Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer - problems...
Discussion
Hi all,
I've had my Omega for 12 years now - I've always suspected it was a 'Friday afternoon' watch, and now another round of problems has raised its head.
I do love it - very much in daily use, apart from showers/baths and bed it's worn all the time, but it does seem to be an expensive piece of kit to keep working.
It's been back to Omega three times for serving/repairs, most recently was two years ago when the crown wheel/pin came away completely.
After adjusting the watch on a recent trans-atlantic flight I found I couldn't screw the crown wheel into the case - previously I was able to snug up the crown wheel - so now the watch is permanently in a non-waterproof state. It can be pushed in against the spring-loading but the thread doesn't seem to grip. It just pops out again.
I've also noticed that one of the bracelet pins is working loose every couple of days - enough to catch on my cuffs. I've been pushing it back in with a pin, but it doesn't stay seated for long. I've just had a prod at some of the others and at least one more pin is loose. As I understand it these should be very tightly held in place and should need a special screw-driven tool (like a chain link remover) to shift.
Am I within my rights to complain and reasonably expect these issues to be dealt with? The crown wheel problem relates directly to a part of the watch that was repaired at the last service.
I bought the watch in Amsterdam so I've dealt direct with Omega/Swatch for the last two services.
Any ideas?
I've had my Omega for 12 years now - I've always suspected it was a 'Friday afternoon' watch, and now another round of problems has raised its head.
I do love it - very much in daily use, apart from showers/baths and bed it's worn all the time, but it does seem to be an expensive piece of kit to keep working.
It's been back to Omega three times for serving/repairs, most recently was two years ago when the crown wheel/pin came away completely.
After adjusting the watch on a recent trans-atlantic flight I found I couldn't screw the crown wheel into the case - previously I was able to snug up the crown wheel - so now the watch is permanently in a non-waterproof state. It can be pushed in against the spring-loading but the thread doesn't seem to grip. It just pops out again.
I've also noticed that one of the bracelet pins is working loose every couple of days - enough to catch on my cuffs. I've been pushing it back in with a pin, but it doesn't stay seated for long. I've just had a prod at some of the others and at least one more pin is loose. As I understand it these should be very tightly held in place and should need a special screw-driven tool (like a chain link remover) to shift.
Am I within my rights to complain and reasonably expect these issues to be dealt with? The crown wheel problem relates directly to a part of the watch that was repaired at the last service.
I bought the watch in Amsterdam so I've dealt direct with Omega/Swatch for the last two services.
Any ideas?
Sorry to hear you are having issues, just a bit of reassurance from me here, I have one that I wear every day and take scuba diving to 30+m almost every weekend and it has taken a real beating and barring some fine scratches on the clasp has always come up trumps, dont be afraid to leave it on in the shower. 
Thanks for the reply!
That's the point - the watch ISN'T waterproof any more. I can't screw the crown back into the case, I know from previous experience that water will get into the case if the crown wheel isn't snugged right up.
The watch has previously done good service down to 35m, but now I have to take it off to bathe my baby daughter!
That's the point - the watch ISN'T waterproof any more. I can't screw the crown back into the case, I know from previous experience that water will get into the case if the crown wheel isn't snugged right up.
The watch has previously done good service down to 35m, but now I have to take it off to bathe my baby daughter!
maturin23 said:
Hi all,
I've had my Omega for 12 years now - I've always suspected it was a 'Friday afternoon' watch, and now another round of problems has raised its head.
I do love it - very much in daily use, apart from showers/baths and bed it's worn all the time, but it does seem to be an expensive piece of kit to keep working.
It's been back to Omega three times for serving/repairs, most recently was two years ago when the crown wheel/pin came away completely.
After adjusting the watch on a recent trans-atlantic flight I found I couldn't screw the crown wheel into the case - previously I was able to snug up the crown wheel - so now the watch is permanently in a non-waterproof state. It can be pushed in against the spring-loading but the thread doesn't seem to grip. It just pops out again.
I've also noticed that one of the bracelet pins is working loose every couple of days - enough to catch on my cuffs. I've been pushing it back in with a pin, but it doesn't stay seated for long. I've just had a prod at some of the others and at least one more pin is loose. As I understand it these should be very tightly held in place and should need a special screw-driven tool (like a chain link remover) to shift.
Am I within my rights to complain and reasonably expect these issues to be dealt with? The crown wheel problem relates directly to a part of the watch that was repaired at the last service.
I bought the watch in Amsterdam so I've dealt direct with Omega/Swatch for the last two services.
Any ideas?
I have a seamaster pro of the same age, the orignal braclet is french made & the pins/sleeves start to fall out over time(normally the ones closest to the watch head). Omega insist that the only way to correct is to replace the enitre bracelet with the later swiss made version. I had to do this with mine a few years ago & the bracelet was £400ish then.I've had my Omega for 12 years now - I've always suspected it was a 'Friday afternoon' watch, and now another round of problems has raised its head.
I do love it - very much in daily use, apart from showers/baths and bed it's worn all the time, but it does seem to be an expensive piece of kit to keep working.
It's been back to Omega three times for serving/repairs, most recently was two years ago when the crown wheel/pin came away completely.
After adjusting the watch on a recent trans-atlantic flight I found I couldn't screw the crown wheel into the case - previously I was able to snug up the crown wheel - so now the watch is permanently in a non-waterproof state. It can be pushed in against the spring-loading but the thread doesn't seem to grip. It just pops out again.
I've also noticed that one of the bracelet pins is working loose every couple of days - enough to catch on my cuffs. I've been pushing it back in with a pin, but it doesn't stay seated for long. I've just had a prod at some of the others and at least one more pin is loose. As I understand it these should be very tightly held in place and should need a special screw-driven tool (like a chain link remover) to shift.
Am I within my rights to complain and reasonably expect these issues to be dealt with? The crown wheel problem relates directly to a part of the watch that was repaired at the last service.
I bought the watch in Amsterdam so I've dealt direct with Omega/Swatch for the last two services.
Any ideas?
Not sure re the crown wheel, best speak to Omega any possible warranty from the previous service.
I'm going to sound like a stuck record but there seem to be a lot of questions coming up on here regarding servicing of Speedmasters lately!
I had my Speedmaster Pro serviced by Duncan @ Genesis Watchmaking a month or so ago. The level of service I received was something I've never experienced before (prompt / informative / friendly replies to emails, prompt turn around, high standard of work!) and he really knows his stuff, especially around Rolex and Omega watches. If it needs some attention I'd gladly recommend him as someone to send your watch into. I doubt I'll ever use anyone else now for watch maintenance.
http://www.genesiswatchmaking.co.uk/
Cheers.
I had my Speedmaster Pro serviced by Duncan @ Genesis Watchmaking a month or so ago. The level of service I received was something I've never experienced before (prompt / informative / friendly replies to emails, prompt turn around, high standard of work!) and he really knows his stuff, especially around Rolex and Omega watches. If it needs some attention I'd gladly recommend him as someone to send your watch into. I doubt I'll ever use anyone else now for watch maintenance.
http://www.genesiswatchmaking.co.uk/
Cheers.
Thanks chaps.
Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
maturin23 said:
Thanks chaps.
Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
mine is coming up to 9 years old and has had no issues.Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
The markings on mine are different from yours. 932 on the links that attach to the watch, 32s and JAH on the links that attach to the clasp. Clasp says "stainless steel", "1612/932", "Swiss Made", "62" in a circle and the Omega symbol in a triangle.
Might be too obvious but if your clasp doesn't say Swiss Made then perhaps it's a French one
markh1973 said:
maturin23 said:
Thanks chaps.
Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
mine is coming up to 9 years old and has had no issues.Darreni - I read about the 'french' bracelet thing - but I can't find any 'made in France' markings which I understand there should be.
I have '826' stamped on the links that attach to the watch, '32S' and 'ibb'on the links that attach to the clasp, and on the clasp itself there's a '32' in a circle, 'stainless steel', '1504/826' and the Omega symbol in a triangle. Does that help identify its nationality?
The markings on mine are different from yours. 932 on the links that attach to the watch, 32s and JAH on the links that attach to the clasp. Clasp says "stainless steel", "1612/932", "Swiss Made", "62" in a circle and the Omega symbol in a triangle.
Might be too obvious but if your clasp doesn't say Swiss Made then perhaps it's a French one
The end links next to the clasp have 32s & HAG marked on to them.
Omega replaced my bracelet about 4 years ago, so may have revised it since?
Mine is a full size "bond"seamaster pro if it makes a difference.
The wisdom of the internet suggests that unless it's marked as Made in France then it's Swiss-made. Seems like mine has the same problems as the French ones so this may be a fallacy.
I will call Omega customer services...
On the strap ID front I did find this site - http://www.ofrei.com/page1280.html
which gave the following info... (and photos)
Omega Seamaster Professional Watch Bracelet 1503-825
Seamaster Professional 20 mm ends.
Popular BraceLet once used on many Omega case numbers and models. This is a list of cases and models that still come issued with this bracelet. Case numbers 168.1503, 168.1603, 168.1617, 168.1623, 168.1627, 168.1623, 168.1623, 168.1629, 168.1630, 168.1632, 168.1634, 168.1637, 168.1640 196.1503, 196.1504, 196.1507, 196.1523, 196.1524, 196.1617, 196.1623, 196.1640, 196.1656, Watch model watch ref. numbers 33.50.00, 2531.80.00, 2532.80.00, 2533.50.00 2055.80.00, 2541.80.00, 2542.80.00, 2064.50.00, 2065.80.00, 212.30.41.20.01.002, 212.30.41.61.01.001
OME-1503-825
$539.00
Omega Seamaster Professional Watch Bracelet 1504-826
Fits case number 178.0514, 178.0522, 278.0511, 278.0513, used on model ref. numbers: 2225.80.00, 2598.20.00, 2598.80.00, 2599.80.00 and others. End link case lug size is 20 mm. The entire band is 6 7/8 inches.
OME-020ST1504826
$590.00
Omega Stainless Steel Bracelet 1612-932
This 18 mm lug size bracelet has been used on Omega case number 168.1641 model numbers 2252.50.00. Stainless Bracelet 020ST1502824 has also been used on case number 168.1641. Rubber strap 98000038 has also been used on this case number.
I will call Omega customer services...
On the strap ID front I did find this site - http://www.ofrei.com/page1280.html
which gave the following info... (and photos)
Omega Seamaster Professional Watch Bracelet 1503-825
Seamaster Professional 20 mm ends.
Popular BraceLet once used on many Omega case numbers and models. This is a list of cases and models that still come issued with this bracelet. Case numbers 168.1503, 168.1603, 168.1617, 168.1623, 168.1627, 168.1623, 168.1623, 168.1629, 168.1630, 168.1632, 168.1634, 168.1637, 168.1640 196.1503, 196.1504, 196.1507, 196.1523, 196.1524, 196.1617, 196.1623, 196.1640, 196.1656, Watch model watch ref. numbers 33.50.00, 2531.80.00, 2532.80.00, 2533.50.00 2055.80.00, 2541.80.00, 2542.80.00, 2064.50.00, 2065.80.00, 212.30.41.20.01.002, 212.30.41.61.01.001
OME-1503-825
$539.00
Omega Seamaster Professional Watch Bracelet 1504-826
Fits case number 178.0514, 178.0522, 278.0511, 278.0513, used on model ref. numbers: 2225.80.00, 2598.20.00, 2598.80.00, 2599.80.00 and others. End link case lug size is 20 mm. The entire band is 6 7/8 inches.
OME-020ST1504826
$590.00
Omega Stainless Steel Bracelet 1612-932
This 18 mm lug size bracelet has been used on Omega case number 168.1641 model numbers 2252.50.00. Stainless Bracelet 020ST1502824 has also been used on case number 168.1641. Rubber strap 98000038 has also been used on this case number.
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