Folks, What kind of timekeeping precision can one expect from vintage Omega chronometers? Of course, this would depend on the age, the particular caliber, and the treatment of the individual movement through the decades. For the sake of discussion, let's assume that one has just gotten the watch a complete service from a competent watchmaker. Also, could somebody explain what it is that happens to older movements that full servicing doesn't fix? Is it wear on the teeth of the gears and other moving parts? What is the best performance that you have seen in a piece from the 50's? 60's? and 70's? Thank you very much...I have a Connie getting serviced now, so I am eager to know what my standard should be. Regards, Jon
If it has been taken cared of, serviced properly and worn parts replaced, should be able to stay within modern chronometer standards even after decades. Have manual winds from the 40s and bumpers from the 50s that keep this level of accuracy.
It can vary depending on many factors in the watch's history. A good many keep time as good or better then many modern Chronometers.
Been wearing this one for the last three days. Total error from atomic clock is -2 sec for that period: It's all in the skill of the watchmaker, gatorcpa
Well, the watchmaker I'm using was recommended by Dennis (ULackFocus), so he should be reasonably good, right? He is conveniently located two blocks from my home, too. Regards, Jon
Not bad - what year is this one from? Would you say most of the variance on vintages tends to be on the negative side?
Verified by Omega as delivered to Italy in 1950. Variances can be in either direction. Sometimes even this watch might run a couple of seconds fast. This would be noted on the original COSC certification. Here's an example (not one of mine): Thanks Kyle. Looks even better now after its trip to Omega/NYC to get a new crystal. Hope this helps, gatorcpa
Sam is very good. He doesn't just test run on the machine, he'll do real world checking for a few days too. Provided the movement has all the correct parts in decent condition you can expect a vintage chronometer to run within modern COSC specs (averaging within +6 to -4 seconds a day over a 15 day period). Even non-chronometer Omegas aare capable of keeping very good time. If there's any issue, you can always take it back and tell him what's wrong. Nobody can get everything 100% perfect all the time but Sam has always been dependable. I can't think of any trouble I've had with his work ever.
This watch is nearly 60 years old, runs a Calibre 353 non-chronometer movement with a simple lever regulator and its keeping +2 seconds per day on the wrist after servicing: http://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-stepped-pie-pan-2627-review.1678/
Thank you, everybody, for your very helpful answers. Ash, are you selling that Grand Luxe or just trying to twist a knife in my gut? Regards, Jon
