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35 messages
35 total messages Started by Franc Zabkar Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:29
Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#315
Author: Franc Zabkar
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:29
14 lines
1618 bytes
My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
battery.

In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
timepieces.

- Franc Zabkar
-- 
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#316
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:07
4 lines
1415 bytes
This might be normal behavior for the watch. You might have engaged a mode
that moves the hands rapidly.

Or not.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#317
Author: geoff
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:47
17 lines
2061 bytes
Franc Zabkar wrote:
> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
> battery.
>
> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
> timepieces.
>
> - Franc Zabkar

Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?

geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#318
Author: cjt
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:20
8 lines
1655 bytes
William Sommerwerck wrote:
> This might be normal behavior for the watch. You might have engaged a mode
> that moves the hands rapidly.
> 
> Or not.
> 
> 
That's how you set my Tissot (an Omega brand, I believe).
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#319
Author: Trevor Wilson
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:22
27 lines
2070 bytes
"Franc Zabkar" <fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> wrote in message 
news:t3qr855hpfsem99a9m1bc819hop6easg70@4ax.com...
> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
> battery.
>
> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
> timepieces.

**When I was at tech (well, at the Department of Civil Aviation Training 
School, more correctly), a couple of guys decided that some of the electric 
(synchronous motor type) clocks required their special attention. They 
carefully stripped the clocks apart, removed the motors, then removed the 
reverse prevention thingys, reassembled the whole thing with a clock face, 
carefully printed in reverse.

It was kinda nice watching the hands of the clock moving backwards.


-- 
Trevor Wilson
www.rageaudio.com.au
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#321
Author: Polyp
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:18
35 lines
2364 bytes
"Spehro Pefhany" <speffSNIP@interlogDOTyou.knowwhat> wrote in message 
news:qp4s85p70ph3uls7sr254bkdd7a4skphgu@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:20:20 -0500, the renowned cjt
> <cheljuba@invalid.invalid> wrote:
>
>>William Sommerwerck wrote:
>>> This might be normal behavior for the watch. You might have engaged a 
>>> mode
>>> that moves the hands rapidly.
>>>
>>> Or not.
>>>
>>>
>>That's how you set my Tissot (an Omega brand, I believe).
>
> I have a watch that detects a quick twist of the crown and steps the
> hands around 12 indicated hours (in the appropriate direction) in
> about 3 seconds.
>
> 4:1 just sounds annoying.
>
>
> Best regards,
> Spehro Pefhany
> -- 
> "it's the network..."                          "The Journey is the reward"
> speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: 
> http://www.trexon.com
> Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers: 
> http://www.speff.com



To speed it up leave it on your wrist when using a hefty spot welder..... 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#320
Author: Spehro Pefhany
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:25
25 lines
1993 bytes
On Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:20:20 -0500, the renowned cjt
<cheljuba@invalid.invalid> wrote:

>William Sommerwerck wrote:
>> This might be normal behavior for the watch. You might have engaged a mode
>> that moves the hands rapidly.
>> 
>> Or not.
>> 
>> 
>That's how you set my Tissot (an Omega brand, I believe).

I have a watch that detects a quick twist of the crown and steps the
hands around 12 indicated hours (in the appropriate direction) in
about 3 seconds. 

4:1 just sounds annoying. 


Best regards, 
Spehro Pefhany
-- 
"it's the network..."                          "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#322
Author: N_Cook
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:25
34 lines
2953 bytes
Franc Zabkar <fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> wrote in message
news:t3qr855hpfsem99a9m1bc819hop6easg70@4ax.com...
> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
> battery.
>
> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
> timepieces.
>
> - Franc Zabkar
> --
> Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

I (in the UK) once had to repair a bedside clock radio that was running hot
and running slow. It was actually made for the USA and 110V / 60Hz that
someone had put a UK plug on the mains cable. Not burnt up running at 240V
but the 50Hz meant it was losing exactly 10 minutes an hour.

My local has a few disguised clocks including a reverse one. I though about
making one with a pointy-tooth eliptical gear and axially sprung loaded
conical pinion so it would run alternately fast and slow each hour.
There is a church near me that has a clock in the tower that is so old that
it has only one hand, other not dropped off, minutes weren't needed prior to
the railways coming in.


--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#323
Author: Don McKenzie
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:51
29 lines
1819 bytes
geoff wrote:

> Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?
> 
> geoff 

My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
They give you a 2 year warranty, and they always run out in 26 months.

Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw away watch, and flogging 
my engraved gold retirement Omega.

Don...



-- 
Don McKenzie

Site Map:            http://www.dontronics.com/sitemap
E-Mail Contact Page: http://www.dontronics.com/email
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Coupon Specials:
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Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#324
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:23
10 lines
1812 bytes
> My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
> They give you a 2 year warranty, and they
> always run out in 26 months.

> Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw
> away watch, and flogging
> my engraved gold retirement Omega.

You can purchase tools for opening the back of a watch. I've never paid
anyone to change watch batteries.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#325
Author: F Murtz
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:13
18 lines
1996 bytes
Franc Zabkar wrote:
> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
> battery.
> 
> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
> timepieces.
> 
> - Franc Zabkar


I made a reverse clock years ago with a movement that I got from an 
electronics shop, still works and confounds people. I have been trying 
to get more of the movements recently but I am having no success.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#326
Author: F Murtz
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:16
40 lines
3020 bytes
N_Cook wrote:
> Franc Zabkar <fzabkar@iinternode.on.net> wrote in message
> news:t3qr855hpfsem99a9m1bc819hop6easg70@4ax.com...
>> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
>> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
>> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
>> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
>> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
>> battery.
>>
>> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
>> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
>> timepieces.
>>
>> - Franc Zabkar
>> --
>> Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.
> 
> I (in the UK) once had to repair a bedside clock radio that was running hot
> and running slow. It was actually made for the USA and 110V / 60Hz that
> someone had put a UK plug on the mains cable. Not burnt up running at 240V
> but the 50Hz meant it was losing exactly 10 minutes an hour.
> 
> My local has a few disguised clocks including a reverse one. I though about
> making one with a pointy-tooth eliptical gear and axially sprung loaded
> conical pinion so it would run alternately fast and slow each hour.
> There is a church near me that has a clock in the tower that is so old that
> it has only one hand, other not dropped off, minutes weren't needed prior to
> the railways coming in.
> 
> 
> --
> Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
> electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
> http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/
> 
> 


Some of the old 240 volt ac clocks would go whichever way they were started
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#328
Author: Andrew Erickson
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:35
24 lines
2604 bytes
In article <4a8e8f4a$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au>,
 F Murtz <haggisz@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I made a reverse clock years ago with a movement that I got from an 
> electronics shop, still works and confounds people. I have been trying 
> to get more of the movements recently but I am having no success.

Try looking for a "Barber shop clock movement," which leads to (for 
example) this page:
http://www.jknowles.com.au/shop/product.php?productid=16177&cat=261&page=
1

While traditionally used with a mirror image dial, so as to appear 
normal and operating in the right direction when viewed in a mirror, 
there is naturally no reason why you can't put whatever dial you desire 
on the reverse direction movement.

Disclaimer:  I have never dealt with the Jonathon Knowles Clock Company, 
so have no data to recommend for or against them.

-- 
Andrew Erickson

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot
lose."  -- Jim Elliot
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#327
Author: Samuel M. Goldwasser
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:37
15 lines
1753 bytes
F Murtz <haggisz@hotmail.com> writes:

> Some of the old 240 volt ac clocks would go whichever way they were started

And othres would reverse if you simply flipped the motor stator.

--
    sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/ 
 Repair | Main Table of Contents: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/ 
+Lasers | Sam's Laser FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm 
        | Mirror Sites: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_mirror.html

Important: Anything sent to the email address in the message header above is
ignored unless my full name AND either lasers or electronics is included in the
subject line.  Or, you can contact me via the Feedback Form in the FAQs.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#329
Author: F Murtz
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:34
22 lines
2167 bytes
Andrew Erickson wrote:
> In article <4a8e8f4a$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au>,
>  F Murtz <haggisz@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> I made a reverse clock years ago with a movement that I got from an 
>> electronics shop, still works and confounds people. I have been trying 
>> to get more of the movements recently but I am having no success.
> 
> Try looking for a "Barber shop clock movement," which leads to (for 
> example) this page:
> http://www.jknowles.com.au/shop/product.php?productid=16177&cat=261&page=
> 1
> 
> While traditionally used with a mirror image dial, so as to appear 
> normal and operating in the right direction when viewed in a mirror, 
> there is naturally no reason why you can't put whatever dial you desire 
> on the reverse direction movement.
> 
> Disclaimer:  I have never dealt with the Jonathon Knowles Clock Company, 
> so have no data to recommend for or against them.
> 

Thanks, they are not far away from here
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#295
Author: Don McKenzie
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:13
50 lines
2670 bytes
William Sommerwerck wrote:
>> My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
>> They give you a 2 year warranty, and they
>> always run out in 26 months.
> 
>> Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw
>> away watch, and flogging
>> my engraved gold retirement Omega.
> 
> You can purchase tools for opening the back of a watch. I've never paid
> anyone to change watch batteries.

Thanks Bill,

struth, so the cost for an Omega is really in the cost of the tools, not 
the battery?

I know when it first went flat, I took it to one of the little arcade 
shops that do that sort of thing, and they couldn't get the back off, 
and all they managed to do was scratch it.

So I had to take it to Cobblers Plus Watch Works, and they charged $35 
and gave a 2 year guarantee.

Took it back 26 months later with the receipt, and they wanted to charge 
me the same, so I told them I was going to replace it with a junk watch, 
and they immediately dropped the price to $25.

Where do you get the tools, and how much would you expect to pay?

I don't want to be a jeweler, but at $35, when I know the battery could 
be purchased $35 a 100 from China, seems a little rich.

Cheers Don...



-- 
Don McKenzie

Site Map:            http://www.dontronics.com/sitemap
E-Mail Contact Page: http://www.dontronics.com/email
Web Camera Page:     http://www.dontronics.com/webcam
No More Damn Spam:   http://www.dontronics.com/spam

Breakout, Prototype, Development, & Robotics Boards:
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/sparkfun-electronics.html

Coupon Specials:
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/coupon-specials.html
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#296
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:35
29 lines
2801 bytes
> Where do you get the tools, and how much would you expect to pay?

I don't know what the Omega back is like -- it might require some special,
hard-to-obtain tool -- so I can't give a definitive answer.

The most-common backs use either a slotted ring -- which can often be
removed with a pair of chain-nose pliars -- or a press-to-fit back, which is
removed with a "case-back knife".

The latter is simply a knife with a very thin blade. You simply press the
knife into the seam, and twist a bit. (Well, that's the theory. It's
sometimes a bit more difficult, and there is the chance of scracthing the
back.)

These are available from Zantech (http://www.zantechinc.com/store). They
have all kinds of watch-repair equipment and supplies. You'll have fun
browsing the site.


> I don't want to be a jeweler, but $35, when I know the battery
> could be purchased $35/100 from China, seems a little rich.

You can get batteries even cheaper than that from Zantech and similar
companies.

Any jeweler who charges more than $5 for a battery replacement -- including
the battery -- is gouging. Most batteries cost the dealer less than 25
cents, and replacing one takes less than five minutes. That's a gross profit
of more than $50 an hour. Not bad.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#297
Author: L.A.T.
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 22:56
4 lines
1570 bytes
Let it run.
When it has made up the time it missed when it wasn't running it will resume 
normal speed.
Not many people know this. 
Now: Omega analogue watch Battery.
#298
Author: Don McKenzie
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:32
65 lines
3252 bytes
William Sommerwerck wrote:
>> Where do you get the tools, and how much would you expect to pay?
> 
> I don't know what the Omega back is like -- it might require some special,
> hard-to-obtain tool -- so I can't give a definitive answer.

yes, it appears that it does.


> These are available from Zantech (http://www.zantechinc.com/store). They
> have all kinds of watch-repair equipment and supplies. You'll have fun
> browsing the site.

thanks William,

gee that seems a very slow site.

Couldn't find anything apart from a knife for opening watches.


> 
> 
>> I don't want to be a jeweler, but $35, when I know the battery
>> could be purchased $35/100 from China, seems a little rich.
> 
> You can get batteries even cheaper than that from Zantech and similar
> companies.
> 
> Any jeweler who charges more than $5 for a battery replacement -- including
> the battery -- is gouging. Most batteries cost the dealer less than 25
> cents, and replacing one takes less than five minutes. That's a gross profit
> of more than $50 an hour. Not bad.

Zantech are quoting on their pages $5 to $15.

I wanted a calculator battery a few months back. The common CR-2032.
Tried the little battery-clock shops at the local shopping centre. $9.95
Checked DSE etc, $4 to $5.

Bugger them, bought a bag load from Hong Kong for that sort of money. I 
think I got an assortment of 30 batteries for around $10, inc postage.
http://www.wizard-from-oz.com/dx_2.html

Still not sure what to do about my $35 battery problem when it arises in 
26 months time. :-)

Cheers Don...





-- 
Don McKenzie

Site Map:            http://www.dontronics.com/sitemap
E-Mail Contact Page: http://www.dontronics.com/email
Web Camera Page:     http://www.dontronics.com/webcam
No More Damn Spam:   http://www.dontronics.com/spam

Breakout, Prototype, Development, & Robotics Boards:
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/sparkfun-electronics.html

Coupon Specials:
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/coupon-specials.html
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#299
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 23:47
8 lines
1851 bytes
"L.A.T." <tt92@ispdr.net.au> wrote in message
news:iCFjm.13314$ze1.10179@news-server.bigpond.net.au...

> Let it run. When it has made up the time it missed
> when it wasn't running it will resume normal speed.
> Not many people know this.

Very good. I got a chuckle out of that.
Re: Now: Omega analogue watch Battery.
#300
Author: terryc
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:50
20 lines
1763 bytes
On Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:32:48 +1000, Don McKenzie wrote:


> I wanted a calculator battery a few months back. The common CR-2032.
> Tried the little battery-clock shops at the local shopping centre. $9.95
> Checked DSE etc, $4 to $5.

Also keep your eye open at $2.
> 
> Bugger them, bought a bag load from Hong Kong for that sort of money. I
> think I got an assortment of 30 batteries for around $10, inc postage.
> http://www.wizard-from-oz.com/dx_2.html

Also available from $2 shops around here (Our 'city' is infested with 
them).

-- 

Great advances in Debian Linux; post a bug report and get spam in three 
days.
Re: Now: Omega analogue watch Battery.
#301
Author: F Murtz
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:27
13 lines
1723 bytes
Tom wrote:
> Don McKenzie wrote:
> 
>> Still not sure what to do about my $35 battery problem when it arises 
>> in 26 months time. :-)
> 
> I've stopped wearing watch about 20 years ago and never missesd it. 
> Funyy thing I've bought a couple since then (I like nice watch) but they 
> just sit in a drawer.
> 
> Tom

Stopped wearing a watch when mobile phones came out.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#302
Author: David L. Jones
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:41
44 lines
3060 bytes
William Sommerwerck wrote:
>> Where do you get the tools, and how much would you expect to pay?
>
> I don't know what the Omega back is like -- it might require some
> special, hard-to-obtain tool -- so I can't give a definitive answer.
>
> The most-common backs use either a slotted ring -- which can often be
> removed with a pair of chain-nose pliars -- or a press-to-fit back,
> which is removed with a "case-back knife".
>
> The latter is simply a knife with a very thin blade. You simply press
> the knife into the seam, and twist a bit. (Well, that's the theory.
> It's sometimes a bit more difficult, and there is the chance of
> scracthing the back.)
>
> These are available from Zantech (http://www.zantechinc.com/store).
> They have all kinds of watch-repair equipment and supplies. You'll
> have fun browsing the site.
>
>
>> I don't want to be a jeweler, but $35, when I know the battery
>> could be purchased $35/100 from China, seems a little rich.
>
> You can get batteries even cheaper than that from Zantech and similar
> companies.
>
> Any jeweler who charges more than $5 for a battery replacement --
> including the battery -- is gouging. Most batteries cost the dealer
> less than 25 cents, and replacing one takes less than five minutes.
> That's a gross profit of more than $50 an hour. Not bad.

That depends on the type of watch.
If you've got a proper 200m pressure rated watch for example, you have to 
(or should) inspect or (more usually) replace the o-ring, grease it up 
again, and do a full pressure test after it's all done.

If you don't like changing batteries, Casio (and probably others) have 
watches rated for a 10 year battery life.

Dave.
-- 
---------------------------------------------
Check out my Electronics Engineering Video Blog & Podcast:
http://www.alternatezone.com/eevblog/ 
Re: Now: Omega analogue watch Battery.
#303
Author: David L. Jones
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:44
23 lines
1982 bytes
F Murtz wrote:
> Tom wrote:
>> Don McKenzie wrote:
>>
>>> Still not sure what to do about my $35 battery problem when it
>>> arises in 26 months time. :-)
>>
>> I've stopped wearing watch about 20 years ago and never missesd it.
>> Funyy thing I've bought a couple since then (I like nice watch) but
>> they just sit in a drawer.
>>
>> Tom
>
> Stopped wearing a watch when mobile phones came out.

I still wear a wrist watch for the same reason I still have a real 
calculator on my desk instead of using the PC.

Dave.
-- 
---------------------------------------------
Check out my Electronics Engineering Video Blog & Podcast:
http://www.alternatezone.com/eevblog/ 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#304
Author: Jerry G.
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:37
43 lines
3313 bytes
I don't know the model of your watch. Omega watches are very expensive
and considered very high end. It would pay to service the watch. Some
models had problems with their timing module. You can send the watch
to an authorized Omega service center to have it repaired. If you go
to the Omega web site, they can assist you to find a service rep
nearest to you. These high end quartz watches require mechanical
service about once every 10 years.

An Omega watch of any kind is a high quality instrument for life. Its
long term accuracy will far exceed any off the shelf lower end watch.
All of their watches meet very strict standards and would recognized
to navigate a ship or an aircraft. If you try to buy one new from a
certified dealer (not something from the net that is not authorized),
their most basic quartz watches in a stainless steel case can start at
about $1800 US and up. If it is a chronometer type watch, they can
start at over $2500 for a basic type.

I have been wearing a mechanical (windup) Omega Speedmaster Mark II
Professional watch since 1974. I was 25 years old when I bought it. I
get it cleaned and maintained by the Omega service people every 4
years. It is mechanical, and over the long term it is more accurate
than any of the other newer watches that I have.


Jerry G.



On Aug 20, 8:29 pm, Franc Zabkar <fzab...@iinternode.on.net> wrote:
> My father gave me his gold watch, a 25 year old Omega analogue quartz.
> It had been lying idle in his drawer with the time-setting pin
> disengaged. After re-engaging the pin, the hands began advancing at 4
> times the normal rate. After 1 hour it has gained 3 hours. I assume
> the crystal is oscillating at a higher overtone, maybe due to a weak
> battery.
>
> In any case I now have a watch to match the reverse Dick Smith wall
> clock above my desk. Maybe I should start collecting misbehaving
> timepieces.
>
> - Franc Zabkar
> --
> Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#305
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:54
8 lines
1723 bytes
> An Omega watch of any kind is a high quality instrument for life. Its
> long term accuracy will far exceed any off the shelf lower end watch.

I've owned "cheap" watches that were accurate to within a few seconds a
month.

This is obviously a matter of taste, but I've always found Omega's case
design fussy and unattractive. Excuse me, that's Rolex. Sorry.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#306
Author: rebel
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:10
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On Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:51:34 +1000, Don McKenzie <5V@2.5A> wrote:

>geoff wrote:
>
>> Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?
>> 
>> geoff 
>
>My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
>They give you a 2 year warranty, and they always run out in 26 months.
>
>Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw away watch, and flogging 
>my engraved gold retirement Omega.

I have an Omega  *real* analog auto-wind (no battery) from the early sixties
that still runs like a swiss clock (cough!).  It has a "one-piece-case" i.e. no
rear access - probably part of the 100m immersion rating.  It needs a special
tool which apparently flexes the glass/perspec/acrylic front to remove it.

Recently had it serviced to assure ongoing watertightness, new stem seals etc
and the front polished to remove scratches.  Probably good for another forty
years - will certainly outlast me.

Also use as my daily drive a Casio which runs about five years between battery
replacements (has barometric altimeter etc).  But the replacement cost of
necessity includes seals and pressure testing, so it runs about $40 a time.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#307
Author: William Sommerwerck
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:47
10 lines
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> I have an Omega *real* analog auto-wind (no battery) from the early
sixties
> that still runs like a swiss clock (cough!).  It has a "one-piece-case"
i.e. no
> rear access -- probably part of the 100m immersion rating. It needs a
special
> tool which apparently flexes the glass/perspec/acrylic front to remove it.

If it's a "good" watch, it has a mineral cover, not plastic. Some watches
have undoped sapphire (aluminum oxide) covers.
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#308
Author: geoff
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:47
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Don McKenzie wrote:
> geoff wrote:
>
>> Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?
>>
>> geoff
>
> My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
> They give you a 2 year warranty, and they always run out in 26 months.

And ?

> Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw away watch, and
> flogging my engraved gold retirement Omega.


I'll give you $35 dollars for it - same cost as the battery you can't 
justify investing in !

geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#309
Author: geoff
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:48
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Don McKenzie wrote:

> So I had to take it to Cobblers Plus Watch Works, and they charged $35
> and gave a 2 year guarantee.
>
> Took it back 26 months later with the receipt, and they wanted to
> charge me the same, so I told them I was going to replace it with a
> junk watch, and they immediately dropped the price to $25.
>
> Where do you get the tools, and how much would you expect to pay?
>
> I don't want to be a jeweler, but at $35, when I know the battery
> could be purchased $35 a 100 from China, seems a little rich.

Last time mine cost $12.50.   Was something like $35 if I wanted it pressure 
tested to it's rated depth.

geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#310
Author: geoff
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:49
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L.A.T. wrote:
> Let it run.
> When it has made up the time it missed when it wasn't running it will
> resume normal speed.
> Not many people know this.


Juist leave it.  It will be spot on twice a day.


geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#311
Author: geoff
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:51
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rebel wrote:
> On Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:51:34 +1000, Don McKenzie <5V@2.5A> wrote:
>
>> geoff wrote:
>>
>>> Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?
>>>
>>> geoff
>>
>> My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
>> They give you a 2 year warranty, and they always run out in 26
>> months.
>>
>> Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw away watch, and
>> flogging my engraved gold retirement Omega.
>
> I have an Omega  *real* analog auto-wind (no battery) from the early
> sixties that still runs like a swiss clock (cough!).

I have a real Omega analogue mechanical watch that I need to wind every day 
by hand.  But I  use my electronic one because it runs just fine for over 2 
years at a time without needing to wind anything.


geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#313
Author: geoff
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:16
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Don McKenzie wrote:
> Best I pass on that one. A gold engraved $2000 retirement watch, will
> end up with the grand kids, when I fall off the perch.
>
> They can then sell it for $35. :-)\

Please pass them my address !

Actually a worthwhile investment in a battery, as it would likely seize up 
in not working for a long period.


geoff 
Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#312
Author: Don McKenzie
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:17
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geoff wrote:
> Don McKenzie wrote:
>> geoff wrote:
>>
>>> Have you thought of maybe changing the battery ?
>>>
>>> geoff
>> My Omega costs $35 a battery change.
>> They give you a 2 year warranty, and they always run out in 26 months.
> 
> And ?
> 
>> Have seriously though of getting a $19.95 throw away watch, and
>> flogging my engraved gold retirement Omega.
> 
> 
> I'll give you $35 dollars for it - same cost as the battery you can't 
> justify investing in !
> 
> geoff 

:-)

thanks Geoff, caught me out!

Best I pass on that one. A gold engraved $2000 retirement watch, will 
end up with the grand kids, when I fall off the perch.

They can then sell it for $35. :-)

Don...





-- 
Don McKenzie

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Re: Amusing failure in Omega analogue watch
#314
Author: rebel
Date: Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:04
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On Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:47:24 -0700, "William Sommerwerck"
<grizzledgeezer@comcast.net> wrote:

>> I have an Omega *real* analog auto-wind (no battery) from the early
>sixties
>> that still runs like a swiss clock (cough!).  It has a "one-piece-case"
>i.e. no
>> rear access -- probably part of the 100m immersion rating. It needs a
>special
>> tool which apparently flexes the glass/perspec/acrylic front to remove it.
>
>If it's a "good" watch, it has a mineral cover, not plastic. Some watches
>have undoped sapphire (aluminum oxide) covers.

It's a *good* one.  That's why I was vague/multi-biguous about the material, as
it obviously has to flex for removal.
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