The Definitive Handbook on OMEGA Watch Maintenance
If you own an OMEGA watch, you know it's more than just a timepiece – it's a statement of style, precision, and history. Whether you're a proud OMEGA watch owner or an enthusiast considering investing in one, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everyday OMEGA maintenance, common repairs, and the importance of professional servicing.
A Brief History of OMEGA
OMEGA is one of the most prestigious and renowned watch brands, celebrated for its precision, innovation, and timeless design. Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, OMEGA initially assembled key-wound precision pocket watches.
In 1894, the company introduced the groundbreaking "OMEGA" calibre, which led to the adoption of the name OMEGA in 1903.
Throughout the early 20th century, OMEGA gained international recognition, serving as the official timekeeper for numerous sporting events, including the 1932 Olympics—the introduction of the Seamaster collection in 1948 marked OMEGA's debut into durable, water-resistant watches.
The Speedmaster, launched in 1957, became famous for its robust design and was certified by NASA for space missions. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore it during the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.
Despite challenges during the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s, OMEGA introduced a range of innovative quartz watches and the co-Axial escapement in 1999, improving movement accuracy and longevity. The release of the in-house OMEGA 8500 Co-Axial calibre in 2007 and the Master Chronometer certification in the 2010s further solidified OMEGA's technological excellence.
Today, OMEGA remains a leader in the watch industry, celebrated for its precision, contributions to space exploration, and continuous innovation. OMEGA watches are symbols of elegance and sophistication associated with the Olympics, celebrities like James Bond, and cultural icons. From its beginnings in 1848 to its current status as a global horology leader, OMEGA's history reflects its commitment to excellence, innovation, and timeless design.
How Many Years Will an Omega Watch Last?
OMEGA watches are designed to last a lifetime with regular servicing. We recommend checking your timepiece's water-resistant capabilities annually and scheduling a full service every 3 to 5 years. Additionally, we recommend exploring our top everyday watch care tips.
Is Omega's Quality Comparable to Rolex?
While Omega and Rolex are both renowned for their luxury aesthetics and innovative technology, Rolex typically has a higher brand prestige and price tag. However, Omega often excels in offering superior features and value, making it a compelling alternative luxury watch brand for enthusiasts and collectors.
Why Is Regularly Servicing Your Omega Watch So Important?
Regularly servicing your OMEGA watch is crucial for several reasons:
Reliability and Precision: As time passes, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate within the watch, impacting its overall performance. Essential maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and regulating the movement are vital to preserving its precision and reliability.
Wear and Tear: Components such as the movement, crown, and bracelet are subjected to stress over time, which can cause issues like friction, corrosion, or misalignment of your watch's delicate inner workings. Regular maintenance checks play a crucial role in identifying and addressing these issues early on, thereby preventing them from escalating into costly repairs or component failures later.
Avoid Water Damage: Having your OMEGA watch regularly serviced includes pressure testing to verify its water resistance capability. Over time, the seals and gaskets that protect your watch from water can degrade. During regular servicing, these seals are inspected and replaced if necessary to maintain the watch's water resistance rating.
Are you worried your watch has water damage? We have a great article on what to do if your watch gets wet.
Value Retention: Omega watches are valuable assets that can appreciate in value over time, especially rare or vintage models, such as the Omega Seamaster launched in 2022 to commemorate 60 years of James Bond or the Omega Speedy Tuesday Ultraman released in 2018. Proper maintenance not only preserves the condition and functionality of your watch but also enhances its potential resale value in the future. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay a premium for a well-maintained watch that comes with a documented service history.
What kinds of repairs do OMEGA watches often require?
OMEGA watches, renowned for their precision and craftsmanship, still require maintenance and the occasional repair. Here are some common repairs for OMEGA watches:
Watch Battery Replacement
Watch battery replacement is a routine maintenance task for quartz models. If your OMEGA watch is water resistant, we recommend having your timepiece pressure tested to guarantee its water resistance capabilities. At AMJ Watch, we provide a same-day watch battery replacement service in London.
Movement Overhaul
Mechanical and automatic OMEGA watches require regular servicing to maintain optimal performance. Regular servicing involves cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the movement to ensure precise timekeeping and minimise wear and tear on the components.
Watch Glass Replacement
Accidents happen. OMEGA watches feature various types of crystals, including sapphire, mineral, and acrylic, each offering different levels of durability and scratch resistance. Replacing your OMEGA watch glass with the correct fit is crucial to ensure the case remains sealed, protecting the delicate internal components from moisture and dust.
Pressure Testing
Regular testing and replacement of gaskets are necessary to maintain the water-resistant capabilities of your timepiece, especially for diving watches like the Seamaster. We recommend having your watch pressure tested annually or whenever you plan to submerge your watch in water for prolonged periods.
Magnetism Correction
When exposed to magnetic fields from everyday items like smartphones, handbags, or electronic devices, a watch's components can become magnetised. This magnetism disrupts the precise movement of the balance wheel, causing the watch to run fast or slow. To rectify this issue, watchmakers employ a process called demagnetisation. Using specialised equipment, they carefully neutralise the magnetic charge within the watch, restoring its accurate timekeeping capabilities.
Crown and Stem Repair
The crown and stem, used to set the time and wind the watch, can wear out or become damaged, requiring repair or replacement. Typical signs include the stem feeling loose or wobbly when setting the time or winding the watch. Additionally, if you feel any resistance or a grinding sensation while turning the crown, it could indicate that the stem is not engaging smoothly with the movement's gears.
Ready to Kickstart Your OMEGA Watch Repair?
With decades of experience, our watchmakers are able to handle the intricacies of a wide range of luxury watch brands, ensuring your timepiece receives the highest level of care and attention. Our commitment to delivering high-quality service and ensuring customer satisfaction has established us as the trusted choice for OMEGA watch repairs.
