Speaking of the “ceiling” in the replica bezel, the VS factory Omega Seamaster 600m is absolutely unavoidable. Since its inception, this watch has been called “the closest replica to the original” by countless watch friends. Not only is the appearance polished to perfection, but the 8900 Master Chronometer movement inside has been highly restored, and even the adjustment logic is almost the same as the original. But just because it looks so much like the real thing, many people tend to mishandle it, and even think it is a quality problem. Today we are going to talk about how to use and maintain this watch so that it can run longer and more stably.
Let me first talk about the most confusing point for novices——Why does the hour hand feel loose when I turn the crown to adjust the time?
It sounds like parts are loose, but actually this is the best thing about the VS factory. The genuine Omega 8900 movement has a unique design: you can quickly switch time zones by turning the hour hand counterclockwise, without affecting the precise movement of the minute and second hands. The VS factory has perfectly reproduced this structure, so when you adjust the time, it is normal for the hour hand to shake slightly, which means that the movement is “working” and not broken. Don’t be in a hurry to return or exchange the product, because you don’t understand its advanced functions.
Let’s talk about the calendar. You will find that the calendar of this watch does not jump “snap” as soon as midnight, but slowly starts to move from 10:30 in the evening, and does not completely switch until close to 12 o’clock. This “slow beat” mechanism is actually the standard configuration of Omega’s original movement, and the VS factory also copies it exactly. Although it is not as refreshing as instantaneous jump, it has less impact on the movement and is more durable. So don’t panic when you see the calendar moving slowly. This is the “ceremonial feeling” that only high-end goods have.
So how do you set the time correctly? Remember one sentence:Adjust it as far forward as possible and as little as possible toward the back.
In other words, if you want to adjust the calendar, it is best to turn the crown clockwise to let the time go forward day by day. Frequent counterclockwise pullbacks will cause additional wear on the movement gears. Although the VS factory has excellent workmanship, mechanical watches are still afraid of “violent operation”. Be gentle and it will stay with you longer.
Next is winding. Although it is an automatic mechanical watch, if you have not worn it for a few days, it is recommended to manually wind it for about 30 turns to give the spring some strength. Special reminder here:You must move slowly!
Many people are anxious and grab the crown and turn it violently, which may cause the gears to slip or the spring to get stuck. The correct approach is to rotate gently, feel the resistance, and apply force evenly. Just like refueling a luxury car, you can’t go fast, you have to pay attention to the rhythm.
Finally, let’s talk about waterproofing. “600 meters waterproof” is engraved on the back of the watch, which sounds like it can accompany you on deep-sea adventures, but the reality is much calmer.
This 600 meters refers to the laboratory static pressure test value, which cannot be achieved in actual wearing. What’s more, although the VS factory version has a screw-in crown and sealing treatment, and has good daily waterproof capabilities – hand washing, rain, and swimming are no problem – the professional-looking HE helium escape valve on the left is actually a decoration and cannot be exhausted. So,Shallow water is fine, no need to talk about deep diving. For high-stress activities such as diving, diving, and surfing, it is safer to take off your watch.
In addition, every time you finish swimming or touch sea water, remember to rinse the surface with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Chlorine and salt water are highly corrosive. If left alone for a long time, the sealing ring will age faster and the waterproof performance will decrease.
In general, the VS Factory 600-meter Seamaster not only “looks like” it, but also restores the use logic and mechanical thinking of the genuine product. It is not like some shoddy replica watches that “break as soon as you twist it”, but it is by no means a “casually made” tool watch. The more you understand it, the more valuable it will be.
If you have already bought it, or are planning to buy it, you might as well treat it like a precision instrument. With regular maintenance and standardized operation, it will give you a top-level watch experience that is almost as real as the real one.
After all, people who really understand watches never only look at appearance, but also know how to make a watch last for a long time.