Focknawesome 1 Posted December 26, 2021 As the title suggests, I’ve got an Omega Planet Ocean 42mm and the crown lock has snapped or stripped and won’t secure the crown in the seated or locked position. The watch otherwise functions well - anybody know of a friendly repair facility near North Texas I could step into or ship the watch to for work? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Intresting 21,699 Posted December 26, 2021 You will most likely need a new crown and tube. Otherwise, the repair will probably just make it such that the crown sits flush with the case, but you will not be able to screw it down for water tightness. There is only one TD that advertises that they sell spare parts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Focknawesome 1 Posted December 31, 2021 I don’t have the knowledge or tools to make that kinda of repair myself. Are there any rep-friendly repair places in the US?Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FunnyStarSystem 7,538 Posted December 31, 2021 Unfortunately this is one of those things that often totals a rep. You learn to be super careful screwing and unscrewing because it's virtually impossible to find a part number, or accurately measure a tube/stem thread on a rep, but very easy to strip. Best repair guy I know on here is Gary (Katt): https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/forum/224-katts-watch-repair/ not sure he'd touch this, but you can email and ask. There's also a guy I haven't tried, but he's trusted and in the US: https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/forum/377-oascom-watch-service-center/ You can remove the spring/gasket from the crown allowing it to be pushed all the way down, but it'll never really sit right, and defeats the water protection purpose of the mechanism. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Focknawesome 1 Posted December 31, 2021 Jeeze thank you for the detailed information and the potential repair sources!Frankly it’s still running perfectly I just know the crown is those couple of millimeters “up” and I’d hate to kill it allowing it to be even lightly splashed. Thanks again Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
topnote73 354 Posted January 16, 2022 The same problem with my Nexton, got good info from Simonix. "The problem with the omega is, it will no doubt need another new stem tube, crown, or both. first off, these parts will be hard to find (Rolex ones are much easier to find), secondly, you need to drill out the old stem tube, re-tap/re-solder the new tube into place." Mine is running great but the crown is just sticking out. I think I need to be more delicate with screw-down going forward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,751 Posted January 16, 2022 This is a terrible problem. We really should come up with a better solution. Hell I know what I'm doing and it was one of the hardest problems I've ever had to resolve. Its easier to just order another watch. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted January 26, 2022 I have exactly the same problem. Omega PO replica that is wonderful but the crown has stripped and will not screw down. I took it to a local watch repair shop and had it assessed. They told me that it is not practical to repair. He told me not to get it wet. The watch works great; the crown just sticks out a little. I am just living with it. Sal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
APjumbo 3,031 Posted January 26, 2022 I have heard about this happening on a few vsf omega so keep my favorites on a winder. I figure it’s easier to service a well used movement than deal with an stripped crown tube. I think strodda is in your state. I used him once, he was excellent. Repair guy from the other forum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted January 29, 2022 I well check out the repair person you suggest. I really like the watch and hate to ruin it by trying to fix it. On the other hand, it is at risk Thank you again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted January 29, 2022 (edited) I found the Strodda web site and will fill out an order form Edited January 29, 2022 by letti001 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,777 Posted January 29, 2022 To avoid this with all of my crowns (rep and gen), I actually spin the crown backwards while pushing in lightly. You can feel when the crown "clicks" and slightly pushes inward after reaching the beginning of the threading. If that makes sense... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diluted 216 Posted January 29, 2022 I fixed mine and I don't know what I'm doing: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted January 29, 2022 I tried repairing my previous Omega PO. I did not. The stem kept falling out. So, I bought a new one. Better than the last. Now the crown is the problem. I am a bit gun shy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Focknawesome 1 Posted January 29, 2022 This is a terrible problem. We really should come up with a better solution. Hell I know what I'm doing and it was one of the hardest problems I've ever had to resolve. Its easier to just order another watch.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted January 29, 2022 I will give an update as to what I find out about the repair. I just went through some web sites last night looking for another watch and unfortunately, I always fall back to the one I have. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted February 23, 2022 I have a response. My dilemma is 1) do nothing and just avoid water 2) have it repaired for what will likely be $150 ) 3) buy a new one In looking at buying a new watch, I shopped around and just really like the PO. Here is the response: As far as cost, if you would like it pressure tested after, just to know, it would be $40 to disassemble, trim the stem and test. Being that I test in water while applying pressure after submersion, I always remove the dial/movement for that process. If you wanted to go the crown/tube replacement route, it would be pricier,and that would be determined by what set Im able to find. With the PO's, theyre pressure fit, not screw-in like a Rolex would be. And from experience, the gen tube doesnt usually fit right in. Most time Ive needed to drill out the existing tube and widen the hole a little more to get the gen-spec tube in, then seal with a 2pt epoxy. If you wanted to consider that process, it would be $60 to drill out the case, install the tube and pressure test. Then the parts cost would be determined by whats available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
APjumbo 3,031 Posted February 23, 2022 @letti001 What model/ version of planet ocean do you have. How about a pic of it? I appreciate the repair info update, no problems with mine yet but I’m sure I will sooner or later. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted February 23, 2022 It is a 42 mm, PO which I bought several years ago. I think it is from watchinternational. When Mary was there. Forgive me, but I cannot recall the model, but it is similar to the 1948 Ltd Ed on the back of the case with the seahorse. Not clear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
APjumbo 3,031 Posted February 23, 2022 Liquid metal Plamet ocean LMPO As far as I know only noob made these super rep, super awesome. They started making them again recently but at a higher price. I wouldn’t hesitate to spend the $150 and get it fixed up. a used replacement is probably $220 if one ever pops up which is rare. New ones maybe $350 I can’t remember. https://puretimewatch.io/seamaster-planet-ocean-liquid-metal-limited-edition-1948-lmpo-1-1-noob-best-edition-v12.html 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Focknawesome 1 Posted February 24, 2022 I really do love this watch. I’ve got the leather look rubber strap as well so it’s a really versatile and comfortable piece, I just have to settle for leaving the crown up and no water….which I kinda do anyway just because I don’t put a ton of faith in their pressure testing claims. Cept maybe with BK Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fatarms 7,777 Posted February 24, 2022 Just keep in mind that not just submerging the watch can fog the crystal. Humidity outside or steam from a sink can also get into the watch and produce the same result. So when you say no water, that's definitely what you should aim for. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Focknawesome 1 Posted February 24, 2022 Just keep in mind that not just submerging the watch can fog the crystal. Humidity outside or steam from a sink can also get into the watch and produce the same result. So when you say no water, that's definitely what you should aim for. Good luck.Good call, high and dry onlySent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mclarendude 8,008 Posted February 24, 2022 I bought a BP PO here with the same issue. I shortened the stem so it’s flush to the case. No issues since. Just not getting it wet or anything. 20 minute fix. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
letti001 5 Posted February 24, 2022 10 hours ago, Focknawesome said: Good call, high and dry only Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I live in Arizona which is not an issue for humidity, but I have taken a watch with me before to Honduras and lost teh digital function. It was an old Tissot Two Timer (digital and analog). The LCD turned black when we landed. SO, I do not wear the watch when going to humid area or an area that rains which is a shame since I use the watch mostly for travel. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites