Navichief 83 Posted March 23, 2022 Hello, I had an ORF Seamaster 300M on the bench recently. It was the first one I've serviced in comparison to many VSF's. Here are some thoughts and observations on the movement aspect of it. I recently purged a lot of photos, so I'm a bit lacking in VSF movement shots at the moment. Both movements are decorated A2824's. My general impression is that VSF uses higher quality clone A2824s. For instance, VSF uses balances with Lyre style Incabloc shock protection found on higher end grades of 2824, vs ORF's Novodiac shock spring. General fit, finish, and cleanliness is also better on the VSF movements. The automatic rotor is attached differently from VSF. I actually prefer ORF in this regard, as it has no glued on decoration to fall off. ORF: VSF: The decorations are also handled differently. VSF is one large piece that fits over the 2824 and attached with 3 screws under the dial. ORF has smaller plates that attach directly to the 2824. The nod goes to ORF here as the movement is much easier to access for repair or regulation than on VSF. ORF: VSF: Now, what I consider the biggest difference, is how the automatic bridge has been altered in the ORF. I believe this was to improve the look of the decorated movement. One of the reversing wheels was removed, the bridge has been cut and altered, and a click spring installed. This makes the automatic winding system on ORF's unidirectional only. There are also custom parts there that won't be available to replace. Functionally you won't notice a difference in winding or power reserve, but unidirectional movements like the 7750 and Miyota 9015 often get labeled as "loud and helicoptory" as the rotor has less resistance in one direction. I'm not sure how to end this, other than I hope you find that interesting. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcagara08 31 Posted March 23, 2022 Great write up mate, would an ETA 2824 be a straight drop in replacement once the A2824 craps out on both ORF and VSF SMPs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navichief 83 Posted March 23, 2022 10 minutes ago, jcagara08 said: Great write up mate, would an ETA 2824 be a straight drop in replacement once the A2824 craps out on both ORF and VSF SMPs? VSF yes you could switch to ETA, but you would lose the black balance wheel unless you reuse that part. ORF I would say no, unless you drill and countersink new screw holes to allow the decorations to attach to the ETA plates. I'd have to have another ORF in front of me to look at it side by side with a plain ETA to be sure. You could keep the plates from the A2824 and use ETA parts for the rest. Plus that automatic module would have to swapped over. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
judas9r 874 Posted March 23, 2022 That is really very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolf359 1 Posted May 3, 2022 Your informative post is much appreciated Need a new blue faced summer stunner, never really bonded with the Superocean. The ability to more easily use an ETA 2824 is a difference maker. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tribefan 6,768 Posted May 3, 2022 Thanks for this post, I'm pinning it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chainen 38 Posted January 22, 2023 Thanks, as a newbie I really enjoy reading these types of posts. I learn so much from the experts here. Thanks Nav! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
processengr 13,208 Posted January 29, 2023 Hi, Thank you for this pictorial! I want to regulate my ORF Seamaster- can I leave the movement in the watch, and just remove the rotor to get at and remove the decorative plate (both?) then bump the timing fork a bit, put rotor back on and test? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navichief 83 Posted January 29, 2023 Hi, Thank you for this pictorial! I want to regulate my ORF Seamaster- can I leave the movement in the watch, and just remove the rotor to get at and remove the decorative plate (both?) then bump the timing fork a bit, put rotor back on and test?Yes, in fact you don't have to remove the rotor. Just push it out of the way.The piece over the balance is separate and the only thing you have to remove. Look at the pic of the ORF parts in the tray. You can see the separate decoration that covered the balance.Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
processengr 13,208 Posted January 29, 2023 34 minutes ago, Navichief said: Yes, in fact you don't have to remove the rotor. Just push it out of the way. The piece over the balance is separate and the only thing you have to remove. Look at the pic of the ORF parts in the tray. You can see the separate decoration that covered the balance. Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Justoffcentre 13 Posted February 12, 2023 If I tried this my watch would be up for sale as parts…a great write up and a thumbs up for those with the skill set to be able to accomplish this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,485 Posted June 3, 2023 On 23/03/2022 at 05:36, Navichief said: ORF: VSF: @Navichief a curiosity that could greatly help me when I'll service my VRF (but the question is falid for ORF too): is there a hidden screw for the rotor under the jeweled central piece, or it's the jeweled central piece the screw itself? Asking as I don't see screws in the pics upper and also I can't see the lower part of the central jeweled piece... Thanks in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Navichief 83 Posted June 3, 2023 Yes the whole jeweled thing is the screw. You put your tweezer tips in the two indents to turn it.Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,485 Posted June 3, 2023 44 minutes ago, Navichief said: Yes the whole jeweled thing is the screw. You put your tweezer tips in the two indents to turn it. Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk Thanks mate, appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparks010 19 Posted August 3, 2023 Thanks for this post,being an engineer I really enjoy these comparison posts and it will help me make up my mind between the vsf-orf models cheers. If there is anyone who can chime in on which one would be best in their opinion I would be grateful thanks again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites