Servicing My 20+ Year Old Speedmaster at Omega, Experience & Cost
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- [CORRECTIONS] Thanks everyone for your comments, turns out a few things I had thought about my Speedmaster may need Correcting based on all your great comments:
1) I misspoke, mine is not the 'Sapphire Sandwich'.
2)A few people have noted it may be a later model from 1996-1999.
3) The grey gasket is from the sapphire case back seal.
4) California does not charge Tax on services and also the work was completed 'out of state'.
Omega Speedmaster is my favourite watch, After 12 years of ownership and 27 years of life I decided to get it serviced by Omega. In this upload, I discuss Omega Servicing, pricing, what it was like to deal with an Omega Boutique for servicing and what parts they replaced and sent back!
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I recently sold this watch, Find out why here czcams.com/video/2RW3DVSNZlE/video.html
[CORRECTIONS] Thanks everyone for your comments, turns out a few things I had thought about my Speedmaster may need to be corrected after some more knowledgable people than me gave feedback.
1) I misspoke and mine is not the 'Sapphire Sandwich'.
2) I'm trying to verify when it was made, a few people have noted it may be a later model from 1996-1999.
3) The grey gasket is from the sapphire case back seal.
4) Apparently, California does not charge Tax on services and also the work was completed 'out of state'.
Omega! Not Emega
Our family spent a few days in Panama, in March 1969, and during that time my father visited the Canal duty free zone, which back then was a real paradise for deals, and bought three brand new Omega Speedmasters - one for himself, one for my elder brother and one for me - just before my 14th birthday. Back then, Speedmasters sold in Panama for USD 100 each, believe it or not. A few months later, I wore it when we watched live on BW TV, as Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon. I wore the heck out of my Speedmaster through high school and college - it was the only watch I owned. It just never dawned on me that I might need another one. Foolishly, I took it swimming, even skin diving. Rode motorcycles with it. Played sports. The works. Proposed to my sweetheart. Got married with it on my wrist. Today, fifty years later, and cared for with much more care than before, it is still with me, still running. It was serviced for something (I forget what) back in the 70s. Then, I overwound it and broke the mainspring, sometime in the 80s. I do missions work in South America and to fix that at an official Omega shop down here was way above my means, so it went into a drawer, and I bought some cheap quartz thing. Then a few years ago I met an old watch repairman locally, who, though not an official Omega repairman, told me with confidence that he often had serviced Rolex, Omega, etc. and I decided - what have i got to lose? I got very lucky and found a vintage, never used Omega 861 mainspring for less than 100 at an Ebay source in Germany. The old gentleman serviced my watch and changed the mainspring for about US 50. Today it is running great, and I am so happy, now more than fifty years after receiving it from my father, to be wearing it again. I wore it the entire month of July to conmemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Would I ever sell it? Maybe after hell freezes over, but even then, probably not. Now i own several nice watches - but nothing has the sentiment, the history, the quality or makes me smile like my Omega Speedmaster.
Hi Jim, thats is a great story about your speedster, if you ever wanted to capture that on either my podcast or youtube channel let me know!
Wow what a great story!! Do you have any idea how special the watch is when you were high school? Or at that time it was just a regular watch?
Wow nice story...
What a great story. Sometimes I wish I could be a one watch guy like you. But it seems iam not strong enough...
I try to end up with a 3 watch collection but I think in the end there are maybe 5. I just start last year and have a few more watches on the list. But the list is getting smaller and smaller because I think about the watches and the purpose and than I realize I can appreciate a design, mechanical aspects and stuff like the history without having this watch.
I should enjoy what I already have and in the future I want pick up a speedmaster 😄
Nice story, makes me think if it's worth buying one to wear for 20-30 years or more.
The service costs it's what makes it not worth it or finding a good watchmaker.
For a watch you purchased second hand, 27 years old and you’ve had it 12, the money you’ve spent to bring it back to such an amazing condition, well worth it taking every thing into account with the watch itself, cheers, great vid and enjoy your new watch 👍👍👌👌
Thanks, Guy, yes I should have worked it out in the upload but thats only $30 a year over its life!
The Casual Watch Reviewer
very well worth it when you look at it like that, especially for such an iconic watch 👍👍👌👌
27 years and no major movement parts replaced. That's testament to quality in my book. Good video, cheers.
Yes, I was impressed, I honestly thought I would get parts replaced, a long time ago a screw came loose inside (not Omegas fault, I had it opened by a third party guy) and the screw came loose and rattled around inside before I realized. I was sure that did some damage!
The Casual Watch Reviewer - I have a Speedmaster purchased new in Sept 18 so it’s reassuring to know it will last a good while before major overhaul is needed. Best wishes.
As a watchmaker I can guarantee you than movement parts have been replaced, especially after 20 years of running on the same oils. I know that it makes it seem less impressive but that’s how it is.
plifplouf I can’t see any internal parts replaced in this video.
The Casual Watch Reviewer can I ask them to leave the scratches on mine? I kinda like it this way
I have a Speedmaster I bought in August 1974. It is the version with the sapphire face. It is a manual wind version. It is the same 861a movement as was used in the space program starting in the 1960's. The tachometer numbers are silk screened on to the inside of the glass. I have been getting the watch cleaned and maintained about every 4 to 5 years.
Back in the 1970's, I was flying aircraft. I was flying in areas north of Montreal and Ottawa. I used the watch with the navigation timing for the operation of the aircraft.
Over the years, I had to replace the sapphire face a number of times because I accidentally hit it against things while working. I work in doing electronic systems service. After the third time I damaged the face I stopped wearing the watch while I work. I remove it and keep it in a soft cloth pouch. The sapphire face of this watch is very expensive to replace.
As for accuracy, my Speedmaster is keeping about -2 to about +3 seconds per day average. Sometimes it has been a second or two more or less than its average. This depends on movement and the type of activity I have been doing. It also depends on if I leave it over night sitting face up or standing propped up on its side.
Depending on my long term activities and etc., I have had times where the watch was keeping an average of better than 1 minute accuracy over a one month period. When the watch is lying flat face up it can run an equivalent of about +1 to about +3 seconds over 24 hours. If lying on its side or propped up to be in a standing position it can run about -1 to about -3 seconds over 24 hours. Overall when this watch is functioning properly, over a long period it keeps time almost as good as an average quartz watch. I was very surprised.
This is not an easy watch to service. It takes a fair number of hours to take apart and re-assemble after the parts are cleaned. Then there is the inspection and adjustment. Over the lifespan of my watch it required some internal parts to be changed from wear. A few years ago the balance wheel, main spring, hair spring, and escapement wheel were changed along with some other small parts. The white color on the hands was fading, and thus the service tech put on new hands.
After every time I have had the watch serviced take it back after about 4 to 6 weeks of use to have its speed-rate verified by the service technician. He can then touch up the regulation if necessary. After the maintenance it can take a few weeks for the lubricants used to settle down. To adjust the watch they use an instrument that can verify the beats per hour, the beat error factor, and the span of the balance wheel in degrees of rotation. There are adjustments for this. Regulation of this type of movement is not from simply moving a single speed adjustment.
I found this watch model is sensitive to magnetic fields. There are articles in various watch sites about this. Cell phones and tablets, and common magnets used in various areas can affect this watch. I know when the watch is slightly magnetized when its average time keeping is off time more than 7 seconds or more over the day. I have a watch degausser (demagnetizer) that I bought for about $30 on line. It is important to know how to use it, or you can magnetize the watch even more.
The 861a and the older versions of the Speedmaster had to meet very ridged specifications for the NASA space program. This watch movement has to be able to withstand the G-Force of taking off in a rocket and still maintain time. It can be fitted with a long strong Velcro strap put on to it and be warn on the outside of a space suit in space. This watch is not a very water resistant watch, but it can work in the vacuum of space and be used in high speed jet aircraft, rockets, and various aircraft under harsh atmospheric conditions. The 861a movement is still used in the NASA aerospace program. The space rated version is using the hard plastic face instead of the sapphire. This has to do with safety in case the face is broken. Pieces of glass inside of a space capsule can be dangerous.
I have a number of other Omega watches. I have an older De Ville, and a recent Planet Ocean. Both are automatic movement. These are terrific watches.
Hi Jerry, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and share that experience with your Speedmaster, made for a fascinating read. It is almost worth an upload of its own. Have you ever considered making a youtube video? You would be always welcome on my channel also to share that story.
Jerry G. It’s amazing that you have had your watch for that long. I look forward to owning my watches for that long. Your story has peaked my interest in omega watches.
Jerry G. Excellent account, but please correct me If I’m wrong if say that it was calibre 321 and not 861a that NASA astronauts took into space during the 1960s.
Jerry G. ditto got mine in 77
Pulsonar you are correct. Infact, omega is bringing back the 321 right now after having scanned eugene cernan’s (last man on the moon) watch caliber and remodeling it.
Just bought a new Speedmaster and could not be happier. The customer service was on another level….. my wife drinking champagne whilst I purchased it !
I did the same about 10 years ago. It was a bit cheaper back then, but a perfect job as well. It's a standard prize, so regardless what is broken, they will fix it. The funny thing is, maybe this make me a bit weird, that I have never worn the watch ever since.
Looks sharp! Totally worth it, only 800$ and 1 service in almost 30 years!
I know I should have broken that down in the upload thats like $30 a year! Thanks for watching Graham!
The Casual Watch Reviewer or $2.50 a month!
Noggsy joggsy watches omegas flat rate for servicing a mechanical/automatic is 750$
Only 800?
@@DjVader112 wow
That is an AMAZING level of service. I think you got your money's worth. Thanks so much for sharing your positive experience. It gives me confidence to buy a used Omega knowing that when you pay the factory for service, you're actually getting a restoration. Wear it in good health and try not to sit on it. 😉😄
Yes, I was honestly impressed after being very skeptical at the start! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Watch looks great. Had my Seamaster 300M and Speedmaster serviced by Omega ten years ago and they did a wonderful job and the customer service was top notch. They do replace all worn parts if it’s needed. There use to be a video on here from Omega called Omega Customer Service-Complete Maintenance Service.
It is money well spent, but you already know that, you own an Omega.
Yes I'm glad I went for it and had them do it, they did a grant job as you say. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Love to see how it's come up so beautifully!
Concerning the parts, Omega won't send back internal movement parts they exchange in a service, so you won't know how much they've changed unfortunately. It could be 5 parts, or it could be 300+ !
Hi Annabel, thanks for commenting. I thought they may have a policy against sending those parts back. Im sure they must have replaced a few after 20 + years!
@@CasualWatchReviews they may not be doing it now, but I have 2 crystals they’ve replaced (Hesalite) and several other odd parts, including a mainspring. All from service trips.
It looks like you had a great experience from Omega. This is very helpful to see. Thanks for the details in the vid!
Thanks Tod, yes I was a bit hesitant to spend the money, being a watch nut (like we all are) I was working out watch I could have got for $800 but I'm really glad I did it!
The Casual Watch Reviewer - yes this was an $800 investment. I like it too that Omega sent the original parts back.
This is the first video of yours I ever watched, and I quite liked the presentation, you earned yourself a new subscriber. This Speedmaster is definitely my dream watch, it has such class that it is almost impossible to describe it with words. Taking its past into account, you get an unbelievable piece of history on your wrist.
Hi, welcome to the channel, really appreciate you subscribing. Yes, this was always my dream and still is! there is something about the Speedmaster.
Looks good. Ready for another 27 years.
I agree and if it goes that long I'm hopefully only going to have to maybe save $40-50 per year! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
I can't thank you enough for this video. I have been pondering where to take my Speedmaster Professional; my watchmaker closed up shop and disappeared. I live 45 minutes away from South Coast Plaza, so this information is GOLD to me, as there are a lot of guys working on watches that I wouldn't trust with this, the flagship of my modest collection. I too bought mine used back in 2009, and to my knowledge, the watch has never been serviced. Many thanks for sharing your experiences, and you now have a new subscriber.
Hey, really glad you liked it, welcome to the channel!
I recently bought a Speedy Reduced from Tourneau. I overpaid on purpose since I know they do a similar service to every pre-owned watch they sell. I could have gotten the same watch from a different seller for less, but I have to say, the watch feels and looks new and is probably close to 20 years old. I am very happy and I recommend buying from Tourneau for watches that are known to need expensive service.
yes I have had a good experience at Tourneau
Totally worth it, looks amazing!
Yep, I think it was well worth it once I got it back, was not convinced before! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
Noggsy joggsy watches, thats what i thought for a long time, they did that good a job though it feels like a new watch
Watch turned out beautiful. Nice to see they did not over restore the case. Absolutely worth the price of admission.
Yes the case is amazing considering how scratched up it was. The lines are still sharp and the brushing they added looks really cool, those parts had gone completely shiny on mine over the years. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
great job they did on your speedy,amazing sending my seamaster 2254.50 to omega in the uk hope they do just as good job
Hi Sam the service gives you piece of mind for next 10 or 15 years I’d say it’s money well spent my friend and the watch looks almost new. There is just something that has drawn me to the speed master akin to a longing but some day my ship will come in .Beautiful.
Hi Paul, yes its a great Watch the true keeper in my collection. I have had it a long time and got a decent deal on it so I think your right, the money is well spent! I would look at second hand if you're going to buy one, I think there are some deals out there.
That's a fine looking 27 year old Omega. I have a 2018 Speedy Pro and makes me feel good to know I have quite a few years before I start worrying about service. I did ask the Omega store (here in Hawaii) about servicing the Speedmaster and was quoted the same price as you did. $750 must be the standard price for a full service on a Speedmaster. I think it's totally worth it to have it serviced by Omega and have that peace of mind. When the time comes I'll have mine serviced by Omega but by then it'll probably be around $1500 or more. Congrats!
Thanks for watching, yes I'm glad I had it done and I think it was well worth it, its been through some scrapes this watch so in my experience very well built!
YMMV, I have a 2019 sapphire sandwich and there's a hair very clearly stuck to the chrono minute wheel, it just came like that. Doesn't impact timekeeping apparently but I'll get around to taking it back to Omega for removal XD
Yes, $750 is the price listed on their website. They post standard prices for each movement.
Got mine serviced,collected it today,no intérnal parts except for two cogs which obviously came from within the movement.
Pushers,crown,crystal,spring bars and a very small spring (probably from one of the pushers) came with the watch.
Watch looks new again.
5 star work from omega.
Looks amazing. Really appreciate these kind of videos, so useful for a future owner!
Thanks, appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed it!
Glad to find you! We just got our 1999 Speedmaster Moonwatch serviced by Omega. We contacted Omega and they sent me a FedEx mailer. I live in Texas. Watch was sent to Omega Service Center in California. I had similar experience and am very pleased. Looks like a brand new watch. They did charge me tax and return shipping. My total was $838. They also sent me all the parts that they replaced.
Hi, welcome to that channel, glad you enjoyed the upload. That is interesting I didn't know there was a service center in California, I should look into that. I'm based in California and they sent mine to Seattle. but great to hear you had a good experience and thanks for watching.
The Casual Watch Reviewer it’s in Culver City. Also New Jersey & Miami. I believe Seattle recently opened. They must be sending some of the California work there
Great video, I’m looking at a 9 year old Seamaster that I was worried should be sent in for service right away but after seeing this I realize there is no panic.
What a bargain for such beautiful watch. Peace of mind is worth it. 👍
Good to see. I have a Speedmaster which was a 21st-birthday gift in late 1970, so made in maybe 1969 or 1970. I think it will have either the 321 or 861 movement, but I did not keep the paperwork so don't know. It has never had any work done on it apart from a couple of crystal replacements. I'd love to have a restoration done on it - it's in reasonable condition but there are some corroded areas on the tachymetre scale and just general wear and tear of 50 years of use, even though I don't wear it all the time. I've been quoted about AU$1300 by a local Omega specialist watchmaker, and that was a while back so may be even more now. I haven't bitten the bullet just yet. I think these watches were retailing for about AU$270 when it was purchased!
Nice overview! Good to know you had a good experience with the Omega service centre.
Hi Peter, yes I would take it back to them in future. I'm glad I had it done now I have it back!
I did have a mainspring break on my Speedmaster so I sent it off to get fixed and serviced (bought it in 2008 and the spring broke in 2022, pretty much my fault for not getting it serviced since buying it). When they sent it back they sent all the parts they replaced too, which included the crystal which had a huge crack in it, the crown and pushers (which I thought looked perfectly fine so I figure they just replace those as a matter of course), the broken mainspring, and all the hands (which I also thought looked just fine, I guess they just always replace those too).
But they did also send back a couple of cog wheels from within the watch mechanism. I can't tell what was wrong with them, they look OK to me, but I don't have a microscope to check them under. So if they're like the UK Omega service centre then yeah, they will send broken components from inside the watch itself back if they needed to replace them.
Thanks for this great video! I own 3 Omegas and live near South Coast plaza so it’s great to see the process for servicing when my time comes!!
Hi Rob, yes they did a great job, I don't know if its just me but they never seem very friendly in that store?
The Casual Watch Reviewer I have only been in there once and I didn’t buy any of my watches there. They were not overly friendly but then again I was dressed in jeans and flannel shirt 😂 still glad you posted your experience. I will definitely send my watches through them for service when the time comes. Cheers!
I’m glad you are satisfied with Omega’s service. That is a hell of a watch and it should last many more years! I really like the exhibition case back which provides a glimpse of that beautiful movement. My 2020 Omega Seamaster 300m is currently out for warranty work because it wasn’t keeping the advertised METAS certified threshold of 0 to +5 sec/day. Eagerly awaiting its return, but I am wearing my blue Planet Ocean in the meantime. Cheers 🍻
I live in Montreal Canada and we have a Swatch Group service point that is fantastic. My Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow is a 2007 model and it’s first service is happening as we speak. My watch was actually lagging about -25 secs a day so yes they do replace inner parts like the main spring. I am looking about 6 weeks for delivery. It will be sent out to Toronto for case and bracelet polishing/repair and they have a renown horologist in house that will work on and certify the movement. They don’t send out the movement, they do it in house in our case. Beautiful watch, can’t wait to see mine like new. I am paying 1060$ CDN all taxes included. Well worth it on a 9000$ watch. Omega recommends servicing every 5 to 7 years in the case of my Co-Axial 3313 movement. This service is a complete overhaul. Cool that they send back all the original parts
Hey Phillip, thanks for adding all that. I would be really interested to hear how you get on.
So the repair is complete. I had a bit of a hard time with the service point but in general they delivered. My watch runs now +-0 seconds a day 😳Absolutely fantastic polishing job not even noticeable. I did not get as many parts back as you did but I did get some. The parts I got back are the inner parts. They did not give me back the old hands that were changed. I am very satisfied with the overall costs and experience. Well worth it! Great to get a 2 year full warranty on it also👍Kudos Omega
Ski Bum thats cool, glad they did a good job. Yep I think for the ADs it’s a chore for them to do the Servicing paperwork or they don’t get commissioned on it
I just got a Speedy and live down the street from South Coast Plaza. This convinced me! I’ll be doing the same to mine. Thanks for making this video. It’s greatly appreciated.
Oh cool! Yep I had a good experience on this service.
I've sent my GMT and Railmaster there (via an Omega Boutique), and also felt like I got a brand new watch back. My Railmaster was almost 20 years old. My comment to readers would be that since they so thoroughly overhaul them.. completely disassembling and polishing bracelets, replacing mainsprings, gears, hands, if needed, etc... I think the price is worth it. However I wait until they stop running (or give me trouble) to send them in because the price for service is the same on a running and non-running watch.
Just been through a similar process in the UK. My year 2000 Omega Seamaster Professional Titanium bought new, whilst not worn regularly as it is not my daily wear, kept stopping even though it was in a quality auto winder. I had it sent back to Omega. The service was pricey but the number of parts replaced and the quality of finish on the bracelet was completely outstanding. It looks like a new watch. Very impressed.
Glad you got it sorted and that was nearly 20 years (shocking to think 2000 was nearly 20 years), they did a good job of mine also, did you get any of the movement parts back?
I have just sent in for service my Speedmaster Professional Mark II. I have had the watch serviced multiple times since I first purchased it in 1969, 54 years ago. Not sure what the service fee will be, but I’m anticipating somewhere in the $800 range. It will certainly be missed until I can get it back onto my wrist. We’re like two old friends!
Over 600 parts in this watch! In my state we do not pay tax on labor. My Seamaster is about $500 for overhauling and polishing.
Awesome to see her back in the stable! All things considered, I think that 8 weeks and $800 seems reasonable. You said it yourself, it's like a brand new Speedmaster. I'd pickup a brand new Speedmaster for $800 any day of the week...
Yes, thats a good way of looking at it Josh, its like having a new speedy. Never seen it look so good!
Great review! I’m a new subscriber and a Rolex, Oris owner. My next watch will be a Omega Speedmaster man on the moon 🌙 Great Service and a fair price from the Omega Service Center!
Oris very nice.
I have had ming for 10 years and considering myself whether to send it to Omega, an authorised service centre or just some guy. Really good and informative video 👍
I was in exactly that boat myself. I was glad it went to Omega in the end but it was an investment for sure!
Stunning watch. This watch has been my dream watch since i can remember I will be getting this watch soon.
Do it! I just got mine today and it feels so good! Treat yourself!
It was my dream watch for a long time, I managed to get this over 10 years ago and still love it.
I had my Omega 53 RAF pilots watch, serviced by Omega.
It was owned by my father, who had purchased it in 1961 , so was in good working order, but looking tired, and had never been serviced in all those years.
It was returned to Basel in Switzerland, and came back looking like new.
The only thing that was replace, was the crystal, the rest of the watch is refurbished original, and looks stunning.
Hi Peter, thanks for adding that cool story about your watch. I know a few people in the comments section have asked about older watches and how Omega handle them.
Excellent video, and the watch looks great. I don't know anything about trading or selling watches, but this video made me think of those home remodeling shows where the crappy old house suddenly looks brand new and is worth more money than before. On top of having a brand new watch, it's still all original. I can't see this service not being worth it. I went in that Omega shop once, and I got the feeling I couldn't even afford to ask a question. 😂
Michael Aguila - Sound a like you’re new to the watch collecting world. Welcome!
@@SoCalWatchReviews yessir. I'm still waiting to get my first watch. I bought a pre-order at that LA MicroLux show
Michael Aguila - Nice, what you end up picking up?
Hi Michael, yes i have only ever bought one watch form Omega new and that was my Wife's Seamaster I got for our wedding. I fancy and Aqua Terra but I don't think I would go new there are some great deals secondhand. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
@@SoCalWatchReviews Tsao Baltimore Torsk Diver with a gray face and black bezel.
I have the speedy reduced that my dad have me for my high school graduation 20 years ago. The watch is now running super slow so I took it into the omega store at the local mall. The tech in there was awesome. He explained everything they’d do in the service and then wound up talking watches for 45 min. He even complimented my Lorier and asked to try it on. Good experience
That is awesome!
There was no tax because parts and materials are typically taxed, but labor is not taxed. Considering that a complete watch tear down and rebuild is considered labor, they likely considered parts replacement as instalation as part of the overall labor cost.
This is awesome, thanks for sharing your experience!
My pleasure!
I also believe there’s no tax on labor, just parts. So depends on how they charged you. The service fee might cover any parts replaced if needed so it’s probably a general service fee
Yes, that must be it, you pay the service fee and they cover the other parts, except the clasp in this instance. Although I don't think I got charged tax on the clasp...I will check. Unless thats why it came to $59 as the cost
The Casual Watch Reviewer you only pay tax on parts, not labor. Since your watch was shipped out of state/country, you weren’t charged tax.
Remnant of California's Republican origins: no sales tax on labor.
masoncnc Illinois is run by Democrats, there’s no tax on labor.
Thanks for the video m8. I've been considering picking up a Speedy Moonwatch and these questions were obviously at the top of my list.
I can totally recommend it if you watch my channel, many watches have come and gone but this is the true keeper of the collection. I really love mine.
It is absolutely worth it! I had no idea they’d do such a fantastic job at resurrecting the brand new feel and look of the watch. Plus they send you the parts back? That’s a great touch for those who collect these watches and if they or their kids sell it one day in incredible condition with ALL the original parts included.... I’d be damned if they don’t get a nice return. They really want you to keep their watches and for it to run for 27 years strong? How could you even complain if you need to get it serviced? I got my Seamaster a week ago and I can’t be happier I finally got my dream watch that happens to come from a fantastic and clearly reliable company! Worth every penny
I’ve owned four Omega Seamasters (including two Planet Oceans) and one new generation Speedmaster, over the past 25 years. I found the quality of Omega service to be uneven...sometimes the service was good and on two occasions the watch came back in worse condition that what it was in when I sent it to them. For this reason, I would only buy another Omega if I could get it at a substantial (25-30%) discount from list price....and I’d have to ‘really’ like the watch. Right now there are lots of alternatives out there to Omega.
Hey David, that is a really interesting addition here to the comments section. It seems like for the most part people have had good experiences with Omega so its good to give some perspective.
My Speedmaster was given to me as a birthday gift at the end of July, 1969 just ten days after Buzz Aldrin wore the first watch on the moon, a .321 cal. Omega Speedmaster. However, mine was one of the first .821 cal. Speedmasters made by Omega. I believe my .821 was made in the fall of 1968 or during the winter of 1969. I sent my Speedmaster in for a "tune up" to Omega in N.Y.C. sometime in the 1980s. Omega replaced the sweep second hand because the green radioactive paint used for nighttime viewing was flaking off the hands. This was a common problem back in the day. The radioactive paint used on the sweep second hand would eventually "flake off". Tiny pieces of the radioactive paint would flake off into tiny pieces of particles into the bottom of the watchs. This was a major problem for Omega that they tried to keep quiet.
When customers like me sent our Speedmasters back, Omega tried to keep the problem quiet. They gave anybody who sent back their early .861s a special gift. In order to keep the problem of the radioactive paint that was flaking off from becoming a public disaster, Omega would give a large "freebee" to people back in the day.
In order to keep the problem of the "radioactive paint" that was flaking off a quiet secret, Omega would give many "freebies" including a free replacement of the softer Hasilite crystal and replace it with a newer harder version of a more scratch proof crystal with a harder and newer form of the plastic Hasilite shell. Omega also provided me with a more updated wristband with newer "pushers" with included newer and more water resistant seals.
This was all done for an additional $300. My original .861 Speedmaster watch was purchased by my most beautiful young 17 year old girlfriend for $275 back in 1969, who was able to purchase it with a 20% employee discount before the company was bought out by Macy's. If there was ever a Deja vu event, I'm having it now.
Nobody back in those days expected the Omega SpeedMaster would become an icon. However Omega did return the older Hasilite crystal and pushers and a few chain links from the original wristband to me in a plastic bag.
Otherwise my watch is a true pre-lunar Omega Speedmaster. My 1968 Speedmaster looks almost brand new today. I wear it most of the time. It does seem to run a little slow, about a minute or so every two days, but who cares? I simply reset it when I wind it up in the morning. I've never taken it under the water. I'm not sure if the early Speedmasters were water resistant but I think the newer ones are.
I love my old pre-lunar Speedmaster. I can still read the time without wearing reading glasses. I too hate watches with so many complications a normal person can't understand them without using a magnifying glass. Why all the unnecessary complications?
BTW, as a U.S. general aviation pilot since 1969, I used the Omega chronograph on my Speedmaster to time checkpoints during long cross country flights. Thus I got use to the Chronograph function for very real purposes.
Today, we use GPS and rarely use "ded reckoning" for navigation purposes. But I grew up with the Omega Speedmaster as a seventeen (17) year old teenager believing that I was going to become an astronaut someday. I did not, but I lived with my Omega Speedmaster from before the Apollo 11 moon landing until today. Who else here can claim they owned a pre-lunar landing Omega Speedmaster and still wears it on his wrist? I wonder how many can make this claim. How many here have pre-lunar Speedmasters that you owned before Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster on the moon BEFORE July 20, 1969?
Hi, I really appreciate you adding all that, fascinating story. I have a colleague who has a 1970s Speedmaster and I don't think he realised what an Icon his was. I just uploaded an interview with a Naval Flight Officer and we discussed navigation using a watch. I think you may enjoy that... he also has a speedmaster czcams.com/video/agmOVnUHxdk/video.html
@@CasualWatchReviews Thank you, I look forward to reading and studying your information. I'm a proud pre-lunar Speedmaster owner. Thank you for educating us.
That was amazing that they sent the parts, some places do not sent any of the parts back to the costumer, you asked for them?
The “Omega Service Center” in Seattle is Nesbits. I serviced my 2002 Seamaster Professional there twice. The first in 2007 was $525 with no parts replaced but the seals. The second was in 2014 where several band pins, the seconds hand and the crystal were replaced. That service was just over $625. Both services got the case and band polished to original spec (all the shiny was shiny and all the matte was re-matted), new seals, tear down and lube and a regulation (a cosc watch). I remember thinking how crazy it was to pay that much for a service but both times that watch came back looking like it did the day I took it out of the red box. The people at Nesbits great. Both times I serviced I hand carried it in and chatted with the staff. A very old business and professional all the way. Now I live in Arizona.. now about a year away from service and will be sending it back to Nesbits when that fateful day comes.
Hi Jason, wow thanks for sharing all that detail and feedback. Can you send directly to them I wonder? They did an excellent job of mine.
Just had my Seamaster back from Switzerland (Via Goldsmiths in St Helier, Jersey)'
Very happy. The watch looks new and the crown screws in butter smooth.
I'm complete again after the watch having stopped and sitting in my safe for 10 years. 😁
Hey! Your username is actually my birthday! Glad your happy with your seamaster. I also felt like it was getting a new watch back!
WOW amazing that you owned the speedy for that long, its becoming a real life companion. I have a 2015 Speedy bought in a Omega boutique and a deal was struck that the 1st service would be complementary when ever that would be, so 100% that mine will be going back to its motherland.
wow, that is a good deal and shows they really stand by the movements. This Omega has been through a lot and has really stood the test of time. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
@@CasualWatchReviews The test of time and the time to comment! Lol
@@lindahoward1883 Next commenter, I'm going to try and get 'time' in my reply 4 times to beat the number of times I say time in my timely replies ;-)
First time on the channel - liked and subbed! This is a really great video; it's informative and was really interesting to see the swaps and updates. I actually just picked up my own 3572.50 a couple of months ago; it looks almost brand new and I'm so very happy with it, but have considered getting it serviced and didn't know if it was worth it. I too have no idea if it had ever been serviced (I'm assuming it never was since I lose about 30 seconds a day, which isn't horrible seeing as this is a ~20 year old manual watch). After seeing this though, when I can muster the guts and cash to spend the money on it, I think I'm going to go ahead and do it through Omega or a comparable AD. I'm actually very excited for your 2nd bullet point on the "why I sold it" video ;) - can't wait for it to look that good! Also, interesting to see that you went with the Tudor BB, as I too am looking at a Tudor (Pelagos LHD) for my next watch! Again, appreciate the video and sad that we aren't 3572.50 brothers, but I suppose I get your points... Have a great one!
Hey Gil, really appreciate you subscribing! Yep I did sell it an honestly I even sold the tudor a few months after owning it. I now have a ani-digi breitling from the late 90s and absolutely love it!
They probably polished the clasp because they like doing a good job. They would rather their product be looking good when it is seen as opposed to bad, and its got the Omega brand on it.
Yep, I think you are right there. It seems weird but that made a big impact on me, them polishing the clasp that will probably never be on a watch again. It spoke to the quality of the service and made me feel a lot better about the investment.
Thanks for the video. Omega is sending me a return box for a complete service on my Seamaster and now I feel pretty good about what I am getting. My service is cheaper than yours - my watch is not a chronograph. I will be paying over $100 less than just replacing the bracelet, so the service seems like the wise choice.
I was honestly very impressed when I got the watch back! They did a great job!
Great vid good luck with the watch for another 12+ years. Great that service worked out so well. Will keep looking for vids.
Hey Dave, yes fingers crossed it lasts me another 12 years! If my channel goes that long I will be sure to do an update!
Wow, it is amazing that you were able to get almost 30 years without a service. That is a real testament to Omega's build quality (or your luck). I think it looks absolutely fantastic and I think $800 is well worth it given the quality of the work that was done. Thank you for sharing your experience Sam :)
Hi Jeffrey, yes it was a testament to Omega's build quality, not my luck, its been through a lot of scrapes that watch and most of them my fault!
My first automatic watch was a Junghans Form A. It was on the lower end cost wise and I didn't have a great deal of disposable income at the time. I really enjoyed wearing it and the skeleton back made for some fun watching, seeing that escapement whir in and out.
But as soon as I picked up a Speedy (Speedmaster Date), I knew there was some new kind of quality in that. Cost wise, it wasn't much more expensive. It had a great weight to it. It's 21 years old and is still absolutely pristine. I spoke to the dealer and he said it looks like mostly original components in the movement. Only the sapphire face has been replaced, in 21 years! Real quality.
Hey Chris, thanks for adding that story to the comments. Glad you are happy with the watch, I totally agree about holding a speedmaster and seeing the quality.
Had my quartz seamaster service at manchester omega it’s 20ish years old it was £450 inc tax looks
And runs like a dream divide the years by the cost and you will feel better great video
Cheers for now
Yes, I agree with that Mark, should have included a breakdown in the upload, Its about $30 a year for me... well worth it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
You received what you paid for. In my opinion they did a great work! Speedmaster Profissional is a wonderfull watch, it deserve it...
Yes I agree, after getting it back I was impressed. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
I am new in your channel and really enjoying your content. I´m watch enthusiast for about 27 years and collecting emotions with thes bad boys.
Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching!
Took mine to south coast plaza as well. I was very impressed. Took a month and $700 later but it really is good as new.
Great to see Omega doing such a wonderful job on your watch, I have the opportunity to get hold a year old Seamaster 300 at a really good price, but the only thing that's stopping me is the servicing cost!
While expensive, Omega servíce is top notch. I’ve had my Speedy since about 2003, and have had it serviced twice. I was amazed at the bag of parts that came back and with the apparently “new” watch in the case. Well worth it!!
Jay Abramson did you follow their 5 year rule?
I can’t wait for my speedy to come back
I had a Breitling Colt GMT overhauled about 5 years ago. It cost £700 but it came back as new, not close, as new. I’d had it for about 10 years and it was really battered. My only gripe was and is that it loses 3 minutes after a day wearing and then runs ok. I am about to get it done again, unlike yours they really did take out every scratch and ding. The problem with Breitling is that some of the watches are mirror finish which lasts about 5 minutes. Interesting video.
Hi Alan, thanks for adding your experiences with brietling. There are now some mirror finishes on mine that I'm a slight bit paranoid about. Hence the white glove in the upload. They did a great job on mine, it was badly scratched on one side and it looks almost new now. Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment.
Great video, my Speedmaster is only a month old so hopefully a few years away from needing some attention, my 10 year old Seamaster Diver however is due for a trip to the Spa as time keeping is not as accurate as it once was and the power reserve is now less than 24 hours. I have read on various forums that you should never send your watch to Omega for servicing, having watched (excuse the pun!!) your video I see no reason not to let Omega service my watch, the price is fixed you know what you are going to pay up front and you also know if there are any non-serviceable bits broken that you would expect to pay extra to have them replaced, the clasp in your case.
Really enjoyed this video, nice to see what you got back from the service centre, (I presume that the UK follows the same policy), all these bits are worth holding on to as proof of work being done and, if you ever decided to sell the watch, gives any new buyer the option to put original parts back on if they wish.
Just subscribed now looking forward to other video's from you. Thanks.
Hi Martin, thanks a lot for subbing, welcome to the channel! Yes, I had my doubts about sending it to Omega but really glad i did, they did a great job and I have some paperwork from them now to prove its been done!
Wow, great video. Really really, enjoyed this one. Looks like you’ve had quite a few views too. 👍🏼 Looking forward to the next one. Definitely worth the spend. It looks fantastic.
Hi Jim, yes the comments on this have been great! Glad you liked it, I think it was worth it now I have it back!
Hi I'm Tim from Essex I've just got the bug, I have a Tudor centergraph approx 1939/40, Omega bond watch, an omega .omegamatic...and my latest ,an omega moon watch with everything, box ,inner case then the watch oh yes a beautiful time piece , a loop books ,big strap with velcro just in case I want to go to the moon ha ha glad I have subscribed thankyou Tim
Hi Tim, welcome to the channel!
Sam, I"m a new Subscriber. Found your podcast first. Strange huh? Looking forward to some great videos. I'm new to Collecting. Just bought a Vostock Sub Commander, Seagull 1963, Seiko 5 (military) and Egard stealth V2. All in one week!
Hey Fred, Welcome to the channel!
You have a Beautiful Time Piece! Omega Takes awesome care of their customers! They are built to last and with proper service they can be handed down generations.
Totally agree!
Looks great well worth the money spent on it! 👍
Thanks, Marty, glad you think so, I think after receiving it back it was well worth it!
Your Omega looks very nice! I think the most important thing is that you are happy with the work done by Omega. The polishing looks awesome and it’s nice that they sent you the replacement parts. It sounds like you did not receive a detailed invoice describing ALL the work performed, including replacement of any internal parts. Seems like it should be standard protocol for Omega to inform you of ALL the work done on your watch. Having said that, it sounds like you are confident with Omega’s service and believe it was a fair price. It’s a beautiful watch and I’ll be on the lookout for the video which describes servicing of your watch in or around 2031!?:). Nice video...
Hi Ed, all I got back was a warranty card and the receipt for the card payment. The original pink slip I showed in then upload had some generic information on the back but not specific to my watch. I'm glad you enjoyed the upload and I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!
I do have an Omega Speedmaster. Love that watch! I did send my Breitling Datora Montbrillant Navitimer to get it serviced to their Connecticut Breitling Service Center. I paid about $700. as well. I received the watch in about six weeks after it was shipped. I did not get any document with explanation of any specific services performed, much less any parts that were replaced. For that price, I wished I got a better explanation of services performed and parts replaced (if any). The watch did return immaculate...like new. As the owner of a high end watch, it would be nice to have the history of the repair(s) considering the price paid.
Thats a shame they did not provide any of that
The Casual Watch Reviewer , I also had sent me TAG for a battery replacement. It was around $200., but they provided a detail list and diagram of not only the battery, but most of the rubber/silicon seals that were also replaced. Still learning the different level of customer service from high end watch service centers.
Great vid, and not bad for a 23/24 year old watch. The hesalite sandwich is the best of both worlds. I prefer this rhodium plated 1863 movement than the first hesalite sandwich Speedy from the 1980's - 1995 with the 863 movement. I'm saving for a 3570, or if I can find a hesalite sandwich Speedy like yours for a good price. Used with box and papers go for $3500 plus. Just a few hundred buck less than a new Speedy Big Box from a grey market dealer. Speedmasters do retain value close to retail after a few years.
Yep I have grown to really love this watch even though I thought the combination of sapphire and hesalite was weird at the start
Only older watches will have to be sent to Switzerland. - Service for a chrono like yours is £600 at Omega UK. That’s always plus parts that are not included the service, for example a sapphire crystal or a case back.
Amazing piece! Tho this is the hesalite sandwich not sapphire. Imo the hesalite sandwich > sapphire sandwich and quite possibly the most desirable speedmaster pro reference that isnt a limited/special/numbered release
Hi thanks for watching and commenting, yes I did really like this watch. I recently sold it, if your interested in knowing why you can check it out here czcams.com/video/2RW3DVSNZlE/video.html
I picked up mine today and I love it. The fact that they give you back your old parts is amazing. Rolex doesnt even give out parts to retailers😂
Yep, I just watched a great Paul Thorpe video where he talked about this.
I had my vintage Seamaster DeVille serviced at the same boutique and had a very good experience; I also bought a watch there a few months later and on both occasions the service was great. California doesn't tax most types of service or labor, just the sale of goods, so your watch service wouldn't be subject to CA sales tax.
Hi Tom, thats good to know maybe I will go back there. I had a funny experience there one time when I went in to look at getting an aqua terra, I walked over to the guy who was free to ask and he just opened the door. Maybe he misheard me but it was funny. They was a cool guy in there who was French I think, he was asking about my speedmaster and rang to invite me to see the commander bond. I have not seen him there for a long time.
Loved the video and unless the watch is pretty inexpensive I would always go for the factory service. From my experience it’s the only way to have peace of mind that a, they will have the correct tools to open and dissemble the watch and b, that if the watch needs any parts they will have the correct parts.
I’m in the UK and I have had a Cartier and JLC factory serviced and they came back looking brand new.
HI Cyime, thanks for sharing your experiences there, I'm glad I had it done at omega now I have it back! Thanks for watching and commenting!
That's pretty surprising to hear about your experience - the few times I've stopped in at the SCP Omega Boutique, I was greeted very warmly and just talked watches with the associate in the store. No hard-selling, just pure enthusiast watch chat.
Hi Steve, only one time have I been in there and the associate actually acted like they wanted to talk about watches. I think the guy was French and was really cool. He wanted to know all about my watch, we had a good chat and he invited me in to see the James Bond commander bond white Seamaster one evening and called me. Every other time I have been in (including when I got this serviced) it seems like they can't wait to hurry you out the door.
I went in once to look at an aqua terra, I was seriously thinking of getting one. The store was busy granted but they had a sales associate located by the door. You know the set up so the aqua terr watches are closest to the door. After looking, I really wanted to take a closer look at the white dial with the orange second hand. I walked over to ask the guy by the door and he just opened the door as if t usher me out. I said I wanted to see an aqua terra and he just stood with the door open, honestly, at the time I was really annoyed, I contemplated even emailing Omega about it. But I just chalked it up to maybe a misunderstanding but I was pretty annoyed and they lost my business that day.
Fun video! I love the clear case back on these. 5:20 You for sure didn't pay tax on the $750 service. We charge sales tax at the till for merchandise or parts only, service or labor performed is not taxed here. You probably should have been charged about $4.20 additional in taxes on the $59 clasp but perhaps their price included tax, not a common practice but not an uncommon practice for certain vendors here.
Hi, thanks for adding that and glad you enjoyed the upload. I have a list of 'corrections and updates' in the description of the video as a few people have kindly pointed this out about the tax. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Restoring your favourite time piece to former glory is priceless. Good investment
Agreed! i ended up selling this Watch shortly after. If your interested I made an upload about it
Hi Sam, Speedy certainly looks great now. When it comes to watch servicing I'm cursed, seems like 3 out of 4 times its a bad experience. My Speedmaster (not Speedy Pro, a 3523.80 tri-date model from 2000) hadn't been serviced in 17 years since I bought it so I decided to take it to the boutique in hopes of a better result. As far as the watch goes, it was great. Runs great, looks great, etc. A good experience BUT, speaking of tax... The cost was $750 but they charged me 6% tax on the entire amount. I've lived in Maryland & Virginia, this was a VA store, and you do not get charged tax on service or labor, just saleable items or merchandise - or so I've been told. The cashier was just a button pusher behind the register and had no authority (or interest) to change this so I asked for the manager who happened to be out of the store at the moment. I returned to the boutique several times over the next 3 hours while in the mall and the manager was never there, supposedly. Over the next week I called twice a day and the manager was always either busy, not there, or on another line, and I always called from a different phone in case they noted my number via caller-id and would give me the brush off. Other than the sales tax snafu, this was a good watch experience, albeit costly. Fortunately the sting of the extra charge isn't much since the extra $$$ charged is going to the state budget, and not Omega or this particular boutique.
Hi Tom, wow, yep the Tax thing it still strange to me. I have only lived in the US for 4 or so years so would have assumed they put tax on but glad they didn't. In my own experience, I have never been blown away by the service at an Omega boutique except once when I was buying a watch for my wife. And ironically that was in the UK and we Brits are not known for excellent customer service for the most part.
Omega don t replace parts of the movement unless they are very worn out and I think yours were in a good shape, only needed a good service, which consist on disamble the whole movement, wash it, put it back on all together, oil it, and recalibrate the movement to be as acurate as it was when it first came out from Omega
Oh interesting, its been cool reading these comments as there have been a few different answers to this. Thanks for adding your view Fernando
Nice one Sam. Not enough being said about servicing. A flipping lot of money, but you love that watch.
Two things: why can’t watch makers be transparent, with upfront servicing costs, like car manufacturers, or indeed, why not offer a free service, as part of the initial transaction.
Next, I don’t recall you giving a comparison as to it’s timekeeping, pre and post servicing.
At least you had a better experience than Jody at JOMW, had when he serviced his Seiko.
It may be interesting to get a Seiko serviced, in the US, a sort of double comparison,
Seiko US, v Seiko AUS, And Seiko servicing v Omega.
Looking forward to your podcast.
Hi Ray your right, I didn't have a good gauge on it before but after it is supposed to be running at +4. Before the timegrapher was all over the place on it! I have had an experience with Seiko US but that was for a faulty watch. Believe it or not, I don't currently have a Seiko in the collection!
Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the video, amazingly beautiful watch 🙌 just subbed!
Hi Kieran, much appreciate you subbing and glad you enjoyed this one!
Thanks for the review. The watch is beautiful. I suspect the reason they didn't charge tax because there usually is no tax on labor, only physical materials. You probably paid a few dollars tax for the clasp.
Hi Minesh, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.
Jostmar watch repair at that mall is quite a bit cheaper than that for service and faster. However, Omega did an amazing job bringing that watch back to its glory days. In this case, I feel it was worth the price. Beautiful time piece.
Someone else mentioned them actually. I had a battery replaced in my wifes seamaster. Maybe next time
@@CasualWatchReviews your out of your mind. They know nothing of these movements
You did good. Sounds like you had a great experience too.
Hey, thanks for commenting, yes I felt a lot better about spending the money when I saw what a great job they did of the watch, very happy with it.
very informative. no filler. thanks for video. the watch looks great.
yes I get kept in line by the commenters if I ramble on too much, so I created a different show called the 'No BS watch Show; just for rambling. Thanks for watching!
got a new milguass today black face green glass, pretty mad, i didn't like it when i first saw it but since watching youtube it grew on me. i purchased a black bay off a guy who had one and i tried it on ( milguass) and i had to have it. i need a speedmaster , really ought to stop spending money on watches ( 2 black bays and 1 milguass) but id kill for that meteorite grey side! beans on toast for the next few months!
cheers
J
I hate to tell your wallet but the grey side is one of the best Omegas I think I have ever seen in person... I reviewed one a few weeks ago czcams.com/video/_AFh-3FICaU/video.html
The Casual Watch Reviewer it was your review where i first saw it, i knew of the black and the grey but bot the meteor. we shall see, ive done enough dosh for a while. thanks for replies and good luck with your show. J
One thing you didn’t mention is that a full service comes with a 2 year warranty. I had a full service on my Omega (very similar experience to yourself) and after 1 year and 11 months (!) had a problem with the crown. I contacted Omega and because it was (just) within the service warranty period they repaired it free of charge.
Yep, I didn’t mention that because honestly I didn’t know? I thought it was 90 days after the service honestly! Thats interesting thanks for adding that.
Fantastic watch! I just purchased my first Omega! I got the Speedmaster Racing Grey/yellow with rubber bands. It should be arriving tomorrow :)
Oh cool is that the Michael Schumacher edition one?
The Casual Watch Reviewer is it? Idk lol is my first expensive watch. Just google Omega Speedmaster Racing and is the one with the black rubber band and speedmaster embedded on the band in yellow color
Oh yes I know it, nice watch. The Schumacher had a completely yellow dial, well one of the versions anyway!
The Casual Watch Reviewer Thank you! Cant wait to receive it :)
just subscribed. Nice post. looking forward to more in the future.
Hi Paul, welcome to the channel, appreciate you subbing!
There's no sales tax on services in California unless tangible personal property is exchanged. It's the same here in Virginia.
Hi Patrick, appreciate you adding that, I have a list in the description of the other things I either got slightly wrong or viewers added to!
They have amazing customer service. My father purchased a dud Speedy from Jomashop, and Omega sent him out a brand new one with a factory warranty even though it was a grey market purchase. I personally know another collector who was personally contacted by Omega's North American boss after his repair was botched.
Hi JMS, that is good news... I know there is a school of thought that Jomashop gets there watches directly from Omega so that does make sense. I just recently sold this watches so you may be interested in knowing why if you are an omega fan? czcams.com/video/2RW3DVSNZlE/video.html
Everything is relative in life. To a person for example, who is satisfied to own a $30 'Casio Royale', or a $50 'G Shock', such expenditure is an insane act. So first, one need to appreciate what an outstanding fine mechanism an Omega Speedmaster is, which beside its functionality, radiates rugged, no-nonsense masculine aesthetics all around it, from the first second it was brought into existence. Also its birthplace and parentage is highly elevated and rarefied. It was born by a widely respected and highly accomplished house of watchmakers in Bienne, between the foothills of the Jura Mountains and Lake Biel. It is a princely offspring by that house in Switzerland, combining engineering and fine art within itself, has a glorious history and something which stood the test of time remarkably well. Congratulation Sir! You made the right choice. Instead of let an horological masterpiece slide away further, you rejuvenated it to its former glory. I wish you long, happy ownership of that outstanding timepiece!
Hello, thanks for the comment, that was like reading poetry and the best kind... about horology. It is all relative and I'm glad I had it serviced by omega I appreciate you commenting and watching!
I would service the movement and replace any damaged parts but would never polish the scratches or replace the hands.
Hi Dennis, yes I think this was partly a restoration by Omega, I had heard beforehand that they try and make the watch look new so I was not surprised they did this. Also because mine was so scratched I was happy they polished the case and did a good job of it. If it was an independent person servicing the watch, I would have probably not bothered with the polishing because I would rather point the finger directly at Omega if the case got damaged. But they did an amazing job of the case honestly.
Dennis, Breitling do the same - they say the hands are normally damaged when they are removed as part of the service. Their quote to me for my Colt Chrono Automatic service is £679. I declined as I can’t justify the expenditure.
Yeah I wouldn't have wanted it polished and I'd want the original hands as it's a tritium dial.
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