Vintage Ladymatic Help - Cal 660

serror · Sep 21, 2023

I have a vintage ladymatic with a 660 movement that recently stopped running. Action is normal on the crown when winding and setting the time, but the balance wheel wasnt moving at all when i opened it up. It looks like I can get a movement on ebay for about $100. Is it a bad idea to give it a go and try to replace it myself? Cost of repair is almost certainly worth more than the watch?

If I did attempt to repair this myself does anyone have any advice? It is not super clear to me how to remove the crown/stem on this movement. This would definitely be smallest movement i have ever attempted to replace.

X350 XJR · Sep 21, 2023

Sounds like your watch needs to be serviced.

serror · Sep 21, 2023

X350 XJR
Sounds like your watch needs to be serviced.

I figured that much, but as I stated above, the cost of servicing it would probably be more than the cost is worth. Just figured I should look at all options before i went down that route.

X350 XJR · Sep 21, 2023

Buying another un-serviced movement would be a crap shoot at best.

Syrte · Sep 21, 2023

serror
I figured that much, but as I stated above, the cost of servicing it would probably be more than the cost is worth. Just figured I should look at all options before i went down that route.

What makes you think another movement will work properly? It may need servicing too. This one may be in perfect condition but with oils which have seized up.

Unfortunately, owning vintage watches is an expensive endeavor if you’re in a country where the cost of watchmakers’ services are expensive.
If you can’t afford the cost of maintenance, which is perfectly understandable,
you should simply turn your attention to modern quartz watches.

i’m a lady and have made the choice to pay more in servicing watches than they were worth on the market. Again that can be okay, if you don’t do it too often.

sheepdoll · Sep 21, 2023

As much as I like supporting self service. This is NOT the watch to start on.

I have been playing about with my A Schild 1138 watches in preparation to start servicing the half dozen or so 671/681 watches I acquired over the last year.

The bridges on this small automatic are stacked one on top of another. Add in the date complexity and there is a lot what can go wrong.

Unless one has good bench practices and worked on a number of watches, A self service to save on the costs is not going to have a happy ending.

Watchmaking can be a rewarding hobby. Like most hobbies it is like opening up your billfold, remove several 100 bills and drop it out the window in a large city to let the wind carry them away.

Note the above, these watches can be cheaper by the dozen, But the time spent will never be recovered.

Syrte · Sep 21, 2023

One key questjon:
Why do you want this watch? Is it for a present for someone and if so, the point is that someone will use it and love it; not resell at a profit so why do you care about its market value?

If you wanted to dabble in watchmaking - you’re out of luck. It’s a complex craft and ladies watches are hardest because they’re tiny.

serror · Sep 21, 2023

Syrte
One key questjon:
Why do you want this watch? Is it for a present for someone and if so, the point is that someone will use it and love it; not resell at a profit so why do you care about its market value?

If you wanted to dabble in watchmaking - you’re out of luck. It’s a complex craft and ladies watches are hardest because they’re tiny.

It was a gift I purchased a couple years ago. I am definitely not against the idea of paying a premium to have it serviced, I just figured I might as well ask here at look at alternatives before I went down that route.

With that being said, anyone knows of any watchmakers who may be able to help me with this tiny thing, I'm all ears. The watch is really in great condition for its age.

Syrte · Sep 21, 2023

We can confirm your only sensible choice is to have it serviced by a professional watchmaker.

Best to search forum threads recommending watchmakers in various countries/cities around the world. We have members from all continents here, the first question is where you are. If you can’t find an answer, you should create a thread for your watchmaker query- it’ll be more visible.

Beware local jewelers, they often don’t know what they’re doing and can get your watch damaged by a bad watchmaker.

serror · Sep 21, 2023

Syrte
We can confirm your only sensible choice is to have it serviced by a professional watchmaker.

Best to search forum threads recommending watchmakers in various countries/cities around the world. We have members from all continents here, the first question is where you are. If you can’t find an answer, you should create a thread for your watchmaker query- it’ll be more visible.

Beware local jewelers, they often don’t know what they’re doing and can get your watch damaged by a bad watchmaker.

Thanks, I've reached out to a couple that I found in old threads. I'm based in the US

Vintage Ladymatic Help - Cal 660

serror

X350 XJR

serror

X350 XJR

Syrte

sheepdoll

Syrte

serror

Syrte

serror

Similar threads

Omega Ladymatic 1960s 18K Gold square 17mm

Ladymatic Omega gold watch vintage help

Found this beautiful ladymatic watch at charity shop

OMEGA vintage Ladymatic 1964 considering purchase

Vintage Omega Ladymatic

Ladymatic 134 end link compatibility?