Longines Ultronic calibrated to 1 second per day on Deltatest
Nearly all the movement parts are now obsolete and those that do exist are mostly held by Omega, who still offers a service for the f300’s. Some new spares can still be found, and broken watches are always a good source of parts.
These movements, despite many repairers reluctance to work on them are very durable and reliable, in fact Omega’s own recommended service interval was 5-6 yrs, you don’t even get that with most modern mechanical watches!
It is testament to the original design and build quality, that so many still run perfectly today, and I for one do not think they deserve their slightly tainted reputation.
They are very powerful compared to other types of movements (think Audi Quatro compared to Fiesta 1.1) and will continue to run strongly even if dirty or damaged, this unfortunately is what normally causes their ultimate failure, owners will be unaware of impending doom until it is too late.
A common problem is the clutch, which if goes dry can cause damage to the index wheel and fingers(clicks), especially if the hands are wound backwards. Date wheels, which are made of plastic are easily damaged and now almost impossible to source. Avoid quick-setting the date between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am, this should help ensure no damage can occur to the wheel, I mean how many f300’s and the like do you see on the auction sites with damaged date wheels.
Servicing & repair is offered for any watch with this movement, and I have good supply of new and used parts.
Some hands and most crystals are still available, as are crowns. Day/date wheels for both the 9162 and 9164 are almost impossible to get, I do have a few but they are quite expensive.
I can also supply and fit NOS ESA 9162/4 movements (on an exchange basis), although this supply is limited.
If you would prefer to retain the originality I can fit all the parts from the new movement to your old movement plates, although an additional charge would apply. Similarly if you require your old parts back a surcharge would also apply.
Omega factory testing equipment
I have an original Omega Deltatest timing machine, developed especially by Omega, as nothing available at the time was accurate enough for the timing of the ESA movements. I also have a Omega Alitest m/c used for testing the coils, modules etc of Omega's electronic movements. I have a comprehensive original Omega sevice folder for most of the electronic movements as well. I have had to make some of my own tools as they are either obselete or unavailable from Omega. There are modern machines that would most likely do the job as well, but i prefer to use the original equipment that was specifically designed for the purpose.
Once serviced, it is normally possible to adjust your watch to within -/+ 2 secs per day.
Images from the Omega factory service manual
I will look at the Chronograph version cal 9210, but I have no spares for the Chronograph module and am not likely to obtain any.
I can however clean and adjust the movement and also replace any parts for the oscillator module, as they are the same as the cal 9162/4, with the exception of the intermediate wheel.
If you wish to send me your watch please contact me with a description of what you think might be wrong with it, and I will e-mail you my postal address.
Please ensure that your watch is well packaged and sent via an insured traceable service, and that you include your name and full postal address. For domestic customers I would always recommend Royal mail Special Delivery. Watches will be returned via the same service.
If you would just like some help or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will do my best to answer any queries you may have.
I always have a good selection of these tuning fork watches for sale and will be happy to make a fair offer if you have one to sell, working or non-working.
