Omega 2254.50 Back From Service

On Saturday I picked up my 2254.50 from the Omega Service Center in NYC. I wanted to detail the entire process in case anyone was on the fence about getting their timepiece serviced through Omega.

I purchased the watch on Chrono24 from the seller WatchVault NYC on May 3rd 2023 and it arrived in overall good condition. I wish I took before pictures of the wear but the bracelet showed signs of scratching from what looked like normal wear. None of this bothered me in the sleightest and the bezel has some light scratches on it (still present) that I didn’t mind either. Aluminum bezels tend to pick those up over time and when buying a piece from 2007 id expect that, plus it was viewable in the listing.

What did bother me however was the sapphire crystal having a few tiny scratches near the 2 o’clock marker that weren’t really noticeable as soon as I got the watch. I ended up noticing them the next day and as this wasn’t listed in the description of the listing I was a bit annoyed. I figured since the watch was something I really wanted I would just deal with it but after awhile I started to focus on it whenever I looked at the watch.

The movement was beating at -11spd which for a chronometer spec movement this is a tad slow. Still not horrible but also something that peeved me a bit. I contacted the seller and they sent me pictures of the watch during their testing and this was one of the pictures.

They stated that because I’m the other positions it tested well, the average was that the watch was technically running within spec. On wrist though this was a different story. Nevertheless I decided to get the watch serviced at Omega since I had an extra bonus at work and already went through the trouble of getting half links ordered for the bracelet.

On June 19th 2023 I dropped off the watch at the boutique located on 5th Ave and they were extremely welcoming. They went over what goes into a typical service and asked if I wanted the crystal replaced as well to which I said yes. I was quoted $876 before tax which included a complete movement overhaul, bracelet & case refinishing and pin and collar replacement as well as a replacement of the crystal and any worn parts (hands, crown etc). They stated it would take anywhere from 6-8 months for the service to be completed. Although that was a pretty long time to wait, I was willing to do so. I opted to not have the bezel insert replaced and decided to move forward with the service.

On July 9th, 2023 I received the following email update in regards..

As I had already pre signed the authorization at the boutique, they immediately moved forward with the repair. This email came with the information I needed to log into the Swatch website to view multiple service timeline and any updates in regards. The website is https://swatchgroup-services.biz/Account/Login?aspxerrorpath=/en-US/Repair/Details/1555212

This gave me an estimated completion date of October 12, 2023 which would’ve made the total time from drop off to completion a little over three months. Way shorter than the 6-8 months I was originally quoted.

On August 6th 2023 I received another email from the boutique..

Not bad at all. Nice that they keep you updated throughout the process in case you are unable to log into the swatch website.

Finally on September 7th 2023 I got this final email from them..

Imagine my surprise when more than a full month earlier than stated I was able to pick up my watch. This brought the total service time to only a little over two months.

The watch was presented in this beautiful travel clase, along with all the old and replaced parts including the broken crystal.

The polishing on the bracelet and case was also astounding. It was a light polish as to not distort and ruin the original case and bracelet shape but it was enough to get rid of all the scuffs and minor scratches present.

The crystal was of course replaced and looks absolutely perfect.

Note the light scratches on the aluminum bezel. The hands and crown were also replaced as they showed signs of fading and discoloration. This is something that you might not want to replace depending on if your watch used tritium lume or not. Some people like the patina those give off.

The cleaned and overhauled movement was now running an average of +2 spd and the whole service came with a 2 year warranty.

Overall I would say I was more than happy with the service but would i go through Omega again when the movement shows signs of slowing down? Honestly I don’t think I would.

I think as long as you don’t need a polish or replacement of specific parts such as the crystal or bracelet, a good and qualified independant watchmaker will suffice. Even then you could most likely get the watchmaker to order those parts for you and then replace them at cost. You’ll be charged a lot less for the service and typically get just as good results. Although I will say the turnaround time was a lot faster than expected, the overall cost was a bit high for what you get.

SERVICE TIMELINE

06/19/2023 - Dropped off Watch at Omega Boutique 5th Ave NYC. Advised that Watch would take anywhere from 6-8 months to complete. Was told would receive a call in two weeks to update on status.

06/30/2023 - Service repair started

07/09/2023 - Email received detailing the cost of service for the piece and stating the time to completion would be 16 weeks.

09/07/2023 - Email received stating that timepiece is ready for pickup.

Total Wait Time: 2 months and 19 days

Have you guys had any experience with an authorized service center good or bad?