I just just got my first 2998 yesterday and it's a blast. It comes with a 7707 bracelet, however it's a bit short. I think it is missing a few links. Since these bracelets are hard to find and expensive i will ask my jeweler to make one. Has anyone ever had a custom link installed? Since i am new to this hobby, I was wondering how hard it is to remove this bracelet by myself. Analyzing the bracelet i don't see any holes or screws, therefore do i need to use a plyer to loosen the top link?? I know i can bring it to a watch dealer for the job but i would love to learn solo. And is it normal that the lumes don't glow anymore.☺ Thanx.
Hello nice watch, Whatever needs doing to the braclet, please leave it to a competent watchmaker who has the correct tools and experience ,it would be a shame to damage it before you have worn it.
Links do come up on ebay now and again, or partial bracelets too. Patience, and wait for the parts. Throw it on leather in the mean time. Now the important bit. Where did you find it?
This looks nice. I would like to see a shot showing both hands - to see the lume on the hour hand - hopefully it is triangular. The crystal looks worn, possibly damaged, and I would want to check it to make sure it was water resistant. As others suggest, I would wear it on leather - the bracelets are potentially unreliable. (Before anyone gets upset, I say POTENTIALLY!). I think patience will yield a link, they do come up time to time. I would be surprised if a jeweler will make a satisfactory link, and if they do, will it be good enough quality? One problem will be finding spring(s). Love to see more of this...
It's fairly easy to work on the sprung links on these bracelets (I've done it). Here's a link (heh heh) to one guide: http://forums.watchuseek.com/f20/ro...moval-early-speedmaster-bracelets-541390.html There's also a seller on eBay who's selling these links one at a time (parting out a beater?) for around $77 shipped. Here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/omega-speed...1035-1039-1067-2915-7912-parts-/221868075079?Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Regarding the links -- Hard to tell with the OP's pics but the links on this bracelet seem to be the type you'd be better off leaving as is. DIY will most likely piss you off and mess up the bracelet Send to STS as noted above or simply buy a strap Onward to bracelet removal - need a spring bar tool to pry the end pieces off the watch. Careful!! Scratching will result if not (note there are so many types... buy from wherever and whomever you prefer http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-6-Watch...nless-steel-/111435408240?hash=item19f2116370Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Looks very nice, the dial especially so. It'd be great to see some pictures from other angles along with how it came to you.
You are off to a very good start. Would be nice to see more pics. Not sure how handy you are. It's straight forward to remove the bracelet yourself. You need the spring bar tool as @JohnSteed mentioned. You've gotten some good recommendations. Determine how much length you need to add to the bracelet, order the appropriate # of links and then have your watchmaker add the links to the bracelet. In the meantime, put a distressed leather strap on it
Yes the lume is triangular and has turned into a lovely orange color. The marker lume and hands' lume match perfectly in color and texture. I suppose the dial is untouched and original because it's gorgeous and flawless. However, the crytal is lightly scratched but still original. Fortunaly crystals can easily be acquired and replaced. The small bracelet is still an issue for me but i guess i will wait for a proper link for sale. Or just simply but a leather strap. Btw i bought this watch off the internet quite expensive. I must say decent 2998 are hard to find now. Get them now while u can. Thanx for all advices☺☺☺ More pics as requested.
It's a fantastic specimen. At least from what can be judged seeing the face, and one side. The bracelet looks awesome too, which rhymes with the condition of the watch. You bought it from the first owner, a "barn find", right?
Hi Earth38 Really a fantastic find. Congratulations on this great 2998. What is it? 2998-4, 2998-5 or 2998-6?
Yes the lume should it glow. If it's tritium the half life is 12 years and so there's no energy source to illuminate the paint. If you hit it with a camera flash in a dark room, it might faintly glow for a few minutes. If it's radium, the radium is still active due to its long half life, but it's high energy destroys the luminous paint.