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Thread: Planet Ocean service / repair

  1. #1
    Master
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    Planet Ocean service / repair

    I think the main spring has given up - that’s 3 seamaster main springs I’ve killed in the last 5 years . Must be some sort of record ?

    Duncan ‘the watch bloke’ can’t work his magical it’s co axial - he’s suggested genesis are a good shout .
    Any other guys to try while I await a reply from Genesis ? It’s overdue a service anyway so not the end of the world really . I’d rather avoid Omegas prices if I can , not exactly flush right now

  2. #2
    I've recently had mine serviced with a light refurbishment by Genesis.
    Came back like new.
    How have you "killed" so many main springs?

  3. #3
    Master
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    I really wish I knew how I’ve ruined bullet proof seamasters !
    Casualties in my care are now
    2254 300m (mainspring)
    2531 300m (mainspring)
    And now the Planet Ocean 2500 co axial (mainspring symptoms)

    All have lived a sedate ish life , worn in rotation with seikos and a Pelagos .

    Does anyone have any clue what could cause this ? 2 is unlucky , 3 feels like a pattern !

  4. #4
    Master Mouse's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by back to the top View Post
    Does anyone have any clue what could cause this ? 2 is unlucky , 3 feels like a pattern !
    You don't work as an astronaut centrifuge tester by any chance? ;-)

  5. #5
    Grand Master
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    I don’t get involved with co- axials either so I can’t help, if I had easy access to Omega- specific parts I would, but I when the parts restrictions started in 2015 I decided against learning how to fix co- axials even though I’d bought one to practice on.

    Regarding mainspring failures, I find it v surprising you’ve had 3 failures, automatic mainsprings rarely fail, especially on ETA 2892 based movements.

    Unless the barrel is still in v. good condition good practice to replace the mainspring and barrel when servicing a watch, these parts are quite cheap (unless its vintage) so it makes sense to do so. However, the fact that a repairer has replaced the mainspring doesn’t imply that it was broken!

  6. #6
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mouse View Post
    You don't work as an astronaut centrifuge tester by any chance? ;-)
    I really wish I did :)

  7. #7
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    I don’t get involved with co- axials either so I can’t help, if I had easy access to Omega- specific parts I would, but I when the parts restrictions started in 2015 I decided against learning how to fix co- axials even though I’d bought one to practice on.

    Regarding mainspring failures, I find it v surprising you’ve had 3 failures, automatic mainsprings rarely fail, especially on ETA 2892 based movements.

    Unless the barrel is still in v. good condition good practice to replace the mainspring and barrel when servicing a watch, these parts are quite cheap (unless its vintage) so it makes sense to do so. However, the fact that a repairer has replaced the mainspring doesn’t imply that it was broken!
    Duncan Hewitt repaired my last 2 that had failed , symptoms match on the planet ocean .
    I think I will repair and maybe move on - something that I do or don’t do appears to disagree with ETA movements . Cheap Seiko seem fine though - really odd . Bit nervous about my Pelagos now !

  8. #8
    Master TheGent's Avatar
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    Can recommend Genesis - serviced a Planet Ocean a long time ago for me, top work and a very nice chap to deal with as well.


    T.G.

  9. #9
    Craftsman leo1790's Avatar
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    Another shout for Genesis

    Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

  10. #10
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by back to the top View Post
    Duncan Hewitt repaired my last 2 that had failed , symptoms match on the planet ocean .
    I think I will repair and maybe move on - something that I do or don’t do appears to disagree with ETA movements . Cheap Seiko seem fine though - really odd . Bit nervous about my Pelagos now !
    But was a broken mainspring positively confirmed? With an automatic watch it’s v. difficult to detect a broken mainspring without taking it apart. It’s usually easy on a hand- wound for obvious reasons, no so on an automatic.

    Duncan at Genesis is a good shout for sorting out a co- axial Omega and he’ll be as competitive on price as any accredited Omega repairer.

  11. #11
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    But was a broken mainspring positively confirmed? With an automatic watch it’s v. difficult to detect a broken mainspring without taking it apart. It’s usually easy on a hand- wound for obvious reasons, no so on an automatic.

    Duncan at Genesis is a good shout for sorting out a co- axial Omega and he’ll be as competitive on price as any accredited Omega repairer.
    I believe it was on both occasions - it was a couple of years ago now with 18 months between failures so memory isn’t what it was .

    I’ve had a message from a forum member Jammt79 who’s said he’s happy to do it which is excellent:)

  12. #12
    Another recommendation for Genesis. I gifted my PO 2500 to my son last Dec. for his 21st. Full service and other bits done (swapping the orange bezel for a black one and new PO strap). Great service and communications. No problems with timekeeping to date and his fees were imo very reasonable - Omega parts on the other hand........

  13. #13
    Journeyman
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    Check out Simon Freese too- he specialises in Omega. He was recommended to me and did a good job.

  14. #14
    Grand Master
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    I think Simon Freese specialises in vintage stuff thesedays but I`m sure he could sort this. However, if Jammt79 has offered I`d take him up on it, he's got access to Omega parts and he's professionally trained, he'll do a good job.

  15. #15
    Master
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    Thanks for the advice gents James has taken on the work with a quick turnaround .

    I’ll give some thought on what I do with it once it’s back - I’m a bit hesitant to use it if I keep killing decent watches - it’s frustrating !

  16. #16
    Grand Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by back to the top View Post
    Thanks for the advice gents James has taken on the work with a quick turnaround .

    I’ll give some thought on what I do with it once it’s back - I’m a bit hesitant to use it if I keep killing decent watches - it’s frustrating !
    Are you sure you 'killed them' or did they just reach a stage where they needed servicing?

    Storing watches on a watchwinder is the only way I know of causing accelerated wear to certain parts, the mainspring barrel will wear out faster and the auto-winding parts will wear too but the mainspring itself won't suffer. Other than dropping a watch, getting it magnetised or getting water in by leaving the crown undone I can`t think of anything else that'll kill one.

    I once had a late 50s Omega automatic with very extensive wear to the rotor post and bearing, turns out the (ageing) owner did lots of fast walking in it for several years. Lack of lubrication took its toll!

  17. #17
    Master
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    I have a winder - 4 slots !
    Maybe I’ll turn it off unless I’m planning regular changes .
    They were all coming up to service time I suppose . The joys of owning nice things means you must be prepared to spend out from time to time . I don’t begrudge it - I’d rather not be servicing multiple watches every couple of years though :)

  18. #18
    Master
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    Thanks to our very own Jammt79 (James) my PO is back from a service having had the bridge replaced as it was worn and the cause of my problems .
    Not only is it running like a dream now it’s also been refinished as you’ll be able to see below. Sharp edges intact and original textures have been returned to their former glory - it looks like new now 😁

    I’m so pleased with how it looks , even the bracelet is pristine .




    I’m hesitant wearing it if I’m brutally straight with myself . I’ve now got to decide if I’ll keep or use towards a bigger purchase by selling this and my Pelagos . Decisions decisions . Nice dilemma to have though 😁

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