Is it possible to change your own dials?

[ParisDakarBmw]

You will do the best work on your own watch!

Try it, and you'd be like a brain surgeon!

[pradeep]

Originally Posted by cjcar631

Any of you remember the old John Cameron Swayze comercial for Timex where he had the elephant stand on the watch and then showed the audience how it was still ticking? Well I have a similiar story that led me to a DIY project on my Omega. While changing the oil and filter on my wife's car the other day I suddenly realize I'm wearing my Seamaster. I'm in a hurry cuz my wife needs the car ASAP. So I take it off and place it on the grass near where I'm laying. After gathering up my tools, I drive the car off the ramps... etc. and away she goes. OOPS... my freakin' watch! Back out I go and low and behold my Seamaster is... shall we say... a little under the weather, (broken crystal, all four hands off, one lume marker at 12 off). Suprisingly the bezel ring popped off but was not bent... don't ask me how. I call Omega to get a quote and was not suprised to hear that I'd probably be better off investing in a a new one. Undeterred, I head on over to Otto Frei... order up a new crystal, Google the neccessary 411, and get down to work. Here's the end result... not bad for my first time out.

Attachment 154805

Attachment 154806
Got a little messy with the glue. the spot below the 2 in 22 is also a touch of glue... used a toothpick to apply it to the bottom of the lume marker.

Attachment 154807
The hands came out OK and the date still changes exactly at mid-night.

Most of the flaws you see in the close-ups are actually alot less visible when wearing the watch. I think the reason Omega was a bit reluctant to take it on was because, after hearing my story, they were understandably concerned with damage that may have been done to the movement. But all's well that ends well... I guess. I've been wearing the watch constantly now for about three weeks waiting for something to go wrong, but so far so good.

Seems like you are a DIYer through and through!! Good job.. although I would have only attempted to work on a watch in that state if I couldn't get an experienced guy to do it.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

Yes, it's entirely possible.

You just need the right tools and acquire the appropriate skills.

Several here, non watchmakers, have replaced dial/hands on their own watches.

Give it a go and post your results here.

I had to subscribe to this thread Paul.

[marcinthemiddle]

Originally Posted by Jocke

Will you please give us a step by step tutorial how you groom your dog so we know you know what you talk about.

x2!

[ParisDakarBmw]

Originally Posted by marcinthemiddle

x2!

My dogs have low self esteems because of those bad haircuts!

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by marcinthemiddle

x2!

x3

[Cato]

How about taking a watchmakers course? They used to advertise those in the back of magazines.

Definately try it on some cheap fakes first and buy all the necessary tools.

Kudos on your enthusiasm!