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  1. ikeo1 Nov 3, 2014

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    Just got into the hobby and made a pretty erroneous mistake, sort of. I was about to purchase an Omega from a reputable seller on here but ended up buying from another seller that looked like a sweeter deal.

    Here's what I thought I was getting
    • Newer version
    • red dot (never serviced)
    • cleaner bezel
    • cleaner bracelet
    Ultimately, it needed to be serviced and as such I took it to the Omega center, servicing is $710. I paid a premium thinking it was LNIB, but the details on the service weren't as kind they recommended a complete overhaul.

    Next purchase, I'll definitely go with a reputable Omega/Rolex seller.

    The lesson,

    Lesson #1, overpaid for service, but I get a nice manufacturer warranty for 2 years.
    Lesson #2, buy from a reputable Omega dealer it'll be closer to market.

    I didn't really get screwed, a few hundred over, but a lesson indeed... I could deal with a few scratches/dents here and there... It's a keeper and still cost less than retail, and I start fresh.

    Cheers!

    :)
     
    ELV web likes this.
  2. Mothra Nov 4, 2014

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    I think your key learning will eventually be:

    #3: all used watches probably need a service regardless of what seller says
    #4: so a trusted non omega watchmaker is essential to control costs

    Let's see a picture of the buy?
     
  3. ikeo1 Nov 4, 2014

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    #3 is what I figured anyways #4 I still need to find and make the acquaintance of.. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415088979.062913.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415088988.030854.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415088997.830468.jpg
     
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  4. Stewart H Honorary NJ Resident Nov 4, 2014

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    I'd elaborate a little on Mothra's #3. You can fairly easily find a six year old "brand new" example at an AD or other retail outlet. Six years is the shelf life for modern greases and I believe the oils are slightly less. The chances are, therefore, that even a new watch could need a service.
     
    JohnSteed likes this.
  5. George.A Nov 4, 2014

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    it may also be the case for #5: if it looks too good to be true, well... maybe you're not seeing everything you should see ;)
     
  6. JohnSteed Nov 4, 2014

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    Welcome to OF!!

    Lessons will be had on the vintage journey.
     
    Tritium likes this.
  7. ulackfocus Nov 4, 2014

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    You paid the n00b tax. Everybody does one way or another.
     
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  8. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Nov 4, 2014

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    You are lucky you don't live in a high tax state (of mind) , then you have to pay the tax over and over again.
     
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  9. M.D. Nov 4, 2014

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    Also hope you don't pay the noob tax too often.
     
  10. ulackfocus Nov 4, 2014

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    He won't if he asks for advice here before making a potentially expensive decision. ;)
     
    tpatta likes this.
  11. X350 XJR Vintage Omega Aficionado Nov 4, 2014

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    The good news is that you ended up with a nice watch, many noob mistakes end up far worse.
     
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  12. ikeo1 Nov 4, 2014

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    Thanks for the advise.. I definitely felt like I paid the noob tax, but it's not so bad. It should be proper once it gets back from Omega service. I hope. Only thing is 8 weeks! Originally, I thought it would be 4. They sent it to the secacus NJ facility which has me a little worried.

    In the meantime, I'll have to use my other newb purchase.. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415122262.192797.jpg
     
    Nobel Prize, Mothra and TLIGuy like this.
  13. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Nov 4, 2014

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    Yeah, may be a little rough, but I think you'll make it.:p
     
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  14. Mothra Nov 4, 2014

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    ::love:: Wow. My empathy/sympathy just got instantly drowned in a gigantic seething tidal wave of BLNR jealousy. The moonwatch looks great and now has a interesting story for you to tell.
     
    ikeo1 likes this.
  15. ikeo1 Nov 4, 2014

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    I'm actually more excited about the Speedmaster. I like that you can look at the internals. Also, I was an intern at nasa when this was produced which was why I was favoring this one over similar ones for sale. This is also my first 2nd hand purchase.

    Hope to learn more...
     
  16. ikeo1 Dec 10, 2014

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    Just a follow up...

    After 6 weeks I finally picked up the 3572.50 from the shop. The hesalite crystal already had micro scratches but poly watch took care of those. Thanks for the recommendation. It seems like they replaced a lot of basic inexpensive parts but it still cost north of $700.

    I don't know if I would go back again, but it is nice to know the service history 100%. It's so light compared to my other watches it's really nice.

    The swatch group in Los Angeles serviced my Omega Speedmaster 3572.50.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259078.413141.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259091.294556.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259104.577875.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259114.598763.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259124.365944.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259145.933224.jpg
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259156.851595.jpg

    Family portrait.. The Swiss Army has to keep the peace...
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259798.161184.jpg

    Finally, the money shot...
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1418259165.903435.jpg
     
  17. msp1518 Dec 14, 2014

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    Major props and an awesome collection.
     
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  18. jud Dec 14, 2014

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    Very nice collection.
     
    ikeo1 likes this.
  19. iflyem1 Dec 14, 2014

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    I like your collection. Very nice watches.
     
    ikeo1 likes this.
  20. repoman Dec 15, 2014

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    WOW! Love the collection, love the Speedy, it looks fantastic. I know it was expensive to service, we've all been there, but honestly, when you think about what goes into the servicing, the hours spent in disassembly, inspection, cleaning, reassembly, tuning, etc. It's actually a bargain.
     
    Edited Dec 15, 2014
    ikeo1 likes this.