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...still untouched: what about the movement?

DrSpock
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Hi,
one thing I wondered about, I always read about: the untouched dial, hands, case etc, but what about the movement itself?
What, in your view, is not acceptable / upsetting when it comes to changes/replacements inside a movement (especially due to several services)?
 
SkunkPrince
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There is, in reality, no way to know what on a watch Is original. You can only tell if it is consistent with other examples.
 
precisionhrlgy
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Watches have to be made to run properly so replacing movement parts is not an option. Well, that’s the case in my workshop. A watch will get a new mainspring every time I service it, except in some rare instances. Same goes for other movement parts that need to be replaced. I would avoid changing mainplates and bridges if at all possible. Same goes for anything with a movement/serial number.
 
nanjingcigaretes
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Personally, for a vintage piece I am happy with the tolerance about 1-2 mins/day. I am not to hard on accuracy of the movement.
 
SkunkPrince
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nanjingcigaretes nanjingcigaretes
Personally, for a vintage piece I am happy with the tolerance about 1-2 mins/day. I am not to hard on accuracy of the movement.
Two minutes a day, why bother wearing it? Or are you not wearing it?

I definitely prefer that the watch perform as well as it is capable of, or I will not bother wearing it. If I can't wear it, I have no interest in it.

My watchmaker understands this, and he charges me the extra time for the additional adjustments, and I am happy with that. He has often reduced the price when the watch performed well with one round of adjustments and he hadn't had to do anything more. Rare, but it happens! For example, the cleaning charge on my CK 2390 with the 30T2 movement was $310 because it "went together so well."
 
precisionhrlgy
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nanjingcigaretes nanjingcigaretes
Personally, for a vintage piece I am happy with the tolerance about 1-2 mins/day. I am not to hard on accuracy of the movement.

Well I’d have to say that you are in the minority here...
 
hoipolloi
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precisionhrlgy ATracyWatches
Well I’d have to say that you are in the minority here...
I am in that group, too.
 
Dan S
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Replacement parts in the movement are often a necessity, but I don't like to see mismatched parts with different finishes and colors, replaced plates or bridges, and frankly I don't really like a replacement rotor.
 
SkunkPrince
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Dan S Dan S
Replacement parts in the movement are often a necessity, but I don't like to see mismatched parts with different finishes and colors, replaced plates or bridges, and frankly I don't really like a replacement rotor.
Wow.

My KO 2627 with a 355 movement has a NOS train bridge in it... necessary so it will keep time. Other interventions address wear in the main plate, barrel bridge, and a few other places so this watch will be a reliable timekeeper well into the future, as I won't be wearing it daily (I have newer watches for that).

That's like keeping your voltmeter uncalibrated because you'd have to change a resistor that's out of spec.
 
Dan S
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Wow.

My KO 2627 with a 355 movement has a NOS train bridge in it... necessary so it will keep time. Other interventions address wear in the main plate, barrel bridge, and a few other places so this watch will be a reliable timekeeper well into the future, as I won't be wearing it daily (I have newer watches for that).

That's like keeping your voltmeter uncalibrated because you'd have to change a resistor that's out of spec.

Not sure what the "wow" is for, or why you are criticizing my preferences by making a false comparison about a voltmeter. I'm just expressing my preference. Do you have a problem with my preferences? Why? I'm not criticizing your preferences. Are you trying to make this simple thread, where the OP is asking opinions, into something adversarial? You seem to do this frequently. Why?

Yes, I would prefer, if possible, to keep those parts original. As @Archer and @ATracyWatches have noted, bridges and plates can often be re-used with proper repairs (e.g. re-bushing), and I prefer that. Plates and bridges are large visible pieces, and have the original finish that matches the rest of the movement. I prefer that matching appearance.

Edit: I'll include this additional point with respect to purchasing a vintage watch. If I see mismatched bridges in the movement, I definitely consider it to be a negative with respect to collectibility. It may be necessary for proper operation or not, but I would pay more for an example where those parts are original.
Edited:
 
SkunkPrince
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Not trying to start anything but the mindset of collectors has aways baffled me and it always startles me when I see that mindset again. I used to own collectible cameras, but I always used them as cameras. Some of my watches might be considered collectibles but I always use them to tell time. I have a few vintage radios, but until recently I used them to listen to music or NPR programs.

So I guess you could say it's me and not you. Of course you can do whatever you want to do with your money, because it's yours, after all. I'm just... not the same and sometimes I feel compelled to share, when I should probably just keep quiet.
 
Archer
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TexOmega TexOmega
With the reintroduction of the 321 movement, will a "new" minute counter jumper fit and perform well in a "vintage" 321 movement?

If Omega would actually sell the parts, then likely yes. However despite many promises and proclamations made that parts would be available again, nearly 2 years on now from the official announcements of the new 321, and we still just have the few parts that are still available that were always there - nothing has changed.

72203201766 | MINUTE-RECORDING JUMPER

Information: This item is not available

Of course you could always send your watch to Omega, and hope they don't kill it, but that is risky.
 
TexOmega
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I asked because that linked thread reminded me that one part must have been hard to find and buy, if paper clips were being used.

And, from your answer, it will continue to be so.....
 
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