Service: Omega Seamaster Automatic 176.007 calibre 1040

IMG_5751Jorn from Norway sent in this great looking Seamaster Chronograph. It has the not so common calibre 1040, which is only very loosely based on the 321. This is one of Omegas most elaborate chronograph movements, with the following features:

  • date
  • 60 minute central minute recorder placed under the minute hand, moving continually
  • 12 hour recorder at 6 o’clock, turning continually
  • sub-second hand at 9 o’clock
  • 24 hour indicator at 9 o’clock
  • automatic winderIMG_5752

Not only does it need a service, but the crown doesn’t wind the movement any more, and is in constant setting position.IMG_5755

A first look, and some similarities with the 321/861 appear. The 1040 of course has an auto winder!IMG_5757

With the rotor removed, you get a good view of the movement.IMG_5760

The bottom plate is an entirely different beast, though. There is a little bit of clear plastic debris at 2o’clock close to the centre.

The 24 hour indicator is now clearly visible – the black disc with the orange triangle.IMG_5770

A good view of the central minute recorder and the hour recorder. The two hammers that reset them sit on the same arbor.IMG_5777

With both sub-plates removed, we can now see the clutch mechanism for the minute recorder. The minute hand and the minute recorder are coupled together with a friction clutch. In normal, non-chrono operation, the minute recorder is blocked by the two big levers with springs, that press against it to keep in on 0 position. When the chronograph is started, the piece in the middle is pulled down, thus releasing the two levers that brake the recorder, and it starts moving together with the minute hand.IMG_5781

This looks familiar, as a lot of elements are taken from the 321. But there are distinct differences. The escape wheel doesn’t have a cock of its own, but is held by the wheel bridge. The round opening at 5 o’clock is for the auto winder reverser wheel, which has a planetary wheel construction to allow winding in both directions. This is a quite unique and smart construction, and for a retrofitted auto winder, a great solution.IMG_5795

Below the wheel bridge is the gear train, with and additional intermediate wheel for the auto winder.IMG_5802

The calibre 1040 is the most complex of Omegas chronograph movements, with lots of parts. My guess is that one of the reasons for its demise was the complexity – surely not cheap to produce.IMG_5814

As usual, I start off with a new mainspring.IMG_5816

In order to mount the barrel, I first assemble the sub plate for the hour recorder on the bottom plate, and then put the gear train in.IMG_5819

The base movement is back together and beating, and I’m curious what the timegrapher has to say.IMG_5821

That looks absolutely great!IMG_5824

Now I put the chronograph back together, and the auto winder back on.IMG_5825

Time to turn the movement around, and put together the minute and hour recorder assembly.IMG_5828

Half of the paint on the sub second hand was missing, so I repaint it.IMG_5839

I clean the case, polish the crystal, take apart the pushers and put in new gaskets, and case the movement, and we’re back in business.

 

21 thoughts on “Service: Omega Seamaster Automatic 176.007 calibre 1040

  1. Hello Christian,
    The case for this model is ‘2 part’. the main case (that holds the movement, crystal, pushers and crown case tube) is round in shape and fits inside the outer case.
    the Outer case has the lugs and is how the bracelet or band is attached.
    how do you ‘seperate’ these 2 case parts? safely, as to not damage either case part. Also, is there an oring that would need to be replaced?

    thanks
    Bill

    • Hi Christian, I figured it out. I used a 47mm Nylon die (on the bottom). I marked and cut small slots in the edge to allow the pusher posts and crown tube to drop down. then I used my crystal press (with flat aluminum die) to press the FACE of the watch down into the outer case body.
      With the nylon die underneath, the inner case dropped down and out of the outer case.
      The o-ring between these cases was dry and damaged. so new one will be used when they are re-mated together.
      Cheers
      Bill

  2. Does anybody know how a watch winder has to be programmed for a Omega 176.007? Left or right turning (or both)? Thank you for helping me! Rolf

  3. I have the exact watch in the photo. Omega cal 1040, 176.007
    Love the watch, keeps perfect time, movement is cleaned and oiled and everything functions except…. It will no longer wind from the crown. Seems frozen. It will time set and backwind. Any suggestions on the part that has failed?

    Thanks in advance,

    Bob

      • Thank for the reply. I’m pretty handy at basic fixes with less complicated movements. This one looks a bit scary to me. So, It may have to come visit you for the repair. I’m in the USA.

        Please let me know the procedure and if you have the time to fix it. The watch should not require cleaning, so that may make it easier. Thanks again.

  4. does anyone have a pdf of the 176.007 manual, the movement manual + parts listing was excellent from the link above, but I’d like to see the original pdf of the watch manual.

  5. Hello, sir.

    I have two of this nice movement i have cleaned and there it`s stop.
    Do you have any work or service manual for this movement for sale?
    I really need to assemble it, but do not have any manual for that job.

  6. i have this same watch, have worn it for about 30 years, the stem broke, i got a new stem but it wont go all the way back in .i repair 16 &18 size pocket watches,but would not think of going into this complex a movement. how much to do this repair?

    • If you didn’t manage to get the new stem in, I will have to take apart the keyless works to fit it, so I would guess £30 to £40.
      Please use the booking system on this site to book a repair slot.

      Best regards,

      Christian

  7. It certainly is a beast of a movement, but as you say – must have cost a huge amount to design and produce. I still want one though 😉

  8. Interesting movement, what year was this produced? I’m guessing 70s from the dial and it has the very simple non decorative finish characteristic of Omega movements from the 1970’s and 80’s.

    • Very short timespan for these movements. Omega started with these in 1970 and swapped to the caliber 1045 (also known as Lemania 5100) in 1974. The reason was the complexity. The 1045 that came after was a very robust beast as well, but a much lesser construction.
      They even made a caliber 1041 for Omegas 125 year anniversary in 1973. This was the first chronometer rated, automatic chronograph movement in the world.
      A very nice 176.007 indeed!

  9. Lovely watch and superb set of photographs Christian… out of curiosity what camera and lens do you use.Is this a set up on a tripod ?

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