US Army Omega

[jim1228]

I have a 1948 US Army Omega men’s wrist watch. I can not get the case opened. It has a smooth back with no groves or lip. The crystal does not come with a crystal lift. I have tried suction and the rubber ball with No luck. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks,
Jim

[tmac1956]

Jim:

If you use a dropper to apply PB Blaster to the threads and let it set for 24 hours, you should be able to get it loose. In conjunction with the PB Blaster, I’ve used this case remover with great results.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rubber-Suction-Type-Case-Opener-/271210531783?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f25684bc7

The vinyl ball should be good as well. It’s usually just pure filth that gums up the threads and keeps the case lid on tight.

I hope this helps,
Tom

[jim1228]

Hey Tom,
I have tried exactly what you suggested. No go. I was a bit concerned about how much PB to use, maybe I should use more. I also have the same case remover. I’m stumped why this back has no groves on it for a screw off.
Thanks,

Jim

[david pierce]

Jim,
Are you sure it is a screw off back?
david

[jim1228]

I have opened many watches but this one has got me stumped. Like I said in my first post, there is no lip or grove.

Jim

[david pierce]

Jim,
Your Omega watch probably has a snap on back. Look again under magnification to check for a groove. If you can find it you can remove the back with a case knife. Omega also had a model (Cosmic) that was a one piece case. A one piece case can be removed with a small amount of compressed air pumped in through the stem collar which will blow out the crystal. I am pretty sure however that your watch has a snap on back and can be pried off with a case knife once you locate the groove.
david

[willofiam]

Hey Jim, did you try the big hammer yet? 😆 sorry, cant help yah but I did want to say you did a great job on the photos. Hope you get this figured out. Have a wonderful day. William

[stevefitzwater]

Here is a video of the procedure David was referring to, in the video he is using a normal watch case, so if it has a split stem, it might work for you..

[jim1228]

Hey Steve,
Thanks for sharing that video. I am still trying to figure this out.
William, My brain can figure out some things sometimes but I am thinking about that hammer. Haha

Jim

[mrroundel]

This looks like the same type of case that Girard-Perregaux used with their forties vintage Seahawks. They do indeed have the split stem. If so, it needs to be removed by removing the stem, then pushing the movement out of the bezel through the back. It is the same type of case used by Benrus. I happen to have a Benrus tool for this. I don’t think it’s necessary, but it makes it easier, and probably better when putting it back together. In fact, I may not have had the tool when I serviced my Seahawk, but it’s been quite a few years since I did that.

I’ll attach a jpeg of the instructions for removal with the Benrus Waterproof case design. Again, I believe that this is what your Omega is. I’ll try to check back later to see if I can offer more assistance. I’m not expert, but I have seen a few things during my years of watch enthusiasm. I BELIEVE that yours is this style of case. Proceed with caution, just in case I’m wrong. Good luck.

MrR

[randy]

Jim.
I think both David and Mr Roundel are onto something here.
I’ve also seen cases ( Hamilton CLD for example ) from that era where the movement comes our through the front of the case.
See if you can pry off the front bezel.
If you can, then turn the crown to see if it’s a split stem. You’ll have to align it so that the slots face you.
Then put some watch paper in your hand and invert the case..the movement should fall out.

Best of luck buddy.

Randy

[jim1228]

Hey All,
I am going to try and use my crystal lift again, I really hope It doesn’t come apart. The first time I tried it didn’t budge.
Thank you for your suggestions I will let you know what happens.
Jim

[jim1228]

Update;
Dave and MrRoundel were correct. The watch has a split stem. The issue was, the crystal was very hard to lift. I had to actually pull to get the crystal off, after that it was home free.
Thanks again guys.
I wish you well
Jim

[stevefitzwater]

Great!! Nicely done…. that is one for the memory bank!

[mrroundel]

Good job. I’m glad that I could add something in making the job easier. Good luck with the repair/servicing.

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