[franklyfresh]

Hello! I have never worn or owned a watch before and am seeking the advice of this eminent community to avoid mistakes that I would undoubtedly make if left to my own proclivities. I will be taking delivery of an Omega Speedmaster later this week and am hoping to learn the basics of ownership, maintenance, and care. I have some specific questions outlined below, but due to my inexperience, any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.

General Questions:

• If you could provide any guidance to your younger & uninitiated self, prior to the time you received your very first watch, what would it be?
• Are there any "must own" accessories or tools that I should purchase in addition to the below?
  • The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt
  • Bergeon watch bracelet holder
  • Bergeon 7767 spring bar tool
  • Horotec 1.20mm screwdriver
• I am interested in replacing the stock bracelet with a leather strap - what are the commonly recommended manufacturers of straps / where should I begin looking for one to purchase? Alternatively - is there a way to purchase original Omega straps?

Maintenance:

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?
• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?
• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?

Clean/Care:

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?
• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?
• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to handguns/machine parts?
• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?
• Is humidity controlled storage important

Like I mentioned earlier, any and all advice or tips is greatly appreciated. I am very anxious to own a speedmaster as my very first watch so am hoping to conduct the proper due diligence regarding responsible ownership. Thank you all for the help!!

 

[sticky]

A bit of spit and a microfibre cloth works wonders for cleaning watches. If it was my used Speedy I’d have it serviced now to “reset the clock” so to speak. A seven year service interval is what I work to on mechanicals. On all watches with a date get into the habit of setting the time to 6 ish before fast setting the date to ensure that you are outside the danger period. Not all watches have a danger period when the date should not be fast changed but I find it a good habit to get into.

 

[mav]

Hey @franklyfresh! Congrats on your Speedmaster and welcome to WUS!

Watch advice to my younger self - Quality over quantity always and one in, one out are two good philosophies that I learned over time and through a lot of trial and error to keep things somewhat under control.

Accessories.

Here are some that I have and read/use...

A Man and His Watch: A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them: Hranek, Matt: 9781579657147: Amazon.com: Books
Bergeon 3153 Watch Spring Bar Removal Tool: Amazon.com: Bergeon 3153 Watch Spring Bar Removal Tool: Watches
Bergeon 6899-P05 Set of 5 Watchmakers Ergonomic Screwdrivers Swiss Tools: Amazon.com: Bergeon 6899-P05 Set of 5 Watchmakers Ergonomic Screwdrivers Swiss Tools: Watches

The screwdriver set is pricey but worth it IMO. The last thing you want is to use a cheap screwdriver and damage your watch.

Leather Strap: Try Bulang & Sons: Bulang and Sons - Style for Watch Lovers

I personally have an Omega NATO on my vintage Speedmaster that has aged very well, almost matching the watch.

Maintenance.

The Speedmaster generally needs servicing every 4 to 5 years with daily use. There are various schools of thought here. Some will service their watch every 5 years no matter what. I personally subscribe to the notion of if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So for me, when the watch starts to run poorly or just stops, I'll have it serviced.

If you don't plan to wear it for a few days, I would let the watch run down to avoid unnecessary wear and tear of the movement while it's not in use. Winding it back up and resetting the time is pretty quick anyways.

Sounds like you have one of the co-axial Speedmaster, right? If so, when setting the date, avoid changing dates between 9pm and 3am due to potential damage to the movement. I usually set the time in the morning, go past one full 24 hour day cycle so the date changes when passing midnight, set it to whatever time in the morning, then set the date.

Cleaning.

Other than the rare "bath" with warm water and a mild soap, I don't worry about cleaning it. If you plan to ever expose it to saltwater, rinse it off with freshwater.

Good luck!

 

[OmegaP99]

Congrats and welcome, and I can appreciate all the research you've put into this new hobby. You will do well with that analytical mindset.

I'll try and avoid repeating what was said already but to go through some of your points...

General
-Advice to younger self, you did it right by buying quality watches from the start, that's what I did too. First watches were Omega, GP, Tudor, IWC, etc., ho all vintage from the 30's to the 50's. I never owned a watch that wasn't Swiss until I got the new Seiko Turtle that's in my signature line.
-Insure them on your homeowner's policy as "scheduled" so you can name the watches value, update it as necessary, and in the event it's lost, damaged, or stolen you will be completely covered. This sort of coverage even protects you if you drop the watch or lose it yourself, so no worry about wearing it as often as you like.
-I love The Watch Boys out of Canada for straps, they make different lengths and also many styles to match factory options. They deliver quickly and even have options for deployant clasps (this is the correct word, it is never "deployment" unless you are sending your watch off to battle somewhere), which I prefer on many straps, because it is less likely you will drop the watch when removing it as it remains as a "loop" on your wrist.
-You can buy original Omega straps but outside of retailers ($$$) you need to be very careful as replica straps are just as common on websites as replica watches. If you know what you're getting, that's one thing, but some are sold at high prices that make you think you're getting the real deal.

Maintenance
-I service a watch when it loses accuracy beyond a reasonable limit. Or if you hear anything unusual, which could be a loose rotor rubbing the inside caseback, or if any functions show problems like chrono won't operate properly or reset the hands to zero.
-You can get a cheap watch winder on Amazon to keep it fully wound and nt have to worry about the date setting, etc. Personally I like engaging with my watch so I would wind it up every morning. Everyone has their preferences. I'm curious why you don't think you would wear it daily and keep it wound naturally if this is your only watch? If it's inappropriate for your work place then maybe wear it when you;re at home so you can enjoy it more and keep it wound up.

Clean
-I think the soapy water method is a terrible idea. I prefer to use a dry method, especially if the watch isn't brand new and under warranty, as seals/gaskets could have degraded, or a previous owner opened it up and didn't seal it properly. For this I prefer those little double ended brushes that come with electric razors. That can clean the gunk out of fine crevices and bracelets, casebacks, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Soap reduces the surface tension of water and can allow it to ingress even easier so I would avoid that personally. No need to blow dry, just wipe it off with the cloth after if you do use a wet method, and if you do, consider dampening a cloth rather than dunking the watch or applying liquid directly to the watch. There is a small, but extant, chance that the flow of the blow dryer air could force water past a failed seal that would otherwise keep moisture out.
-A watch requires no oiling other than by the professionals when it's serviced. The amounts, types, and locations of oil is very specific and necessary for a properly functioning watch.
-A stainless steel watch would stand up to chemical and solvent exposure but I would never apply anything like this to your watch intentionally.
-If properly sealed humidy should be a non-issue as your watch is sealed against moisture intrusion. I will add that for vintage pieces especially, never store a watch in a completely sealed plastic bag or box for example as that can cause some corrosion issues on some watches, especially those with normal winding crowns and snap backs, not screw-down.

The best advice is to wear it often and enjoy it. Don't worry about scratches or dings. When you service it (at someplace like Nesbits in Seattle), be sure to request they keep original parts where possible in place, and if removed, include them in the return package back to you and keep with the watch or have them put back on. Originality is key.

 

[OnlyOneMore]

Maintenance:

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?
• Because you don't know the service history I would recommend having a full service done when you receive the watch. Then you'll know that it's good and you can set the service history to zero and know where you're at moving into the future. If you're unable or unwilling to do this, you can take it to a watchmaker who can put the watch on a timegrapher which can give a pretty good view of how the watch is running and where in a service cycle it might be
• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?
• You can let it run down or if you don't want to do that you can pick up a winder which essentially tumbles your watch and keeps it wound between wearings. It also doubles as an interesting way to display your watch
• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?
• Other than a routine service every 5-7 years there's nothing to do other than giving it a periodic wipe to keep it looking good

Clean/Care:

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?
• I personally don't do anything on a regular basis. If the watch starts to get gunked up a going over with water and a soft brush as you said. One thing I would be aware of though is if you don't know the service history I'd be very hesitant to submerge the watch. Seals age with time and you don't want to find out the hard way that your watch is no longer as water resistant as it once was
• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?
• No need. Wipe it down and let it air dry
• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to handguns/machine parts?
• This is done as part of a watchmakers service. There is nothing a mere mortal should oil on a watch. Leave it to a professional
• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?
• All of them. Other than water and a mild soap, you should avoid getting chemicals of any sort on your watch. They may damage the crystal, seals, or appearance.
• Is humidity controlled storage important
• No

 

[rdoss27]

General Questions:

• If you could provide any guidance to your younger & uninitiated self, prior to the time you received your very first watch, what would it be?

Buy what you like. Don't let others dictate your opininon. Don't buy things unless you love them. Don't buy things because they're a good deal. Learn what you like, do your research, and then buy what suits your interests.

• Are there any "must own" accessories or tools that I should purchase in addition to the below?
  • The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt
  • Bergeon watch bracelet holder
  • Bergeon 7767 spring bar tool
  • Horotec 1.20mm screwdriver

I only use a spring bar tool, a small watch box, and some microfiber cloths.

• I am interested in replacing the stock bracelet with a leather strap - what are the commonly recommended manufacturers of straps / where should I begin looking for one to purchase? Alternatively - is there a way to purchase original Omega straps?

I like using Holben's watch straps. Good selection and prices. For your Omega straps, that may be a pricy option.

Maintenance:

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?

For an unknown, take it to a professional for servicing. From there, you can discuss based on the current condition, age, etc. to determine future work.

• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?

You shouldn't worry too much. If the time is lost, reset the time and shake it side to side for about 30 seconds.

• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?

Regularly scheduled servicing that you should determine with a professional.

Clean/Care:

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?

With a microfiber cloth, but I will not willingly expose my watches to water for risking water getting inside and leading to rust. Need it cleaned? Take it in while servicing.

• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?

Just no.

• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to andguns/machine parts?

Your professional watch repairman will do this during a service.

• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?

Just keep it away.

• Is humidity controlled storage important

For most watches, no. Some older mechanical ones were subject to inaccuracy due to temperature fluctuation, but you should be fine.

 

[Moscato]

I wish my 1st watch was a Speedmaster...

Congratulations and welcome

 

[Alysandir]

• If you could provide any guidance to your younger & uninitiated self, prior to the time you received your very first watch, what would it be?

Do your homework. Understand the watch; not just its functions, but how it works and WHY it was designed the way it was. And if you're planning on spending a significant amount of money, do your homework about the various brands within your price point. Understand their history, their designs, their "why we did it this way" reasons. My first THREE "luxury" watches were all fails*, because I really had no idea what the Hell I was doing and just bought stuff I thought I liked.

*: if you flipped it, or it's sitting in a drawer collecting dust, it's a fail

• Are there any "must own" accessories or tools that I should purchase in addition to the below?
  • The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt
  • Bergeon watch bracelet holder
  • Bergeon 7767 spring bar tool
  • Horotec 1.20mm screwdriver

It depends on what you plan on doing with the watch. If you're not planning on strap or bracelet changes - or plan on bringing your watch to the AD to have them do it - then those tools are largely unnecessary. No idea about the book.

• I am interested in replacing the stock bracelet with a leather strap - what are the commonly recommended manufacturers of straps / where should I begin looking for one to purchase? Alternatively - is there a way to purchase original Omega straps?

If you have an Omega AD in your area, you can go through them, obviously. For that matter, any AD with a brand under the Swatch Group should be able to order you straps and accessories from SGUSA. Finally, there's good old FleaBay; I've purchase a number of OEM Omega straps and clasps from there.

As to other manufacturers of straps, there's quite a few to choose from. This is another, "do your homework scenario. But having said that, be aware that if you're planning to use Omega's minderless deployant clasp, that it's designed for a particular kind of strap; regular straps might not work very well with it. Conversely, a pin-buckle cannot be applied to Omega's deployant straps. So just be mindful that what you're ordering goes with the hardware you're planning to use.

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?

You don't. If you know the model year, you can determine whether the watch is inside of its original service window, but failing that, you should assume the watch hasn't been serviced. I would also assume that the seals haven't been checked regularly, which is something you'll probably want to do upon receiving the watch.

• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?

Some folks will say, "buy a winder," and that's certainly one option. But at the risk of sounding like a turd, here's a magical solution that works just as well: pick up the watch and wind it manually. It is true that the winding stems on many automatic watches are not as robust as watches that are meant to be manually wound, but that's really the only choice you have if you want to keep it wound and don't want to buy a winder.

Having said that, you can always just let it deplete. So it depletes; so what? You pick it up, give it a few quick winds, set the time (and date if need be), put it on your wrist and go.

• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?

Check your watches seals annually. As I said above, you'll want to do this upon receipt of the watch unless the seller can give you assurances otherwise (and even then, I would trust my own validation over someone else's).

Beyond that, if the watch sits in a watch box for a prolonged period of time, at least once a month wind it up and let it run. This is done to keep the lubricants from congealing over time.

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?

Well, periodic rinse is really all a watch needs. If it's particularly oily or cruddy, a soft toothbrush and dish soap with warm water will usually set things to right. Not sure that a watch needs to be submerged to get clean, however. And I would definitely stay away from sonic cleaners for jewelry.

• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?

Just pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Trust me when I say you'll start collecting these the way some folks collect pens or Bic lighters.

• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to handguns/machine parts?

Only when the watch is serviced. Otherwise, just leave it be.

• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?

In my experience, battery acid, hydrochloric acid, molten lava, etc CAN damage your watch.

But seriously, this is a hunk of metal and leather, hesalite or sapphire, with rubber seals designed to keep out moisture from the watch internals. Care for it accordingly. Many will say that if you swim in salt or chlorinated water to rinse it off with fresh water, but since you're putting it on leather strap, I'm going to assume you aren't swimming with it.

• Is humidity controlled storage important

Absolutely. Whenever my watches are sitting on my wrist, I absolutely want them to be in a humidity-controlled environment. Otherwise, the little guys are troopers and don't complain.

Good luck with your purchase!

Regards,
Alysandir

 

[u2bdet]

Don't know how far you are along in the purchase of the Omega ...BUT when looking for pre owned pieces one of the 1st questions to ask is "Service History?" Documentation ?
and factor that into your purchase x $ for no history or X for Documented Service (from bonafide watchmaker) It's a definite negotiation factor in a purchase as chrono service can get a bit pricey

 

[Nokie]

Buy what YOU like

Use this site to "educate" yourself on how a watch works, the different types, etc

Always buy the seller first

 

[franklyfresh]

On all watches with a date get into the habit of setting the time to 6 ish before fast setting the date to ensure that you are outside the danger period. Not all watches have a danger period when the date should not be fast changed but I find it a good habit to get into.

I did not realize there was such a thing as a "danger period"! Thank you for calling that out for me!

Congrats on your Speedmaster and welcome to WUS!

Watch advice to my younger self - Quality over quantity always and one in, one out are two good philosophies that I learned over time and through a lot of trial and error to keep things somewhat under control.

Accessories.

Here are some that I have and read/use...

A Man and His Watch: A Man & His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them: Hranek, Matt: 9781579657147: Amazon.com: Books
Bergeon 3153 Watch Spring Bar Removal Tool: Amazon.com: Bergeon 3153 Watch Spring Bar Removal Tool: Watches
Bergeon 6899-P05 Set of 5 Watchmakers Ergonomic Screwdrivers Swiss Tools: Amazon.com: Bergeon 6899-P05 Set of 5 Watchmakers Ergonomic Screwdrivers Swiss Tools: Watches

The screwdriver set is pricey but worth it IMO. The last thing you want is to use a cheap screwdriver and damage your watch.

Leather Strap: Try Bulang & Sons: Bulang and Sons - Style for Watch Lovers

I personally have an Omega NATO on my vintage Speedmaster that has aged very well, almost matching the watch.

Maintenance.

The Speedmaster generally needs servicing every 4 to 5 years with daily use. There are various schools of thought here. Some will service their watch every 5 years no matter what. I personally subscribe to the notion of if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So for me, when the watch starts to run poorly or just stops, I'll have it serviced.

If you don't plan to wear it for a few days, I would let the watch run down to avoid unnecessary wear and tear of the movement while it's not in use. Winding it back up and resetting the time is pretty quick anyways.

Sounds like you have one of the co-axial Speedmaster, right? If so, when setting the date, avoid changing dates between 9pm and 3am due to potential damage to the movement. I usually set the time in the morning, go past one full 24 hour day cycle so the date changes when passing midnight, set it to whatever time in the morning, then set the date.

Cleaning.

Other than the rare "bath" with warm water and a mild soap, I don't worry about cleaning it. If you plan to ever expose it to saltwater, rinse it off with freshwater.

Good luck!

Thank you for the warm welcome! Your response was very helpful and I will be adding your book recommendation to my list! Can I ask what you use the screwdrivers for? Is it typically just for adjusting bracelet links / adding straps? I have no clue if my speedmaster is co-axial... It is a 2002 Omega Speedmaster ref 3551.20.00.

Congrats and welcome, and I can appreciate all the research you've put into this new hobby. You will do well with that analytical mindset.

I'll try and avoid repeating what was said already but to go through some of your points...

General
-Advice to younger self, you did it right by buying quality watches from the start, that's what I did too. First watches were Omega, GP, Tudor, IWC, etc., ho all vintage from the 30's to the 50's. I never owned a watch that wasn't Swiss until I got the new Seiko Turtle that's in my signature line.
-Insure them on your homeowner's policy as "scheduled" so you can name the watches value, update it as necessary, and in the event it's lost, damaged, or stolen you will be completely covered. This sort of coverage even protects you if you drop the watch or lose it yourself, so no worry about wearing it as often as you like.
-I love The Watch Boys out of Canada for straps, they make different lengths and also many styles to match factory options. They deliver quickly and even have options for deployant clasps (this is the correct word, it is never "deployment" unless you are sending your watch off to battle somewhere), which I prefer on many straps, because it is less likely you will drop the watch when removing it as it remains as a "loop" on your wrist.
-You can buy original Omega straps but outside of retailers ($$$) you need to be very careful as replica straps are just as common on websites as replica watches. If you know what you're getting, that's one thing, but some are sold at high prices that make you think you're getting the real deal.

Maintenance
-I service a watch when it loses accuracy beyond a reasonable limit. Or if you hear anything unusual, which could be a loose rotor rubbing the inside caseback, or if any functions show problems like chrono won't operate properly or reset the hands to zero.
-You can get a cheap watch winder on Amazon to keep it fully wound and nt have to worry about the date setting, etc. Personally I like engaging with my watch so I would wind it up every morning. Everyone has their preferences. I'm curious why you don't think you would wear it daily and keep it wound naturally if this is your only watch? If it's inappropriate for your work place then maybe wear it when you;re at home so you can enjoy it more and keep it wound up.

Clean
-I think the soapy water method is a terrible idea. I prefer to use a dry method, especially if the watch isn't brand new and under warranty, as seals/gaskets could have degraded, or a previous owner opened it up and didn't seal it properly. For this I prefer those little double ended brushes that come with electric razors. That can clean the gunk out of fine crevices and bracelets, casebacks, and then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Soap reduces the surface tension of water and can allow it to ingress even easier so I would avoid that personally. No need to blow dry, just wipe it off with the cloth after if you do use a wet method, and if you do, consider dampening a cloth rather than dunking the watch or applying liquid directly to the watch. There is a small, but extant, chance that the flow of the blow dryer air could force water past a failed seal that would otherwise keep moisture out.
-A watch requires no oiling other than by the professionals when it's serviced. The amounts, types, and locations of oil is very specific and necessary for a properly functioning watch.
-A stainless steel watch would stand up to chemical and solvent exposure but I would never apply anything like this to your watch intentionally.
-If properly sealed humidy should be a non-issue as your watch is sealed against moisture intrusion. I will add that for vintage pieces especially, never store a watch in a completely sealed plastic bag or box for example as that can cause some corrosion issues on some watches, especially those with normal winding crowns and snap backs, not screw-down.

The best advice is to wear it often and enjoy it. Don't worry about scratches or dings. When you service it (at someplace like Nesbits in Seattle), be sure to request they keep original parts where possible in place, and if removed, include them in the return package back to you and keep with the watch or have them put back on. Originality is key.

Thank you OmegaP99! I did not even think about adding the watch to my insurance. I am only 28 years old so things that may be obvious to proper adults many times slips my mind, thank you for that tip. Similarly, your advise on replica Omega straps/clasps is very much appreciated - I had not considered this and will be cautious to consider suspect listings. And finally, I am glad you called out potential issues with gasket/seals making a water bath a bad idea... another point I did not consider. The watch I am receiving does not come with service history so I will definitely be hyper vigilant in how I clean. Thank you for the welcome and all the great advice!

Regarding why I wouldn't wear my only watch daily... I am a bit self-conscious about wearing it at work as I am not sure how it would come off if someone noticed the brand. Although I am in corporate sales, the culture is midwest casual vs. east coast finance/consulting/law. I would like to make this watch my daily but am wary of coming off as pompous.

Maintenance:

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?
• Because you don't know the service history I would recommend having a full service done when you receive the watch. Then you'll know that it's good and you can set the service history to zero and know where you're at moving into the future. If you're unable or unwilling to do this, you can take it to a watchmaker who can put the watch on a timegrapher which can give a pretty good view of how the watch is running and where in a service cycle it might be
• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?
• You can let it run down or if you don't want to do that you can pick up a winder which essentially tumbles your watch and keeps it wound between wearings. It also doubles as an interesting way to display your watch
• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?
• Other than a routine service every 5-7 years there's nothing to do other than giving it a periodic wipe to keep it looking good

Clean/Care:

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?
• I personally don't do anything on a regular basis. If the watch starts to get gunked up a going over with water and a soft brush as you said. One thing I would be aware of though is if you don't know the service history I'd be very hesitant to submerge the watch. Seals age with time and you don't want to find out the hard way that your watch is no longer as water resistant as it once was
• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?
• No need. Wipe it down and let it air dry
• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to handguns/machine parts?
• This is done as part of a watchmakers service. There is nothing a mere mortal should oil on a watch. Leave it to a professional
• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?
• All of them. Other than water and a mild soap, you should avoid getting chemicals of any sort on your watch. They may damage the crystal, seals, or appearance.
• Is humidity controlled storage important
• No

Thank you for covering the fundamentals for me, sir. I did not know a timegrapher was a thing... thank you for that tip! Do you know how much a full service would typically cost vs. having the watchmaker put the watch on a timegrapher for cycle estimation?

General Questions:

• If you could provide any guidance to your younger & uninitiated self, prior to the time you received your very first watch, what would it be?

Buy what you like. Don't let others dictate your opininon. Don't buy things unless you love them. Don't buy things because they're a good deal. Learn what you like, do your research, and then buy what suits your interests.

• Are there any "must own" accessories or tools that I should purchase in addition to the below?
  • The Wristwatch Handbook by Ryan Schmidt
  • Bergeon watch bracelet holder
  • Bergeon 7767 spring bar tool
  • Horotec 1.20mm screwdriver

I only use a spring bar tool, a small watch box, and some microfiber cloths.

• I am interested in replacing the stock bracelet with a leather strap - what are the commonly recommended manufacturers of straps / where should I begin looking for one to purchase? Alternatively - is there a way to purchase original Omega straps?

I like using Holben's watch straps. Good selection and prices. For your Omega straps, that may be a pricy option.

Maintenance:

• The service history on the watch I will receive is unknown - how would I know when/if it needs to receive professional servicing?

For an unknown, take it to a professional for servicing. From there, you can discuss based on the current condition, age, etc. to determine future work.

• This watch in particular is self-winding with a power reserve of 55hrs - what should I do if I do not plan on wearing the watch for 2-3 days to prevent the reserve depleting?

You shouldn't worry too much. If the time is lost, reset the time and shake it side to side for about 30 seconds.

• Is there any periodic maintenance that should be preformed on a watch?

Regularly scheduled servicing that you should determine with a professional.

Clean/Care:

• How do you clean or wash a watch? YouTube videos shows cleaning in a shallow bucket of tap water with dish detergent and soft brush - is this the predominant way to clean?

With a microfiber cloth, but I will not willingly expose my watches to water for risking water getting inside and leading to rust. Need it cleaned? Take it in while servicing.

• Can I use a blow dryer on "cool" heat setting to dry off the watch after cleaning?

Just no.

• Do you need to oil/grease a watch? Similar to andguns/machine parts?

Your professional watch repairman will do this during a service.

• Are there any chemicals/solvents/etc to avoid?

Just keep it away.

• Is humidity controlled storage important

For most watches, no. Some older mechanical ones were subject to inaccuracy due to temperature fluctuation, but you should be fine.

Thank you for your reply! I honestly thought letting the power reserve expire was a much bigger deal than I am learning it is. I will likely not deal with an autowinder and just wind the watch when necessary / follow your advise. Thanks again!

I wish my 1st watch was a Speedmaster...

Congratulations and welcome

Moscato, thank you for the welcome sir - I am indeed very lucky & grateful!

Do your homework. Understand the watch; not just its functions, but how it works and WHY it was designed the way it was. And if you're planning on spending a significant amount of money, do your homework about the various brands within your price point. Understand their history, their designs, their "why we did it this way" reasons. My first THREE "luxury" watches were all fails*, because I really had no idea what the Hell I was doing and just bought stuff I thought I liked.

*: if you flipped it, or it's sitting in a drawer collecting dust, it's a fail

It depends on what you plan on doing with the watch. If you're not planning on strap or bracelet changes - or plan on bringing your watch to the AD to have them do it - then those tools are largely unnecessary. No idea about the book.

If you have an Omega AD in your area, you can go through them, obviously. For that matter, any AD with a brand under the Swatch Group should be able to order you straps and accessories from SGUSA. Finally, there's good old FleaBay; I've purchase a number of OEM Omega straps and clasps from there.

As to other manufacturers of straps, there's quite a few to choose from. This is another, "do your homework scenario. But having said that, be aware that if you're planning to use Omega's minderless deployant clasp, that it's designed for a particular kind of strap; regular straps might not work very well with it. Conversely, a pin-buckle cannot be applied to Omega's deployant straps. So just be mindful that what you're ordering goes with the hardware you're planning to use.

You don't. If you know the model year, you can determine whether the watch is inside of its original service window, but failing that, you should assume the watch hasn't been serviced. I would also assume that the seals haven't been checked regularly, which is something you'll probably want to do upon receiving the watch.

Some folks will say, "buy a winder," and that's certainly one option. But at the risk of sounding like a turd, here's a magical solution that works just as well: pick up the watch and wind it manually. It is true that the winding stems on many automatic watches are not as robust as watches that are meant to be manually wound, but that's really the only choice you have if you want to keep it wound and don't want to buy a winder.

Having said that, you can always just let it deplete. So it depletes; so what? You pick it up, give it a few quick winds, set the time (and date if need be), put it on your wrist and go.

Check your watches seals annually. As I said above, you'll want to do this upon receipt of the watch unless the seller can give you assurances otherwise (and even then, I would trust my own validation over someone else's).

Beyond that, if the watch sits in a watch box for a prolonged period of time, at least once a month wind it up and let it run. This is done to keep the lubricants from congealing over time.

Well, periodic rinse is really all a watch needs. If it's particularly oily or cruddy, a soft toothbrush and dish soap with warm water will usually set things to right. Not sure that a watch needs to be submerged to get clean, however. And I would definitely stay away from sonic cleaners for jewelry.

Just pat it dry with a microfiber cloth. Trust me when I say you'll start collecting these the way some folks collect pens or Bic lighters.

Only when the watch is serviced. Otherwise, just leave it be.

In my experience, battery acid, hydrochloric acid, molten lava, etc CAN damage your watch.

But seriously, this is a hunk of metal and leather, hesalite or sapphire, with rubber seals designed to keep out moisture from the watch internals. Care for it accordingly. Many will say that if you swim in salt or chlorinated water to rinse it off with fresh water, but since you're putting it on leather strap, I'm going to assume you aren't swimming with it.

Absolutely. Whenever my watches are sitting on my wrist, I absolutely want them to be in a humidity-controlled environment. Otherwise, the little guys are troopers and don't complain.

Good luck with your purchase!

Regards,
Alysandir

Alysandir, thank you for your detailed response! Do you have any advice for me on differentiating an authentic OEM clasp vs. a replica? So far, I am just comparing high-resolution photos/videos of certified authentic clasps with the images on eBay. I also did not consider pin-buckle straps would not be compatible so thank you for that watch out. It appears I overestimated the importance of keeping a watch powered, I will likely just let the watch expire rather than deal with an autowinder. And finally, I am adding having the seals checked by an AD to the list of tasks to do immediately after receipt - thank you for emphasizing the importance of that.

Don't know how far you are along in the purchase of the Omega ...BUT when looking for pre owned pieces one of the 1st questions to ask is "Service History?" Documentation ?
and factor that into your purchase x $ for no history or X for Documented Service (from bonafide watchmaker) It's a definite negotiation factor in a purchase as chrono service can get a bit pricey

The watch is with USPS and on its ways to me - but I got the watch for an amazing deal from a trusted seller so the lack of service history was definitely factored in. For future reference, do you know what the typical price of a full service would cost?

Buy what YOU like

Use this site to "educate" yourself on how a watch works, the different types, etc

Always buy the seller first

Thank you sir - I will try my best to follow this advice. I tend to be overly trusting and give strangers the benefit of the doubt so I will heed your words on "always buy the seller first".

 

[OmegaP99]

Regarding why I wouldn't wear my only watch daily... I am a bit self-conscious about wearing it at work as I am not sure how it would come off if someone noticed the brand. Although I am in corporate sales, the culture is midwest casual vs. east coast finance/consulting/law. I would like to make this watch my daily but am wary of coming off as pompous.

F*** 'em.
Seriously. You bought the watch for you not them right? Wear it whenever YOU feel like it because I will tell you that most people today don't look at watches, if they do most have no idea what an Omega is, if they do then you just made a new watch buddy to share your passion with.

Thank you for your reply! I honestly thought letting the power reserve expire was a much bigger deal than I am learning it is. I will likely not deal with an autowinder and just wind the watch when necessary / follow your advise. Thanks again!

He's right, despite my suggestion to get a winder I've never owned one. I just wind them all up every morning.

 

[tfost]

Buy what you like. Don't let others dictate your opininon. Don't buy things unless you love them. Don't buy things because they're a good deal. Learn what you like, do your research, and then buy what suits your interests.

This ⬆
Took me a while to figure that out.
Wear it daily and enjoy!
And welcome to WUS!

 

[Alysandir]

Alysandir, thank you for your detailed response! Do you have any advice for me on differentiating an authentic OEM clasp vs. a replica?

There is a saying in the watch community: "buy the seller as much as the watch." Meaning, the importance of trusting the seller cannot be overstated and is the best way to help ensure that you are not paying for anything that isn't the genuine article. For trust, there's nothing that beats buying directly from Omega or sister brand who can order from the SGUSA catalog. One such dealer that is highly respected here - and has a presence on WUS - is Topper Jewelers; I bought my Globemaster from Topper and he made it dirt simple. I don't know for certain that he would order accessories, but it doesn't hurt to ask. You might also try Little Treasury Jewelers, who I have many years of business with; ask for Chris Alexopulos and just tell him someone on WatchUSeek recommended them. Both can be found on Google.

It appears I overestimated the importance of keeping a watch powered, I will likely just let the watch expire rather than deal with an autowinder.

As mav said earlier, it's good to let a watch wind down from time to time, as this reduces wear-and-tear on the watch. About the only exception to this is a watch with a lot of complications, like a perpetual calendar with moonphase. Not that you can't let one run down, and not that it isn't good for the watch to be at rest, but it's a right pain-in-the-ass to set all the complications again. But for time-only? Letting it run down is easy enough to spin back up from, especially if you can tolerate not having the seconds hand perfectly synchronized to atomic clock.

Regards,
Alysandir

 

[Alysandir]

F*** 'em.
Seriously. You bought the watch for you not them right? Wear it whenever YOU feel like it because I will tell you that most people today don't look at watches, if they do most have no idea what an Omega is, if they do then you just made a new watch buddy to share your passion with.

Just to piggyback on OmegaP99's comment, you will learn fairly quickly that - unless you live in a watch-saturated area - most people won't give two shakes about what you have on your wrist, unless it's something like the fabled Leopardona:

Conversely, a 2002 Speedmaster? I think it's fair to say no one will think you are being a show-off; that is a very conservative, non-flashy watch. And the print on the dial is so teeny-tiny that the only people who will know that it's an Omega are those who know watches, and those guys wouldn't think you're showing off either.

EDIT: Okay, it's late and I need to go to bed. I thought I was adding on to OmegaP99's comment, but it turns out I just regurgitated it almost word for word. Ugh. Well, at least you get to enjoy the Leopardona photo.

Regards,
Alysandir

 

[benderVIE]

Congratulations! You have now entered the rabbit hole and nothing will ever be the same.

My advice : start noticing other people's watches and compliment them on them. But don't expect anyone ever noticing yours. Us WIS are rare in the real world, but we always love to be asked about our watches.
(this also means: don't worry about coming off as pompous - those not in the know won't ever realise that you are wearing a 5k+ watch. And those in the know will likely appreciate it.)

Don't worry too much about your watch. In time, it will collect scratches. That is fine. Don't let it distract you from your joy.

And lastly : play around with straps, it is a great way to match your watch to outfits and enjoy it even more.

 

[jimanchower]

Clean your bracelet regularly; monthly is a good starting point for a watch worn daily. I use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush, then rinse with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Somehow I'm always amazed at how much gunk comes off. It's important to get that grit out of there to prevent it from wearing away at the pivot points on the bracelet. I clean the watch itself in the same manner at the same time (although I don't typically submerge the watch).

Get a time-tracking app for your phone and use it to determine how the watch runs in different positions: on-wrist, dial up, crown up, crown down, etc. You can also take note of how the watch runs when fully wound versus when the mainspring's power is depleted.

Don't change straps after your third bourbon of the evening. Use the proper tools and proper technique, and take your time.

Go ahead and pick up a demagnetizer. They're less than $10 and will almost certainly come in handy.

 

[Aspyred]

Don't change straps after your third bourbon of the evening. Use the proper tools and proper technique, and take your time.

I've lost so many springbars this way...

 

[OmegaP99]

I've lost so many springbars this way...

I have created may one-eyed cats this way.
(Totally kidding!!!)

 

[OnlyOneMore]

Don't change straps after your third bourbon of the evening. Use the proper tools and proper technique, and take your time.

I didn't think it was possible to change a springbar sober. It's pretty much a requirement to have a few before you have the courage to start digging at your watch with a sharp piece of metal