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Admonished for scratches on lugs

mbp
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Hello, friends. I started collecting Speedmasters last year and have a few limited editions that were previously owned by others. These were unpolished when I purchased them and have scratches from strap changes on the lugs.

I've been taking them to the OB to have the bracelets sized/changed and have purchased several new bracelets as well. Each time, my contact at the OB admonishes me for the scratches on the lugs and tells me to "stop doing these changes at home, just let me do them."

I keep explaining to her that these watches are second-hand and that the previous owners have changed the straps. The scratches don't really bother me because I plan on wearing my watches and don't consider them to be investments. Have you all had a similar experience when someone sees those small scratches from strap changes? Am I too nonchalant? Should I be considering these bottom-side lug scratches to be irreparable harm?
 
arno
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Scratches on the inner faces of the lgus are part of owning watches, wearing them, and swap strpa/bracelet from time to time.
My watches have some becasue i do the swaps myself, sometimes not very carefully, but always pushing the springbars down when removing and up when inserting, to make sure the scratches are not visible.

It makes no sense to go to an OB to do so, especially when the closest OB is a few hours drive from my place.
 
A
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I've scratched the underside of the lug while changing the bracelet on one of my speedies. I'm always changing the bracelet/straps. Personally I don't care. Ultimately I'm never going to sell the piece. So whether I get a scratch from a strap change or a small ding from accidentally knocking it, it's all part of the process of ownership
 
Evitzee
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An errant scratch or two is bound to happen even with the best of care, but I am surprised how cavalier some owners are to changing straps or bracelets and not caring how many marks are left on the lugs. A little care and preparation will prevent a lot of this damage.
 
arno
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I'd be far more concerned, and sad if i'd make a scratch on the sapphire or the lugs by hurtign the watch agaisnt a wall or something ...
It's almost impossible for a lamba owner like me to not scratch the inner faces of the lugs if you change the straps pretty often
 
connieseamaster
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I'd be more annoyed that the sales person would keep repeating themselves despite being given an explanation.
 
JwRosenthal
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Evitzee Evitzee
An errant scratch or two is bound to happen even with the best of care, but I am surprised how cavalier some owners are to changing straps or bracelets and not caring how many marks are left on the lugs. A little care and preparation will prevent a lot of this damage.
What I love are the tool marks on top of the lugs from changing straps 🤦
 
Engee
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M'Bob M'Bob
I’m astonished you were admonished…
The OB wouldn't have admonished if the OP was accomplished.
 
bombaywalla
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Engee Engee
The OB wouldn't have admonished if the OP was accomplished.
well, the OP is not at fault here -- he is the 2nd/3rd/4th owner of these Speedys. damage done by prev owner(s)
 
bombaywalla
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mbp mbp
Hello, friends. I started collecting Speedmasters last year and have a few limited editions that were previously owned by others. These were unpolished when I purchased them and have scratches from strap changes on the lugs.

I've been taking them to the OB to have the bracelets sized/changed and have purchased several new bracelets as well. Each time, my contact at the OB admonishes me for the scratches on the lugs and tells me to "stop doing these changes at home, just let me do them."

I keep explaining to her that these watches are second-hand and that the previous owners have changed the straps. The scratches don't really bother me because I plan on wearing my watches and don't consider them to be investments. Have you all had a similar experience when someone sees those small scratches from strap changes? Am I too nonchalant? Should I be considering these bottom-side lug scratches to be irreparable harm?
😁😁 LOL! looks like the OB rep is taking it personally that these Omega watches have been "mauled" during strap/bracelet change. She feels she is their (watches) caretaker & her "babies" have undergone damage.....😉😉

I personally think it's par for the course when you buy used -- some owners are very careful, others dont give a s***!. it's a location of the watch you wont look at even when you are wearing it.

Play her game, apologize & say you will be more careful the next time, get your job done thru her & be on your way......
 
BlackTalon
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An OB scratched a lug on my watch when swapping out the bracelet for a new leather strap. 😁

Minor scratch, so it did not bother me. But I am surprised they are giving a watch owner crap for having scratches. .
 
C
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I change straps rather frequently, and have definitely scratched the lugs on nearly every watch I own & wear. 99% of the time it's the inside or underside of the lugs. They're watches, not endangered bird eggs or original Matisse paintings.
 
Yehoshua
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connieseamaster connieseamaster
I'd be more annoyed that the sales person would keep repeating themselves despite being given an explanation.
You needn't be annoyed. She's just dedicated and has her customer's interests at heart. Good advice, objectively speaking.
Edited:
 
Engee
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bombaywalla bombaywalla
well, the OP is not at fault here -- he is the 2nd/3rd/4th owner of these Speedys. damage done by prev owner(s)
Oh, I thought we were just playing word games.
 
bombaywalla
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Engee Engee
Oh, I thought we were just playing word games.
sorry! i missed it completely! duh!! I see it now that you pointed it out.....😁😁😁
 
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