Repair for an Omega co-axial

[Fullbreakfast]

So I have this:



It has an early (I bought it new, I think in 2003) co-axial movement and I've been wearing it daily recently. This morning it was not running, and it is now not winding either manually or automatically. I'd like to get it fixed and wondered if anyone could recommend an independent UK watchmaker for this?

It actually developed a similar problem when it was under warranty, about 18 months after I bought it. It went back to Omega to be fixed and the experience was not great (it took many months, when I got it back it wasn't actually fixed, it went back and again it took months, before eventually coming back fixed). Things may have changed in the intervening 20 years, but I don't really want to pay through the nose for a similar experience.

[Scepticalist]

Sounds like it needs a new mainspring - try Swiss Time Services

swisstimeservices.co.uk

[JeremyO]

You might want to give Omega a ring re turnaround time.

I always use them for service which has been excellent of late but last service took 5 months! Hopefully this may have improved.

I’m not sure who of the independents can service a co axial.

[colin t]

Duncan Potter (Genesis) can work on these co-axials, and has maintained and repaired this exact model for me previously. I’m always delighted with his work and communications.

[johnboy24]

+1 for Duncan

[Fullbreakfast]

Thanks very much gents!

I think I will get in touch with Duncan, always nice to deal with an individual rather than a big company where possible.

[walkerwek1958]

My recommendation on these is to send to an Omega accredited repairer such as Duncan Potter (Genesis). They are specialised, I`ve serviced a couple of 2500C movements (one of my own, now sold, and another as a favour for a friend) but I won't touch any more unless access to parts becomes freely available again. If this is an early 2500B that adds to the complexity.

I have reservations regarding wear to the co-axial escapement parts, which I think are more likely to need replacement as the watches get old, so whoever is servicing t watch needs access to parts.

[Fullbreakfast]

My recommendation on these is to send to an Omega accredited repairer such as Duncan Potter (Genesis). They are specialised, I`ve serviced a couple of 2500C movements (one of my own, now sold, and another as a favour for a friend) but I won't touch any more unless access to parts becomes freely available again. If this is an early 2500B that adds to the complexity.

I have reservations regarding wear to the co-axial escapement parts, which I think are more likely to need replacement as the watches get old, so whoever is servicing t watch needs access to parts.

Thanks for the thoughts. I've been in touch with Duncan this morning and he does have access to Omega parts. He also says he'd need to do a full service on the watch, and TBH it is more than time it had one anyway. No point fixing one specific problem only for another one to arise in a few months or a year because the whole thing wasn't properly looked at.

His pricing seems very fair.

[TheGent]

Thanks for the thoughts. I've been in touch with Duncan this morning and he does have access to Omega parts. He also says he'd need to do a full service on the watch, and TBH it is more than time it had one anyway. No point fixing one specific problem only for another one to arise in a few months or a year because the whole thing wasn't properly looked at.

His pricing seems very fair.

+1 for Duncan - he did a great job on a 2500 Planet Ocean for me some years back.

[walkerwek1958]

In the majority of cases it makes sense to fully service a watch rather than start doing partial repairs, sometimes people struggle to understand this.

[Fullbreakfast]

I have reservations regarding wear to the co-axial escapement parts, which I think are more likely to need replacement as the watches get old, so whoever is servicing t watch needs access to parts.

I did wonder if the fact this watch has developed the same problem twice might indicate a design issue with these early co-ax movements.

[Redwolf]

Don’t forget to let Duncan know you are a member of Tzuk and he will look after you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Fullbreakfast]

Don’t forget to let Duncan know you are a member of Tzuk and he will look after you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Right, done that, thanks!

[walkerwek1958]

I did wonder if the fact this watch has developed the same problem twice might indicate a design issue with these early co-ax movements.

If the issue really is a winding problem that's not associated with the co-axial escapement design, the keyless work, mainspring barrel and barrel bridge are all straightforward ETA 2892/Omega 1120 although the mainspring spec and possibly the barrel may be different.

How do you know the watch isn`t winding? The hand-winding action is very smooth on these and I`d be hard pressed to feel a difference if the mainspring had broken or if a fault had occurred in the keyless work or mainspring barrel.

I don`t know what Omega's philosophy is regarding the early 2500 movements and whether they upgrade them to 2500C spec on service. It would involve swapping a few parts but it could be done. Might be worth asking Duncan? In years gone by this used to happen when parts and designs were modified.

[Fullbreakfast]

How do you know the watch isn`t winding? The hand-winding action is very smooth on these and I`d be hard pressed to feel a difference if the mainspring had broken or if a fault had occurred in the keyless work or mainspring barrel.

Sorry, my terminology was loose. When I said it's not winding, I just meant that when I wind it, it doesn't cause the movement to run. You are right about the smoothness, and I can't say it feels different to wind now than normally.

I don`t know what Omega's philosophy is regarding the early 2500 movements and whether they upgrade them to 2500C spec on service. It would involve swapping a few parts but it could be done. Might be worth asking Duncan? In years gone by this used to happen when parts and designs were modified.

I will ask him; thanks again.

[Fullbreakfast]

Big day!

[Fullbreakfast]

I also got Duncan to do case / bracelet refurb, and it's rather like getting a new watch.









It arrived running and set to the correct date and time.

Duncan was a gent to deal with, and I expect to be a returning customer. Probably before too long, as I have several other watches that are in need of TLC.

[Balance wheel]

Excellent information I am looking to get my omega regulated and serviced so will send it there