[mattsid1]

Hi, This is my first post on this forum. I've been searching for hours, on this forum and others, trying to find out what's wrong with my watch and although I've found people with a similar problem I am yet to find a reason.

I've had my Omega Speedmaster for over 12 years and it worked great until a few years ago when it started losing significant time, to the point that unless I vigorously shook my wrist every few minutes it would eventually stop. I presumed that it was 'broken' somehow, but not sure how since it's never been subjected to any abuse.

Now, I've read dozens of pages about winding Omega watches. Most seem to suggest that it should take about 30 to 40 turns. I've done at least this amount and the problem continues. I was thinking that maybe I've overwound it to the point where I might have damaged something inside, but again many pages seem to suggest that this is almost impossible on a modern Speedmaster.

When I do turn the crown it seems to turn relatively easily there is some resistance there, but nothing like the 'resistance' I've read about that indicates your watch is fully wound.

In case anyone asks, yes it is original, I have all the proper documentation and warranty. I guess I could take it a licensed repair center, but I get a feeling the cost would be way higher than I could afford.

Any ideas, suggestions or advice would be greatly welcome.

Thank you in advance.

 

[J!m]

Hello.

If you have been using your speedmaster for over 12 years, you had a great run, but it is in desperate need of proper service.

Like buying a Ferrari: don't buy it if you can't afford the service costs. By waiting so long and trying to 'fix' it yourself through vigorous shaking etc. you may have made this first service visit more expensive than it would have been if you brought it in right away.

Older (pre co-axial and manual wind models) should be serviced every five years or sooner if you discover a problem. Co-axial movement is supposed to run for 10 between service.

It is like changing oil in your car- if you don't do it, the repair costs can be quite large...

Best of luck with it!

 

[mattsid1]

Thanks for the reply. The watch was actually a birthday gift, but that's immaterial. I will take it to get a quote on service costs, hopefully they aren't going to set me back an arm and a leg.

 

[J!m]

Well, yes. Even a gift watch, as the new owner, you have a responsibility to care for it.

I bought my first 'good' watch in 1988, thinking it would last for ever. I repaired it so many times I think there is very little that came original on that watch besides the case, back and dial.

In any event, even if someone gives you the car, you still need to take care of the maintenance if you are driving it.

I'm sure you will be fine, and even at a few hundred your watch will then be as good as new, and should last for another five years.

Enjoy!