Michael from Canada sent me this quite rare single-pusher Omega RCAF chronograph. It has the Lemania 2221 movement.
This is a great watch, and I especially like the white dial.
As you can already see on the photo, the central second hand doesn’t reset properly – and it doesn’t even always reset to the same position.
The pusher is crooked, and needs replacing.
The case back with the Royal Canadian Air Force markings.
A first glance at the Lemania 2221, which is marked as an Omega movement.
This is a single pusher movement, e.g. the same pusher is used to start, stop, and reset the chronograph.
The problem with the second hand not resetting properly is due to the tube being loose on the hand, so I carefully solder the tube onto the hand.
The movement also has a hacking second – important for military use, so that you can synchronize your watch properly.
The bottom plate is quite simple, as this movement doesn’t have an hour recorder.
Reassembly starts with the mainspring – as the old one is in very good shape, I clean, grease and re-use it.
I put the balance jewels in and test them – the balance swings freely, and takes a long time to come to a halt.
Then I put the gear train in, and oil it.
The bottom plate is back together.
And we have a result. The beat error is collet adjusted, so 1.0 is great, and I will leave it at that.
Once the base movement is back together and tested, I can put the chronograph layer on.
The chronograph is back on, and I adjust the depthing, and test everything.
The new pusher is too long, and I shorten it.
I also put on a new crown that is a bit chunkier. Unfortunately, as the winding stem is tap 11, there is very little choice of crowns.
The crystal that was fitted was just a simple tension ring crystal, which is wrong. The crystal is stepped, and pushed in from the inside, where the step rests against a step in the case. There is no original Omega crystal available, so I modify a standard crystal by turning a step into it.Back together, and looking great!
I have one if anyone would like to buy. All original fully serviced. Thomasjordan86@hotmail.com
I have just been made aware that these watches hold value over time. I dug mine out of a box that hasn’t seen the light of day for easily 30 years. My friend, who knows a lot about watches, looked at it and stated that mine is in outstanding shape. He tested the movement and so far it is holding time to the second. Pretty good for not being wound for 30 years.
Please don’t let it run too much, as there will be no oil left. The movement needs a service before using the watch.
Anyone know how much these are worth?
can you tell me the crystal diameter of this watch?
Very nice
That crystal replacement must have been tricky. Very nice
Does anyone have a ball park value on one of these exact watches? Thank you
stunning vintage omega. Love the simple, uncluttered dial.
Hi Christian!
I never thought I see a second 2221 in your workshop! Sweet!:-)
The internal caseback ref 34/62 tells that the case is of reference 34 and that it was made in 1962. It also matches well with the military engravings on the outside.
Just as old as me, then!
Yet again another delight to see a vintage watch lovingly restored. I look forward every day to the next restoration and service performed by these two highly skilled gentlemen.
I’ve never seen a watch like this before with all functions performed by the same button. The owner quite rightfully should be really happy 🙂
Best regards
Nick
Really nice watch and great to see some old fashioned handwork to restore it.
That’s such a great looking watch! Some nice work on it there too!
Dream baby dream…..
Is this anything at all like the mechanics of the Chronostop?
Not really. The Chronostop resets on the same push that stops the second hand, and it doesn’t have a minute recorder
Thanks Christian
That crystal replacement must have been tricky. Very nice.