Front loading Omega Seamaster movement removal

[mbhorology]

I'll start off by confessing I'm a clockmaker normally but I've been asked by a family member to take a look at a watch!  

Its an Omega Seamaster c1965 and I can see that its a front loading movement and I'm wondering how I should be removing the stem.  Is it a split stem which just requires pulling off so I can remove the movement from the case?

[watchweasol]

Hi   As its a front loader it more than likely has a split stem, there are two schools of thought on their removal. Some advocate a straight parallel pull using a presto type tool for the purpose and others by removing the bezel and crystal turning the watch face down and turning the stem untill the joint is vertical allowing the movement to drop out ( if the joint is slack enough). Most I think use the straight pull to release the stem but always be aware that it could break the female end of the stem on removal requiring a new stem if available.    Others will also have their pet ways of doing it, so likely more posts will be  offering you advise.            cheers   

 

[mbhorology]

Thanks watchweasol,  I've managed to remove the movement from the case and it was indeed a spit stem which came out with a straight pull.  Looking at the design for it, I can see that you only get a few attempts at separating it before the thing breaks, but I was lucky in this instance.

Once out of the case the problem was fairly easy to resolve.  The watch was almost impossible to wind and the automatic winding wasn't working either.  It had been serviced in the last couple of years.  I found the automatic winding rotor was jammed, so I removed the bridge only to find a stray screw dropped out.  A quick look around identified the screw was from the pallet bridge!  Whoever had serviced it last didn't tightened the screws properly.

 

[watchweasol]

Hi glad it all worked out ok.  Not uncommon that screws fall out and cause problems.     As a clockmaker any input at any time would always be welcome, the knowledge is getting scarce these days as a lof of clocks end up in the skip. Everyone using their phones and smart watches. Only through forums like this does the knowledge continue to be shared.  All the best.