SM300 watchco: secure movement into case

[bricem13]

Hi guys

 

well I ain't that often here but I've seen a lot of good advice though and believe it's the best place to ask.

 

I've got a sm300 watchco or so a 165.1234 case with a 552 donor movement. The movement is attached into the case using 2 tabs that are screwed to the movement base plate. Nothing special here.

 

However there is a slight movement of the movement into the case, as it is a screw down crown I can see the dial being pushed to the left side. When I set the time I can see it sliding to the opposite side.

 

Pretty boring and in the long run I would not like that the dial gets damaged. I checked and the movement holding tabs are screwed correctly in place.

 

Do you have some tips to avoid that ? should I try different tabs or put some material/sheet metal between case and movement?

 

thank you in advance

Brice

[watchweasol]

Hi Brice,  could you post some pictures of the movement front and back so members have a good idea of your predicament. Make and caliber would be useful also should we have to find parts.  Thank you.

[bricem13]

few pics here

[rodabod]

Those look like the correct tabs. But you would know better - are they the correct ones for the 166.024? It should not move in the slightest. Mine doesn’t. 

[anilv]

Ideally you need to look into sourcing another movement ring as it is possible that the one you have is not correct. Alternatively it is quite simple for a machinist to make one using the sample you have.

I have come across this on other watches and this is what I do.

On a non auto I will usually shim the movement ring by sticking a bit of old mainspring in the gap. On autos, just sticking it in wont work as it may come loose and interfere with the automatic weight. What I've done is get the size of the mainspring shim right (big gaps need longer lengths) and then gluing them onto the edge of the holder.

Yes this is a bodge and that Omega SM300 really deserves better but this may be a temporary option.

Anilv

[bricem13]

Well there is no movement ring. So I assume best is that I change the movement holding tabs. I'll see where I can find some.

 

BR

[rodabod]

Also check the tabs are mounted in the correct location (is there a slot? I can’t remember) and that they are not upside-down. 

[rodabod]

And, move the crown with the case back removed and see if that offers any clues by watching the movement move. 

[bricem13]

well I bent the clamps and so far looks to work correctly