opposed to your gold filled case. Not a perfect match, but not much you can do except look for an original.

Email Jules Borel (Google)

State reference number of watch which is 136.020 and caliber 611

Ask for crown with female stem and also male replacement stem

If they have in stock. Order and then get the watch serviced

Also. Crystal looks damaged, so may want to order a replacement if so
 
M
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DON DON
Any new crown is gold plated as opposed to your gold filled case. Not a perfect match, but not much you can do except look for an original.

Email Jules Borel (Google)

State reference number of watch which is 136.020 and caliber 611

Ask for crown with female stem and also male replacement stem

If they have in stock. Order and then get the watch serviced

Also. Crystal looks damaged, so may want to order a replacement if so


Perfect. Thank you so much for answering my question. Once I locate the parts, I will look to have it serviced. Thanks again.
 
Dan S
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I do not believe that any official parts supplier will sell Omega parts to someone without a parts account. That policy has been in place for many years now. But you're welcome to try. A watchmaker with a parts account may be able to order the parts.
 
M
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Dan S Dan S
I do not believe that any official parts supplier will sell Omega parts to someone without a parts account. That policy has been in place for many years now. But you're welcome to try. A watchmaker with a parts account may be able to order the parts.

Hi Dan. Yeah, I'm looking. But like Don said, I may not get the original but a good replacement would be sufficient for me. I'm not an enthusiast and some in this forum like to roll their eyes at people like me. Does not bother me. I wont be here long. Thanks again Dan.
 
nicks
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Overall, you’re certainly making a smart move to repair the watch and get it back into service. It’s a nice watch, and well worth the investment for the many years left in it.

It just seems to us that you’re taking a tough road in trying to find the part yourself, when that’s a normal part of what a watchmaker can easily do for you.

I think you’ll find that the expense involved in a full service is not too bad if you consider the years you’ll be able to use it, and against the value of the watch.

Anyway, best of luck with it.
 
masteroftime
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M madmax@2112
Does not bother me. I wont be here long.

And that's why you face some resistance. Quite a few people gave you honest insight and feedback. They took time out of their day to try to help you out, even if you don't see it like that. Your statement and responses convey a sense of entitlement, you made some assumptions and scream, "I don't care about this community" "give me answers." Why should people feel the need to help you if you don't actually care about the community and have no real interest in interacting beyond a demand for answers.

Many others in similar positions as you have approached this forum differently while seeking answers and have had pleasant experiences.

I'll play ball and add what you might be missing. You need a stem, crown with female adapter, and likely a crystal (not including movement parts). Depending on who has the parts, you may easily spend $150-200 hunting for these parts yourself. All watchmakers do things differently...some watchmakers will include these parts as part of the flat cost of the service. You may unnecessary increase your bill up to 30%. The watch obviously needs to be serviced and thats indicated by the rust. There is a lot of evidence of water damage. I'd imagine the series of events went like this: father wore --> it got wet --> male stem got rusted --> crown fell off and got lost --> watch sat in a drawer until the present.

I took a look last night and didn't see what you need easily available. You might be waiting a bit and may likely buy some parts that you will not be able to use. A watchmaker with a parts account should get all of this easily and inevitably save you time and money.
 
nkhandekar
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After reading the thread, my advice would be to send the watch to Omega to have it fully serviced. It will come back looking and working like new.
 
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