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Situation of Spare parts - Caliber 501/561/564

Franzjoni
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Hello everyone!

I’m looking for caliber 561 and 564 and later maybe 501 Omega Constellation (Pie Pan).

A good friend of mine is watchmaker in Augsburg and i could give my later purchases to him for service. He is a bit afraid of broken or worn parts and the necessary procurement of new or old spare parts.

What are the usual parts of the named above calibers, which needs to changed nomaly. I guess the crown and sealing for sure?!

How are your experiences, is it trouble free to get the usual spare parts? I would like to avoid to buy a watch and after the first service I know, it is not repairable.

Would be really thankful for your help!
 
watchyouwant
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Normal procedure: You buy. You give it to your Watchmaker. He assesses what is needed. ( Generic rubber seals work just fine ..). Your Watchmaker tries to find replacement for broken/ worn parts. You come back here and ask for explicit parts. Kind regards. Achim
 
Dan S
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Don't borrow trouble. If you find that you need specific parts, you will look for them when the time comes. Since you are nervous, why not start with just one watch so that you can learn the process. And try to buy a watch that is functional: winding, setting, running, date turning over, etc.
 
Franzjoni
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Hm, Ok. Where do he get eg the generic sealings. What are your main supplier’s?
 
iamvr
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Franzjoni Franzjoni
Hm, Ok. Where do he get eg the generic sealings. What are your main supplier’s?

Out of interest: Why do you have to get it? It's your watchmaker's job.
 
iamvr
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As for your initial question, if your watchmaker is Omega certified he shouldn't have a problem getting parts for a 561/564. AFAIK they are still supplied by Omega. 501 was mass produced calibre and shouldn't pose any issues in finding parts, either.

But part of the assessment before buying a watch is checking the movement to avoid excessive repair costs. Post it here if you're unsure and experienced members will comment on the state of the movement (not me 😀). Though it's not guaranteed that no parts need replacement at least you get a general picture of the state of the calibre. And if parts were needed, as said, these calibers shouldn't cause much headache.
 
Dan S
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First time I've heard of a watch owner being required to buy gaskets for his watchmaker.
 
Franzjoni
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Dan S Dan S
First time I've heard of a watch owner being required to buy gaskets for his watchmaker.
Hahah, no this was not my intention 😉
 
JGreenman
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The part supply is not a problem, but if your watchmaker is not a certified Omega service, then they might not have the access to spare parts. I have gotten several 564, 561s serviced, usually there is not much to be replaced hence the excellent quality of Omega. Some keyless works parts and rotor axles (don't know the correct term) have been replaced in my watches.
The replacement crowns for these are of a different design and that's why I have kept the original ones, even if the water seal is not good anymore. Aesthetics before function 😀. After I say that "don't change the crown" I always get a little lecture from my watchmaker 😁. I am usually very careful user of my watches, but if you want to have a real everyday vintage timepiece, I recommend to change the crowns. EDIT: If you decide to change the crown, remember to keep the old one, if at some point you decide to have your watch in original shape for selling it, etc
 
DON
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Most parts suppliers have parts for vintage watches and what may be discontinued can usually be found on Ebay

Many Omega movements use the same parts, so a part in a 564 can be found in a 561 or other calibers of similar design. A part for a 501 in an earlier caliber 490.

Many Omega movements have a base design and redesigned over time until the next caliber upgraded series

Before the internet. Finding a part if a parts supplier didn't have. You joined a watch chapter and made friends with sellers and bought from them. Now. Your connected to everyone and much easier

DON
 
Dan S
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DON DON
Before the internet ... You joined a watch chapter and made friends with sellers and bought from them.

This is still a good thing to do, and highly under-rated.
 
kaplan
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Franzjoni Franzjoni
Hm, Ok. Where do he get eg the generic sealings. What are your main supplier’s?
Aliexpress if international - you need to learn the exact size though, it's easy when you focus on just one model

From your question I guess the watchmaker friend is actually yourself? 😁

eBay is good for all parts yet it only make sense for 1-2 parts, after that it becomes too expensive, in the grand scheme of things maybe it's better to just buy entire movements even for 1-2 parts, it's definitely cheaper
 
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