Omega quartz service issue

Refuse the refinishing. That’s just rude.

Jeeze, these companies really ought to be kinder to their customers.

I don’t have first hand experience, but I’ve heard that Rolex does similar things. They’ll refuse to service a watch unless you allow them to do all the work they want. Sometimes it’s refinishing a dial or polishing a case.

From their perspective, I think they feel they’re heading off future problems and ensuring the owner has the best possible watch.

Now I think it’s fair to say the owner should get to decide to what degree if any his/her watch gets serviced. Were it me I’d try to get it serviced by someone else. I’m not a fan of them telling me my watch has to be polished or whatever. I think that’s for me to decide.

IWC do the same with with MkXii pilot watch because the tritium on the original might get into the serviced movement. I believe they will also refuse to service the watch if the change isn’t made (because they can’t guarantee the movement)

I had a somewhat similar experience, but before I get to that… Wow! That’s a cool watch, and the strap is really giving the vintage vibes.

That being said, story time… I send my mom’s 70’s Tissot to Switzerland for restoration. The sent two separate quotes, one for the bracelet (it’s a integrated bracelet), the crystal and the movement replacement, and the other one for the dial repainting. However, they clearly said to me that the dial repainting was optional, as they understand it may lose value for collectors if the dial was restored, not to mention that it would’ve doubled the price of the service. I said yes to everything but the dial.

I think you should be able to say no to the dial, which by the way, looks completely fine to me.

Be VERY specific on what you want done and save your emails. They literally polished the gold off the conservatory on the caseback of hubby's vintage Constellation and then tried to argue it wasnt two toned when we sent it. We had thd original pics. Got a refund.

I agree with you about keeping the dial original.

And if they don't want to do that, not service as instructed....

Maybe that is why my Brietling Colt is taking so long to get serviced; they wanted to replace the crystal, claimed they say a scratch, but I said no.

If that is the only way they can guarantee it I would do it. That watch is a beauty and the fact that it's your Grandfather makes it worth it. I would love to see that on a black faux alligator strap. Good Luck, keep us posted on what you do.

I paid £350 for a replacement movement for my grandfathers Seamaster Quartz around 13-14 years back. Estimated time was 3-4 weeks. UK based with Omega parts.

The Omega price was £450, with an estimated timescale of f**k you, and a trip to Switzerland. Unfortunately, Omega is throttling the parts market (or should I say, Swatch Group is throttling the parts market), and as result, this type of thing is unavoidable. As it’s sentimental, if you would wear it, unfortunately you will have to pay for it… this is Swatch Group for you, and one of the reasons I’ve stopped buying vintage Omega and other brands in the group.

Cool watch, pity about the cost and time of repair.

Good luck 🤞🏻

I've got Omega's first mass produced Quartz, the Seamaster Mariner 1. The movement is shot, completely & irreparable. So, sent it to Winski of Kinross who put a modern , cheaper movement in . Cost £200.

If you're not fussed about authenticity that'd save you a fortune.

https://www.winskisofkinross.co.uk/quartz-conversions

If it's any use to anyone.

It's going to make me think twice before buying a watch with an in-house movement going forward.

100%. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any alternatives to getting the watch back in working order with genuine parts and they know it!

Thanks! It's super cool but the braided strap, as different as it is, would probably be the one thing I would change lol

Thanks for sharing! I wish they gave me the option. They're acting like a dodgy mechanic IMO

You're right. Ultimately, we don't have a choice if we want to keep it a genuine Omega. The watch is worth it, especially with the family connection.

I'll keep everyone posted!

Try 10 to 16 months service time! Up from 8 months they originally quoted and due to the dial service!

This is my first experience dealing with Omega and very unimpressed!

Thanks for the advice. If it was up to me I probably would use a third party movement. My grandfather wants to keep it authentic though.

I can understand why.

Good luck mate 🍀👍🏻

Please let us know how it all ends, and I sure hope you get to restore just the way you want and not the way they want you to.

Yeah, about the strap…. Like I said, it gives the vintage vibes, however, I would replace it too… I’m with you there.

Hope it all ends well for you and your watch, brother.

That’s too bad. I’ve been looking at vintage Omegas for some time now and almost pulled the trigger several times. I guess this is just one more thing to consider before I do.