And the best Omega Boutique is….

LemansBoiler

My favorite was in Oakbrook, IL but sadly they shut down. My contact moved to the downtown Chicago (Michigan Ave store) which I've also always had good experiences with.

Las Vegas, NV was ok but it just seemed like they were moving merchandise, not really the luxury experience I expect. Didn't really seem like pationate watch salesmen/saleswomen. Perhaps they're jaded from people winning a small jackpot in a casino and just popping in to buy something shiny.

The St. Louis boutique has always left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I always stop in when we're visiting my wife's family and always walk out thinking "I'll don't think I'll ever buy from them". Others may have different experiences but I've been in there 10+ times and never been thrilled.

Taddyangle

I will give a shout out to the San Diego OB.

Texasjohn

OB in San Antonio for the win! Raynor and the rest of the folks do a great job.

Longbow

As luck would have it a young chap and his wife were sitting next to me. He was choosing his very first Omega, so I could enjoy the whole purchasing process safely at a not to far removed distance. He ended up with a Speedie 😉.

Longbow

As part of the deal the happy Speedie owner next to me was offered a slot in the watch makers course, which reminded me to book one of my own. Let’s see if I can leave the Boutique next Wednesday with one intact working movement....normally small fiddly stuff has a habit of disintegrating in my hands. I think this is how things should start and end...we shall see.

Have a great week folks! 👍

henrikaa

The watch makers course? Do you by chance know if this is something offered in all OBs?

Moadib

What a great write up, and a fine first choice! Will need to visit there next time in Hamburg

Riviera Paradise

Hey @thatonewatchdude, great meeting up yesterday at the Houston OB. Thanks to you and the OB /team for the superb hospitality, even though I was wearing my Batman😀...and the honest conversation on watch topics👍

Here are the updated (not very good) collection shots I showed on my cell phone...look forward to meeting up with you guys next time I pass through Houston.

Cheers,

RP - aka Bruno

henrikaa

The watch makers course? Do you by chance know if this is something offered in all OBs?

Mr Gadget

I am curious on the purchasing experience of the ST2 from primarily the Omega Boutiques but also authorised dealers and is there a difference.

Is it a case from the dealers, (and potentially OB's) that here is a watch which we no nothing about for you and just want the money, or is it more involved, such as stating the history of the ST2 and Ultraman, or even something in between.

Mr Gadget

I want to start a frank discussion on the OB’s that I have been to and rate them accordingly. This is not a definitive list and is very subjective, as there are numerous factors that influence their interaction. Also this is in no way a criticism of the staff but is an overall feel of the store. I know that they are there to sell items to you but each one is a considered purchase due to the cost.

Obviously other people may have different experiences in the same store that I have too, but ultimately want I would like as an outcome is how can Omega make the boutiques better and have a enhanced experience.

I have come up with a few headline categories to help me come up with the best store that I have been too in no particular order.

· Friendliness

· Knowledge

· Aftercare

· Helpfulness

· Going that extra mile

· Beverage offered or not


I have been to the following stores central London:

· Bond Street

· Regent Street

· Oxford Street

· Westfield White City

· Westfield Stratford

· Harrods

Abroad, I have been to:

· 5th avenue New York

· Hamburg Germany

· Berlin Germany

· Indonesia Denpasar

· Dubaimall, Dubai

As I live in London, I have been to the London stores more often than the branches abroad.

Out of the London branches, the best experience I have had, has to be Westfield White City. The service, knowledge and interaction with the staff has been exceptional. I really cannot fault the store.

Next on the list is Regent Street. I have been in this branch numerous times to try on various time pieces and speak to them about various models. Their knowledge of Omega is exceptional.

Third is Bond Street.

Fourth is Westfield Stratford.

Generally, once you speak to the staff about the watches that I have and the models that I am interested in, they do warm to you.

Joint last is Harrods (which is a concession I believe) and Regent Street.

In both shops, you feel you have to look like you have a serious amount of wealth before they will speak to you. Maybe this is due to the general clientele that they deal with.

I have also had equally great experiences in New York, Hamburg and Berlin.

In Dubia and Indonesia, I got the impression that they did not have the knowledge base and even when I told them that I had a Seamaster 300 Spectre their faces were a complete blank.

I would like feedback and comments from the forum members on your experiences of OB branches, especially in London.