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RPKESQ RPKESQ is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: France
Posts: 4,596
Proper servicing of a watch like an Omega is not a cheap " how taking the back off, cleaning out the dust and squirting some oil in there" operation.

let's look at what it entails:

Clean outer surface.
Using the correct tools and technique (to prevent scratches and damage) open the back (or front on some watches). Do not damage any part. That means no sign that you were ever in it!
Remove the stem (s).
Remove the movement spacer if present.
Remove the movement.
Remove the hands (so you can remove the dial face).
Remove dial face (these scracth and mar if you just look at them with out extreme care).
Release all spring tension from main spring (include minute repeater spring if required).
Remove chronograph funtion controls.
Remove 1st, 2nd, 3rd and in some cases 4th gear train and bridges.
Remove balance cock and spring.
Remove all remaining parts.
Use ultrasonic cleaning with a correct solution.
Dry and inspect parts with correct gauges and tooling.
Replace all worn parts or parts that are visible but faded (like dial).
Begin reassembly with extreme care not to lose or damage parts. "Fit" new parts.
During assembly lubbricate all required areas with the correct lubrication. (most watches of the Omega quality use up to 7 different types of lubrication, some of which cost up to $300 per 'cc".) Most lubrication points in a watch require a drop smaller than this (.). Too much and the watch will soon run too slow.
When movement is fully assembled test run on a timing device (most are over $2000).
Adjust as per manufactures specification (your Omega is tested and adjusted in 5 different positions and is temperture compensated).
Remove all case seals.
Ultrasonic case and braclet.
Refinish all external parts to new condition.
Replace all seals with new seals and lubricate.
Assemble watch completely.
Test for water resistance as per manufacturers specification with a pressure chamber (got on of those right?).
If it passed, congradulations! Now you only need to suffer customers hissy fit to finalize service.
Most of this work is carried out with 10x magnification, but often I use up to 40x to inpect bearings (jewels), pinions and pallets.

A fine mechanical watch is sort of like having a DiVinci masterpiece in a very small wearable package. Do not slight the maintainence requirements. That said there are some independant watch repairmen capable of this work (not many, but some, most highlevel watch factories end up training their own, due to the short supply).

Most high end mechanical watches have 300 to 500 parts. There are some (extremely few) with up to 2000 parts. I don't know of any production watches with more than 2000 parts (give or take 10%).
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Last edited by RPKESQ; 08-05-2008 at 02:52 PM.. Reason: wording
Old 08-05-2008, 02:49 PM
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