Mechanical Watch - What has broken?

[BJPPJB]

Evening All,

Came to put my watch on this morning, hadn't worn it all weekend, so started to wind it up as I have done for the last 8 years. Something felt like it gave way, and now, the crown continues to turn (Still clicking) whereas before it would hit a stop eventually.

Looking at Omega's service details (£630! I could of sworn it was below £450 2 years ago) it states " Any additional components that are not included in the service cost but are necessary to restore the functionality of your timepiece will be charged extra upon your confirmation"

So I'm looking at £630 + whatever has broken unless it's one of the components they would replace anyway.

Anyone had similar? I'm looking at Omega to do it as a colleague mentioned his came back like new (Mine is worn most days and is has some minor marks) unless someone can tell me some of the other watch servicers do similar?

Thanks all

[Badda]

Sounds like either the spring has broken or just detached.

Had similar on a Rolex recently and had it sorted for £250 using Rolex parts by an independent. Good luck.

[Speed1283]

Assume it's the mainspring that's broken, that would explain why it suddenly gave away. The crown will still turn the main wheel/barrel but it won't stop your winding as the spring won't get tighter.

At least that's one possibility. Probably best not to try winding it incase any debris is causing damage to other components.

I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will come along and tell me I'm wrong though!

Do you have to use omega? Plenty of respectable independents you could try.

[Jamescrs]

I can't help with what's broken but I had my first Omega Seamaster automatic from around 2009 to 2016 and it stopped winding in 2016, I sent it off to Omega at the time and paid the standard service charge and it came back to me working as good as new and certainly looked a lot better than when I sent it it, there was one deep scratch on the clasp still visible but otherwise it looked as new.

Was still working perfectly when I sold it last year to but the new Seamaster Professional, I seem to recall it was away for a couple of months, I guess in a queue at their workshop but still I can definitely recommend sending it back to them, I have two Omega's now and I would do the same again.

[BJPPJB]

Thanks all for the info, doesn't sound too serious, although an expense I could do without.

Speed1283 said:

Do you have to use omega? Plenty of respectable independents you could try.

No, I have no ties to needing to use Omega, however it's experiences like James' below and my colleague that they come back almost like new from Omega that points me down the Omega route. I will however contact a couple of independents as well.

Jamescrs said:

I can't help with what's broken but I had my first Omega Seamaster automatic from around 2009 to 2016 and it stopped winding in 2016, I sent it off to Omega at the time and paid the standard service charge and it came back to me working as good as new and certainly looked a lot better than when I sent it it, there was one deep scratch on the clasp still visible but otherwise it looked as new.