I've Lost My Stem.....

Tools · Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 9:48 pm Post subject: I've Lost My Stem.....

I have a late 60's Omega Seamaster.. The crown and stem were loose for a time and I just recently noticed it is now missing.. I've looked everywhere..

So, giving it a good look over, I also notice a small crack in the crystal, at the bottom edge on the 9 0'clock side, and a slight deformity of the tube... So it looks like at a minimum, new tube, stem and crown, new crystal, and a service and regulate.. (there's a bit of wear between the lugs where the (missing) original bracelet tubes wore too, but I suppose there's not much that can be done about that)

I called the Beverly Hills Omega center and they say they don't work on vintage....send it to New Jesey.. (Secaucus)... and they send it back to the factory..

I'm a West Coaster and the only work I have had done was in California or at my local watchmaker....... But this piece deserves a Factory Repair.....

Anybody have any experience in this area......????

_________________
- Larry
#12

uncle aj · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:20 am Post subject:

I'm sorry Larry, I have no experience with repairs to older Omega's. My 30+ year old Speedy is still going strong, thank goodness.

Tools · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:04 pm Post subject:

Thanks Adrian..I suppose I was only looking for some emotional support on this one..

This was a daily beater in the 70's... (it was given to me by my father who got it in the '60's, his "dress watch" until he got a Lucien Piccard) ) and I really mean the beater...Rebuilding engines (several), Auto-body work, Block walls and concrete during a new house we were building, yard-work, etc. Who would have thought that Omega Seamasters would become a popular, and relatively valuable, watch... I was an Air Traffic Controller in Alaska at the time, so my work/dress was a Rolex GMT.

It still keeps excellent time, I just can't set it or manually wind without the crown....It has never been in the water so the dial is excellent.

Today we're packing for our Cruise, so I will probably package and send it in in a couple of weeks.

Here are some before shots;

Showing the many scratches on the original crystal:

The dial and fonts are very good/excellent:

Abrasive wear on the back and bracelet wear..

There is more visible wear on the Unishell because it is 14k gold filled:

I guess we'll have to wait a couple of months for the after shots

_________________
- Larry
#12

uncle aj · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 4:12 pm Post subject:

I'm sure it will come back in excellent condition Larry. For a piece with such sentimental value, it will be worth it.