Crown gasket replacement

[handwound]

Hi guys,

My friend gave me his beautiful Vintage Omega with 1012 movement because fog would collect under the crystal. Caseback had no gasket, so that’s easy to fix. However the crown gasket is toast and the winding stem is quite rusted. 
 

I would like to replace the crown gasket, but I never had to do this before. Can I just dissolve and crape off the old gasket and put an o-ring inside? Or are there specific gaskets for this?

Also I would like to replace the winding stem with a new one but I worry that considering the rust it will snap when I try to unscrew it. Any tips?

Also I recommend to him to service the movement to check for further rust in the keyless work and the rest of the movement before it gets worse.

[RichardHarris123]

The gaskets are flat, look at the attached.  The stem does need replacing, gently try to unscrew it, if it doesn't move try rust remover, followed by penetrating oil.  Definitely check the rest of the movement for corrosion. 

[AndyGSi]

What's the full details of the watch as if it isn't an external screw down crown I'd expect it should be sealed with a washer.

Edit

It looks like it's already been modified at some time with a stem extender.

Edited December 8, 2024 by AndyGSi

[handwound]

It‘s an Omega 166.0173. it’s just a regular crown, not screw down.

2 hours ago, RichardHarris123 said:

The gaskets are flat, look at the attached.  The stem does need replacing, gently try to unscrew it, if it doesn't move try rust remover, followed by penetrating oil.  Definitely check the rest of the movement for corrosion. 

Thanks, that’s what I was looking for! I already got a replacement stem on the way, looks like it’s only a matter of time until it snaps while winding. I‘ll service the movement so if there is any rust, I will see it. Don’t want the dust to make its way to the gear train. 

 

1 hour ago, AndyGSi said:

What's the full details of the watch as if it isn't an external screw down crown I'd expect it should be sealed with a washer.

Edit

It looks like it's already been modified at some time with a stem extender.

You mean just the washer or gasket and then washer on top? Because the original crown definitely has just a rubber gasket or the washer got lost over the years.

I‘m not sure if the stem actually got extended at some point, looks like the rust just thinned out the material quite a bit. It’s going to be replaced anyway. Fingers crossed it will come loose without snapping.

Edited December 8, 2024 by handwound

[AndyGSi]

26 minutes ago, handwound said:

You mean just the washer or gasket and then washer on top? Because the original crown definitely has just a rubber gasket or the washer got lost over the years.

So this is what the crown should look like as without the washer you won't get the correct seal.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/173867733552?var=472587544283

https://gleave.london/crown-steel-omega-st42527/

Edit

Apologies, it looked like a stem extender but that is how it should look.

 

Edited December 8, 2024 by AndyGSi

[handwound]

Good news, movement is rust free and in good condition! 

[mikepilk]

Is it an Omega crown with symbol? If not, I'd replace the crown.

[handwound]

36 minutes ago, mikepilk said:

Is it an Omega crown with symbol? If not, I'd replace the crown.

Yes it’s the original crown. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother with trying to replace the gasket.

[AndyGSi]

1 minute ago, handwound said:

Yes it’s the original crown. Otherwise I wouldn’t bother with trying to replace the gasket.

Replacing the gasket will do no good if the washer isn't in place to hold it.

[mikepilk]

If you cannot repair it. Cousins have quite a good range of Omega crowns, for reasonable money

Edited December 9, 2024 by mikepilk