My wife's Omega Constellation, reference 1372.70 required a battery change. So I decided to change the battery myself. The watch. I am sure I will do better as compared to the Guess watch battery change I did some time ago.
The case back, which is of the snap back design. Here you can see the slot to pry open the case back.
The first thing to do is to make the battery change easier. As such there is a need to disconnect the bracelet to allow easy access to the case back.
Make sure you use the right tool to disconnect the bracelet. The bracelet holder and the proper punch.
Again another view of the slot. You can tape the case back, just below the slot if you don't want to damage the case.
The case back removal tool.
The case back removed.
The Omega calibre 1456, with the battery (reference 321). You will need to remove the metal tab (gold colour plate across the battery) to gain access to the battery. It is important to note that the metal tab is under pressure and will 'pop' out. So you will need to hold it in place when you unscrew the screw. Otherwise the plate can 'pop' and you might loose it.
The case back with the green gasket.
The interesting aspect of the gasket is that it is translucent. Cool.
The old battery removed. Remember to use a non-magnetic tweezers to remove the battery.
The movement, minus the battery. Use some Rodico to clean the contacts.
The said metal tab and screw.
The new battery.
Since it is a Swiss watch, I decided to use the same battery as the original, Renata 321.
The battery fitted into the movement.
The metal tab installed. It is a bit difficult to install, but not impossible. Before you install the case back, just check that the watch actually runs. Since the watch does not have a seconds hand, you will need to wait a couple of minutes to make sure the minutes hand move.
The case back installed. Since it is a snap back case back, it was not difficult to install.
The watch all ready to use.
Great job! You took great photos and described each detail. I am going to attempt this on my wife's Constellation. I just placed an order for the battery.
ReplyDeleteI just had a few questions: How important is it to clean the contacts with Rodico? Is there a substitute I can use? Should I lubricate the O-ring with some silicone?
Thanks again.
Hi Shehzada,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog. With regards to the battery change, please make sure you have the right tools and also experience to do the battery change. I suggest you practice on a couple of cheap watches before you attempt the battery change on the Omega. A module change is not cheap if you make a mistake.
As for the Rodico, I am not sure if there is an alternate. I clean the contact to ensure it is clean and offers good contact. As for the lubrication of the gasket, it is best to use the silicone design for watch gaskets as you do not want to damage the gasket and allow water to get into the watch.
Best regards,
Ivan
Thank you Ivan. I have a set those tools pictured above. Though I have replaced batteries on sub $200 watches, I have never attempted it on a high end Constellation 1362.10.10.
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Rodico today and have silicone by Mcnett. Thanks again and wish me luck. I will update once I get the job done.
Ivan,
ReplyDeleteJust one more question please. Does the quartz movement need to be "reset" on the Constellation?
Hi Shehzada,
ReplyDeleteBased on what I did, you don't have to reset the quartz module in the Constellation.
I wish you all the best and do update on the success of your battery change.
Regards,
Ivan
Hi Ivan,
ReplyDeleteSorry to bother you again, but where did you purchase your case back removal tool?
I purchased one from eBay that looks like yours very much.
Hello
ReplyDeleteI have the same watch, caliber 1456
The service center is asking for 100$ to change the batteries, where did you buy the batteries from?
thank you
Hi La Reina,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog. Basically you can get the battery at any watch shop. Are you planning to change the battery yourself? Do be careful and make sure you know what you are doing.
If you are unsure, I would suggest you send it back to Omega or any reliable watch shop.
All the best.
Regards,
Ivan
I tried to replace the battery on my wife's watch several years ago and everything went as you describe. However the one thing I was unable to do was to close the case. No matter how hard I pressed I could not get it to snap shut. In the end I had to take it to a jeweller. The battery now needs to be replaced again. Can you please advise how to close the case? Incidentally for other readers I purchased Renata batteries inexpensively on eBay and used a small sharp knife to open the case. Thanks for your help. Paul
ReplyDeleteI agree with Paul & Wendy. If you don't have a case press that fits the Omega Constellation play it safe and take it to a watch maker. My wife's Constellation has a diamond bezel and fit my case press properly so it's off to the professional...
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletethanks a lot
ReplyDeleteHello, I have the same Omega watch for men. It's a Constellation alright, but has dots instead of bars as time markers.I bought mine sometime in the 80's. Do you think it uses the same type of battery?
ReplyDeleteThanks.
BTW; I called Omega Service Center. The fellow I talked to was nice but they charge $60 to replace the battery and another $450 to start with to repair what they might find wrong. I would be 3-4 weeks without a watch, if I agree for them to fix any problem they might find.
ReplyDeleteHi N,
DeleteYou can check the cost on Omega website. that have the basic costing there.
All the best.
Regards
Try changing the battery yourself first this maybe the only thing wrong or you could an independent watch maker they usually charge 40-60 and this is easy for them. M
DeleteHi Ivan
ReplyDeletewhile trying to change the battery I lost the metal tab...
do you know anywhere that might sell them?
thanks
My comment is some years late....but my wife's Constellation was dead in the water and needed a battery change. I took the watch to the actual Omega (company owned) store in my area and they refused to change the battery. They said they had to send it into the Swiss Omega service center for service. And, because it was over 5 years old, they would have to replace the movement. Something like $600! I actually laughed! I've been collecting watches since I was a teenager and have a number of high end watches, and except the automatic movement pieces (which of course don't have a battery), I change out the batteries on every single one of them... including my wife's. So I decided to give it a shot. The back did take a bit of nudging, but I got it to pop-off without any issues and no marks on the case-back. I then followed your instructions and within 20 minutes the case-back was pressed back on and the watch is back to keeping time. The only sticky point was the gold battery tab (holder) and the screw that holds it in place. Once I figured that out... it was off to the races. Thanks for your great pictures it helped me figure out the battery tab and exactly were it goes.
ReplyDeleteHi, what size flat head screw driver size is needed to open the screw holding gold metal tab on battery? Thanx
ReplyDeleteGreat instructions thank you.
ReplyDeleteOne important thing to mention is that the case back cannot be popped back on unless the gasket is first mounted around it.
I have started replacing the battery on my wife's watch without checking these instructions and one issue I have encounter was that I was not able to pop the case back on. Checking these pictures helped me figure out that the gasket was stuck inside the watch and the case back cannot be closed unless the gasket is first mounted around the case back.
Could someone give me more details about how to get the gold metal tab back into place- I assume that once the "hook" on the end is in its slot it has to be compressed against the back of the battery but I am not sure how to do that or what to use. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI found it easiest to fit the screw a turn or so first, then locate the small tab at the free end of the brass clip in the small slot next to the battery and hold the tab down against the battery while nudging it sideways under the screw head. Then tighten the screw.
ReplyDeletePlese sell my watch
ReplyDeleteHi I read this thread too late, and I lost the gold hold down tab when it popped out. Anyone have an idea where I can buy another? Ladies Constellation 1456.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me about the bracelet removing punch? Exactly what size is that or is there a standard size for this ladies watch?
ReplyDelete