Omega 166.0123 winding stem

[Orologi67]

I purchased this interesting caliber 1481 Omega watch style 166.0123

This morning i pulled out the winding stem to set the time and the stem just came out in my hand.  I pushed the stem back in, set the time, then pushed it in completely.  I figured the set screw was loose.

So i get to my shop, finish up the work im doing and then I wanted to open up this creature and tighten the setting lever  screw (if there is one).

The case is the weirdest ive come across so far (see pictures).  There are two flat strips of steel that one pushes out on either side and the movement comes out, crystal and all.  

The picture you see with the winding stem removed is from the seller.  When i pushed in the sem this morning i felt it click.  This afternoon i cannot pull it back out completely.  It looks to me that this watch should have a two part stem but it does not.

I have use about as much force as i feel comfortable pulling on the stem.  I am not about to remove the movement completely until the stem is out, of course.  

Any suggestions as to how this is disassembled?

Thanks, steve

[Poljot]

4 hours ago, Orologi67 said:

It looks to me that this watch should have a two part stem but it does not.

You maybe absolutely right about two part stem. Check CousinsUK parts list for this caliber and you will see options:

- Stem, Male Inner ( 1159 ), Omega 1480

- Tap 9 Female Stem Extension

- Tap 9 Female Stem Extension (No Shoulder)

https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/filter/omega-movement-parts

 

Edited December 14, 2020 by Poljot

[Orologi67]

Ok i figured it out.  There is no setting lever screw.  It is kept in place with a bracket.  

I researched online and some of these 1480 series have dials that are pressed on and there are no dial mounting screws.

So i took a chance and removed the hands, gently pried off the dial which was very slightly friction fit, and voila!  The stem is removed from the front after one takes off the date ring.

Edited December 14, 2020 by Orologi67

[JohnR725]

1 hour ago, Orologi67 said:

Ok i figured it out.  There is no setting lever screw.  It is kept in place with a bracket.  

I researched online and some of these 1480 series have dials that are pressed on and there are no dial mounting screws.

So i took a chance and removed the hands, gently pried off the dial which was very slightly friction fit, and voila!  The stem is removed from the front after one takes off the date ring

My research indicated you're supposed to have a split stem with this number 081ST9992 That's the Omega number. Then a lot of Omega watches have dials the press on that doesn't mean you're supposed to remove your watch by disassembling them from the front side. Helpful though if you're having a problem but that's not the purpose.

Then I found someone else having a discussion about a watch like yours.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/split-stem-for-cal-1481.18126/

 

[Orologi67]

42 minutes ago, JohnR725 said:

"Then a lot of Omega watches have dials the press on that doesn't mean you're supposed to remove your watch by disassembling them from the front side. Helpful though if you're having a problem but that's not the purpose."

Just because it was not supposed to be disassembled in the sequence i used doesnt mean that one cant do it that way.  I accomplished 2 things by doing it the way i described.  I successfully removed the incorrect stem and i did not damage any parts in the process.

Yes it needs a split stem.  And yes i solved the problem.  Seems like youre giving me grief for not following protocol.  

20 years of clock repair has taught me to think outside of the box when disassembling.