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  1. s2escargot Jul 31, 2018

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    Well this is my first post and main reason for joining this forum.
    I have my late grandmothers 1937 T17 watch in the process of being restored, but.
    The company helping me has said the 'Balance Hairspring' requires replacing but they are struggling to find a replacement. I've looked on the usual places but without much luck.
    So has anyone got any ideas as to what my options are to locate one?
    Thanks
     
  2. Vitezi Jul 31, 2018

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    Hello, and welcome to the forum! We all have trouble thinking without pictures, so when you can, please post pictures of your T17 here so that we can help.

    As you know by now, finding a balance for a watch that is long out of production may be very difficult, if not impossible. You may be able to find a scrapped movement with a usable balance that you can scavenge for your watch. In the last resort, you may be able to find a specialist watchmaker who is skilled enough to wind a new hairspring for your balance.

    Fortunately we have a few forum members who love the T17, and I hope they can assist you.
    Calling @Tire-comedon to the rescue!
     
  3. s2escargot Aug 1, 2018

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    Thanks for your info and help. Your right about it being a bit of a long shot from what I have found.
    Anyone got a good T17 being broken?scrapped for parts? IMG_5644.JPG IMG_5646.JPG IMG_5654.JPG
     
    red crowned likes this.
  4. mac_omega Aug 1, 2018

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    Whats wrong with the hairspring? If it is not broken but only bent it can be repaired by a skilful watchmaker. It is not easy but worth a try.

    IMO you will have to find a donor T17 watch (not only the movement) because the dial is badly re-done, at least the logo and Omega lettering...

    kind regards

    Erich
     
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  5. southtexas Aug 3, 2018

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    I have this old movement, not sure if it’s the same spring as yours? Let me know if you need it. Otherwise, get the part number and I’ll look through my sealed omega parts for you.
     
    6F422DF6-7F92-4039-8FD7-C57AC92A8D56.jpeg 9A0A6548-FD4D-4721-9F5B-A5250329EE7B.jpeg
    Mods likes this.
  6. s2escargot Sep 23, 2018

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    Wow, thank you southtexas and sorry for delaying with a reply.
    The latest news from the company that I have taken the watch to in London is that they cannot obtain the required parts and would like me to collect it.
    The main issue with he hairspring is that it is in poor condition due to corrosion and the winding mechanism is also suffering from the effect of corrosion. I know the winding stem is broken and requires replacing. I'm not sure if they have managed to remove the broken stem as yet as I still need to collect it.
    I have found some various parts lists online (Below) but I cannot find part numbers, so annoying!

    Am I correct in thinking that if I could locate a complete balance, it would/should have a hairspring attached with it??

    15121301191819182113826703.jpeg 15121301191919182113826705.jpeg
     
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  7. s2escargot Apr 19, 2019

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    So, after a very long time (No pun) I thought I'd update what's been happening (Or not!!). A new or even replacement/donor hairspring could not be found.....but, I have managed to obtain a complete 'working' donor T17 movement from a far afield country for an acceptable fee. I have now revisited the watchmaker that was trying to obtain parts and do the work for me with the donor movement. He is so swamped with work, he doesn't want to take on the difficult task of trying to do something with what I have. Ahhh!! (One step forward, two steps backwards!!) But I have had another watchmaker recommended to me in London and I have presented everything that I have to him for assessment. Yay, I'm happy, he's willing to take it on, do the work to to get it fully working correctly and a light restoration to the case, glass, face, movement, etc, etc and all for what I think is a very reasonable fee, plus he will warrant his work for a year, what a guy. The next issue is the donor watch has a non genuine Omega crown (Unsigned for this watch) and he cannot find one readily. So I am on the hunt for a genuine, good condition T17 crown to go on my brand new T17 stem that I also manage to purchase from the other side of the world! Any helpers out there? Also any recommendations for a tan leather strap that is as close as possible to an original for this watch as it now looks like I will have some success getting it working and useable again. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks
     
    Als 27 likes this.
  8. DON Apr 19, 2019

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    So basically he is not capable of swapping out a balance? All he has to do is clean the balance on the parts movement and transfer the balance and bridge (provided bridge is a match to your movement in aging) or just swap the balance.

    On the crown. Any without a post that looks like a fit to tube and stem (need to know diameter of crown post)

    Ask the watchmaker what diameter of crown might be needed and tap size for stem which you will also need

    So - new stem and new crown

    DON