From our fully equipped watch workshop In Lewes we offer a full range of repairs – from smaller jobs like battery changes and glass replacements through to full watch servicing of a wide range of brands including Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling and Rolex.
Disassembly and Servicing of the Omega Speedmaster Movement
For this job, we are working on an Omega Speedmaster, similar to the Omega Speedmaster Triple Calendar Chronograph that we serviced a while back. We often see Speedmasters in the workshop – a testament to the enduring popularity of these watches. This model is an automatic chronograph with date. The three sub-dials indicate seconds, plus chronograph minutes and hours. The centre second hand is for the chronograph seconds.
“The Omega Speedmaster is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and reliability, with many owners trusting its chronograph functionality year after year. Despite wear over time, the movement remains a classic in the world of automatic chronographs.”
It arrived in well-worn condition and had not been to a watchmaker in many years, so this means worn-out parts are highly likely, especially those involved in the automatic winding mechanism. Despite the lack of previous maintenance, our British Horological Institute-qualified watchmaker brings extensive experience in repairing vintage watches.
First, we disassemble the movement. This Omega Speedmaster uses an Omega calibre 1164, which is an Omega customised version of the ETA calibre 7750. These are good, solid chronograph movements and the 7750, in different variations, has been used in quality automatic chronograph watches for many decades.
As anticipated, wear is found in the automatic mechanism – both the rotor bearing and the reversing wheel need replacing. Most oils and greases are dried up, though everything else appears in good order besides the mainspring which we replace as standard.
Once fully disassembled the movement is cleaned – first going through a manual cleaning process before a cycle in our Elma Solvex RM automatic cleaning machine. When parts are completely clean and dried, we can commence reassembly. We follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines for the correct usage and placement of oil and grease, as well as the use of other treatments such as epilame.
As part of the service we fit the replacement parts – a new mainspring, reversing wheel and rotor bearing. We always endeavour to fit a new mainspring as part of a service, though it’s especially important when dealing with a watch like this. The mainspring is housed inside a barrel which is buried in the very depths of the movement underneath all of the chronograph mechanism, so replacing it is not straightforward without the watch being fully stripped down.
“Replacing the mainspring is not a simple task—its position deep within the movement, under all the chronograph mechanisms, requires careful disassembly. This meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensuring the Speedmaster continues to perform at its best.”
Alongside the movement servicing we give the case and bracelet a light polish, clean and fit replacement seals as appropriate before conducting a pressure test to confirm water resistance. We can now reunite all elements of the watch. With the movement refitted and everything checked on the timing machine, we can close the case back before a final pressure test.
Final Testing and Reassembly: Restoring the Omega Speedmaster to Perfection
With the works completed we now test the watch using an Elma Cyclomotion watch winding machine, as well as testing in static positions and for the correct functioning of all features including the chronograph and quick change of the date. After the testing period is complete this superb Omega Speedmaster Chronograph can be reunited with our client. If you’re interested in the turnaround time for watch servicing, have a look at our article “How Long Does A Full Watch Service Take” to learn more about the factors that can affect the timeline and how we ensure a thorough, efficient process for every watch we service.
Summary
At W.E. Watch Repairs in Lewes, we provide comprehensive watch servicing, from basic repairs to full movement overhauls. In this case, we serviced an Omega Speedmaster, addressing wear in the automatic winding mechanism and replacing critical components like the rotor bearing and mainspring. The movement was carefully cleaned, reassembled, and tested to ensure optimal performance. Our team follows precise technical guidelines to restore watches to their original functionality.
Looking to Have Your Omega Speedmaster Serviced?
At W.E. Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing both modern and vintage timepieces. Whether your Omega Speedmaster needs a full service, precision tuning, or expert repairs, our skilled watchmakers are here to help.
Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its journey, ensuring peace of mind from the moment it leaves your hands until it is safely returned.
Book your vintage watch for a service today and trust us to restore it to peak performance!