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  1. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    I want to tweak the timing on my Speedmaster Pro with a 321 movement to slow it down a bit. (It's consistenly gaining about 12 seconds a day. All other functions and amplitude are good!). I know that the little pointer (sorry, not sure of the technical term for that part) needs to be moved very slightly and carefully toward the "R" to slow the movement down and toward the "A" to speed it up. But how exactly is that accomplished?

    Is the pointer itself moved or is there a screw that does it? I see a screw beneath that pointer (highlighted in photo). Is that turned to adjust the little pointer? If so, which way is the screw turned to slow/speed up the movement? I've seen numerous posts online about adjusting the timing on the 861 movement, which does indeed have a screw that you turn to adjust the pointer, but I could't find anything that details how to adjust the timing on the 321 movement.
     
    Speedy Movement.jpg
  2. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 31, 2016

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    No offence meant, but if you have to ask this question I would strongly suggest you take it to a professional for adjustment. The screw you highlighted is not one you want to mess with (not for adjusting the timing) and any slip you make could be very costly. Omega does not sell new balance completes or balance springs any longer, so you are playing with fire if you monkey around with this...

    Cheers, Al
     
  3. avwatches May 31, 2016

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    you can do like that

     
  4. alam May 31, 2016

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  5. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    No offense taken! Yes, I understand it's tricky and delicate. I'll be careful! But I'm not talking about taking apart the movement, just moving that little pointer. So, I won't touch that screw highlighted in the photo! Any tips for moving the little pointer? Thanks!
     
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  6. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 31, 2016

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    Sorry, if others want to help you potentially damage your watch that's fine, but I won't take part in it...

    Seriously - take it to a professional. The risk doing it yourself is not worth it. I'm assuming you likely don't have the means to check it right after an adjustment (timing machine), so to do this you will be chasing it every few days, so this will take several adjustments to get closer, if that's even possible. The more you are poking around in there, the greater the chances you will slip and damage something...

    Before any regulation would be done, you have to determine if the watch is in good condition to start with, or if it requires servicing or adjusting.

    Cheers, Al
     
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  7. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Yeah, I saw that video, but since the guy's not dealing with a 321 movement, I thought it might be a different process. But if it's as simple as just moving the little pointer itself by gently pushing on it one way or another, I might give it a try. And yes, I know I need to be careful!!
     
  8. dougiedude Carpe horologium! May 31, 2016

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    Frankly, I'd be quite happy with within 12 seconds a day on a vintage watch.

    If you want something as a daily, highly accurate timekeeper, you better find a modern, or even a vintage :eek: quartz, or get a professional to help you on this one.

    I'm definitely with Al on this.

    So, a much more important question is, has it had a proper service, so that such a valuable movement as this one will have a healthy, longer life?
     
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  9. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Understood, and I respect your opinion as a fine watchmaker. I do some very delicate, precise work with my hands at times in my own profession. I'd never damage my movement. Still, if making a minor adjustment on the timing of my watch only involves moving that little pointer very slightly and carefully, and then checking the timing in a couple of days against the atomic clock, I'm confident I can handle it. Nothing else will be touched, and all proper procedures for opening the caseback and dust cover removal will be followed. I've done that many times with all of my watches, mostly vintage Subs.
     
    Edited May 31, 2016
  10. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months May 31, 2016

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    what you want to do is adjust the arrow like so:

    Untitled.png
     
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  11. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Yes, the watch was properly and recently serviced by a vintage specialist, and it works flawlessly. But returning it to tweak the timing requires FedEx'ing it back, and I'd rather avoid that, especially since it's such a minor adjustment. It's great how we're all protective of vintage timepieces even if they don't belong to us. (I mean that. No sarcasm intended.)
     
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  12. dougiedude Carpe horologium! May 31, 2016

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    I'm glad to hear that your vintage Speedy is being well taken care of...:thumbsup:

    Love to see it's picture, BTW!

    I know how you feel about this, because I think many of us like to tinker a bit sometimes. I've adjusted many of my own as well, but I would never go into my vintage Speedy just to regulate accuracy for a few puny seconds. The reward/risk ratio is much too low :eek:!!
     
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  13. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Here 'tis. I hear you on the timing thing, but I'd like to get it closer to COSC specs, if possible. (And I realize that the 321 was never COSC certified.) We'll see. Have no fear. I would never damage this beautiful Speedy!
     
    Speedy Portrait 321.jpg
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  14. wsfarrell May 31, 2016

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    Omega 861 and 1861 movements have screws for adjusting, but with the 321 you would just use a non-metallic tool (toothpick, say) to move the pointer in the desired direction.
     
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  15. dougiedude Carpe horologium! May 31, 2016

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    Careful. A wooden toothpick can shed small splinters into your invaluable prized movement, and potentially disable or destroy.

    And this:

    https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-warning-you-morons-and-do-it-yourselfers.37759/

    If you still decide to do it, use proper tools, lighting, magnification, etc.
     
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  16. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Sounds like perhaps a clean plastic toothpick would be a good option. And yes, all appropriate tools, careful preparation, good lighting, dust-free environment, etc ..., along with a steady, delicate touch.
     
  17. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 31, 2016

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    So you are going to void your watchmaker's warranty by tinkering with it your self? ::facepalm2::
     
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  18. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 31, 2016

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    I applaud your confidence, but "famous last words" is the phrase that comes to mind. I sincerely hope that you don't damage anything, but I have seen many home regulation attempts end up in tears.

    Let's hope your next post isn't asking for advice on balance spring adjustments...

    [​IMG]

    Cheers, Al
     
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  19. Steve1haggart May 31, 2016

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    12 second a day Leave it alone ...or take Archer's advice let an expert do the work it will save you ££££££ in the long run, this is one of the most complicated movments omega ever made in the 50s-60s not to be messed with ...
     
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  20. swish77 May 31, 2016

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    Oh, that does look bad. That looks as if someone with a very heavy hand went at it. For the micro adjustment needed on the little regulator on a 321, a super gentle touch is all that is needed, I assume.