Moisture Ingress and Full Restoration
This Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Collector’s Piece 007,” a limited-edition model highly valued by James Bond enthusiasts, arrived in our workshop after an incident during a swimming-pool immersion.
Since the crown was not fully secured, moisture entered the movement. As a result, the chlorinated water caused advanced corrosion, which led to a seized balance wheel and the complete stoppage of the calibre.
Diagnostic Upon Arrival
After we opened the case, we immediately identified several major issues:
- Corrosion on multiple internal components
- Discoloration of parts beneath the clamp and around the winding stem
- Fully seized balance wheel
- Rust on wheels, gears, and pivots
- Widespread oxidation caused by chlorine and moisture
The movement was entirely immobilized, making a full service essential.
Work Carried Out in Our Certified Workshop
To save this Omega Seamaster 007 Collector’s Piece, our watchmaker performed:
✔ Complete disassembly of the movement
We carried out a detailed inspection of every component to determine which parts could be salvaged.
✔ Replacement of damaged elements
As part of the restoration, we replaced the following components:
- Gear-train wheels
- Mainspring
- Keyless-work components
- Corroded gears
- Oxidized hands
✔ Full ultrasonic cleaning
Removal of moisture, chlorine, and corrosive residues.
✔ Lubrication according to Omega specifications
Each friction point received the appropriate lubricant.
✔ Fine regulation & chronometric testing
The movement regained proper amplitude and stable accuracy.
Why Did This Damage Occur?
Even though the Seamaster is designed for diving, no watch can withstand immersion when the crown is unscrewed.
Chlorine accelerates corrosion very quickly and can damage a movement in just a few minutes.
The most common causes are:
- Crown not screwed down before immersion
- Water-resistance not tested recently
- Worn or dried gaskets
- Shock that weakened the crown without visible damage
- Improper handling in a humid environment
How to Protect an Omega Dive Watch
To avoid this type of damage:
✔ Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down
as this is essential before any exposure to water.
✔ Annual water-resistance test
Isince it is indispensable — especially for a sports watch.
✔ Rinse the watch after swimming in a pool or the sea
Chlorine and salt are aggressive to gaskets.
✔ Never operate the crown near water
✔ Full service every 4 to 6 years
Gaskets naturally deteriorate with time.
Final Result
After a complete restoration, this Seamaster “Collector’s Piece 007” has regained:
- stable accuracy,
- proper amplitude,
- restored water-resistance,
- and a flawless appearance worthy of its status as a special edition.
An essential intervention to preserve an iconic watch highly sought after by collectors.
