Best option for servicing a "neo-vintage" Speedmaster?

Hello all,

I have a Speedmaster from the mid-90s with tritium hands and a tritium dial. It has started running a bit fast, and its starting to feel like it may be time to have it serviced. I know that for a real vintage Speedy, the answer is to avoid Omega for service and to instead seek out a competent independent watchmaker. My question is, in my case where I have what I'll call a "neo-vintage" watch - not really vintage, but some visual differences from the modern reference - is this still the best advice?

I like the idea of a two year warranty directly from Omega, but worry that they will replace the dial and hands which give the watch its somewhat unique character. Is Omega good when it comes to following directions to avoid replacing specific parts, or is it more hit or miss? They've always been good at returning old parts when they've serviced my modern pieces, so I suppose the stakes are low. Nonetheless, would rather not have to pay to have the dial and hands swapped back after the service (and presumably void the warranty) if that is the most likely outcome of an Omega service.

Thank you!

Post some photos you shall

Where are you located?

I guess I did answer my own question. Mostly I was hoping that someone would chime in and tell me that Omega has recently gotten a lot better at not replacing parts 😀

I'm located in the Western US - specifically Colorado - and would appreciate any recommendations for an independent service.

Also, here's a picture of the watch in question. The florescent lights in my office wash out most of the patina, but hopefully you get the idea.



EDIT: Adding a better picture in natural light that I think capture the vintage vibe I’m trying to maintain.

Very shortsighted view on Omega's part, but not unexpected.

Thanks all for the advice. I'm waiting on the return of another watch that I have out for service before I send off the Speedy, but am resolved to find a good independent to perform the work. I see that Nesbit is located in Seattle, and I am there for work reasonably often. I could probably coordinate drop off and pick-up around client visits, so maybe that is the path I will go down.

The Father, great looking watch. You've made me wonder though if my bezel is a service replacement. From a quick web search, it looks like the umlaut over the E started in the early-90's which makes sense given what I know about the watches age. However the long S and R in Speedmaster on the dial appears to have stopped by right around 1990. Oh well, this is my daily wearer so I won't stress about it.