So after a wonderfull visit to the Omega Boutique in Costa Mesa aka South Coast Plaza, and trying on an 42mm 8500 my buddy has made his choice. He also tried on a 2500 45.5 at Tourneau but the proportions didn't work on him. He has not tried on a 2500 42mm but he likes the ceramic bezel, which was my choice, but the thickness on the 8500 is not an issue for him.
So now on the hunt for a 42mm 8500 ceramic dial for him, sending out feelers to the regular sources.
Side note going into IWC and JLC he was very surprised how nice all the salespeople where and he found it an interesting experience. Rose gold Atmos clocks are drool worthy trust me next to the silver there is no doubt...
Also the OB offered unprompted to switch my 3313 clasp over to the new adjustable one for about $120... I might have to tak
Too finish the story he found a decently priced 8500 white numbers grey ceramic 42mm from a local shop missing warranty card. Oddly the OB refused to size the bracelet without a warranty card.
@Pythonos41
Yup. Mildly surprised as they told him to check for better pricing on the internet.
He also against my advice took the watch in with the box and tag from the 2nd hand dealer. Which I believe might have been the real issue.
@Pythonos41
Yup. Mildly surprised as they told him to check for better pricing on the internet.
He also against my advice took the watch in with the box and tag from the 2nd hand dealer. Which I believe might have been the real issue.
I'm really surprised they didn't Size it. They sized my speedmaster and I just walked in with the watch. They also added a link to my aqua terra without asking for any thing.
And just to clarify, I never even got the box out of the bag before he very adamantly asked if I had my warranty card with me. For all he knew I bought it in that very store on his day off a week prior. He had no way of possibly knowing it was grey market. It was surprising.
And just to clarify, I never even got the box out of the bag before he very adamantly asked if I had my warranty card with me. For all he knew I bought it in that very store on his day off a week prior. He had no way of possibly knowing it was grey market. It was surprising.
I was in the south coast boutique again today. I was half expecting someone to ask for my warranty cards but they couldn’t have been nicer. They added a link to one of my watches and also put the new adjustable clasp on my planet ocean. I’m still really surprised that they gave you such a hard time.
That’s great to hear. Here come the questions though. Haha
Did you wear the watch in or bring multiple watches? Did they give you the new clasp for free? And was it for the 42mm PO 8500? I only ask because I am getting a grey market 42mm PO 8500 and I also go to the South Coast Boutique, so I'm really curious. Haha
That’s great to hear. Here come the questions though. Haha
Did you wear the watch in or bring multiple watches? Did they give you the new clasp for free? And was it for the 42mm PO 8500? I only ask because I am getting a grey market 42mm PO 8500 and I also go to the South Coast Boutique, so I'm really curious. Haha
I wore the planet ocean and brought in my Aqua Terra in a travel pouch. The clasp was definitely not free. I went to pick up another half link for my PO bracelet and the rep suggested the clasp. I checked out a clasp on one of the newer PO’s, loved it and he quoted the price at around $60 (the link was $45) so the decision was easy. It makes a huge difference on the watch. I highly recommend picking up one of these clasps.
Brian no just the watch in not the box. Have your warranty card on you if they don't know you. I've bought straps from them in the past. I head in once or twice a year while wearing an Omega and I've never had an issue. That being said anyone can size it. Tornue will do it for a small price if Omega won't.
That is really concerning. I though that if you own an Omega no matter where you got it, vintage, new, or whatever they would provide sizing complimentary. Am I wrong on that?
Unfortunately, I won’t have a warranty card. I will wear the watch in though. I’m going to buy the new clasp though thanks to Nurseford, so they probably won’t give me a hard time because I’m buying something, even if it is small.
I wish Omega would bring down the pricing, so that it made sense to buy from the boutique. Or purposely restrict their supply like Rolex does, so that the value of your watch doesn’t plummet as soon as you walk out the door. It really is a great experience. I actually felt bad about going grey market. But I can ignore saving $3,000. Yep, $3,000!!! If it was a $500 difference I would go to the OB for sure, the service and warranty are worth it to me, but the price difference between the OB and GM is just too large right now.
Umm why should they? If you choose to go grey, and you have stated a very good reason for doing that, then why should the main dealer network extend you the level of service that they would a customer who pays in full? Without the card you have given up your warranty rights too. If you are buying a link or clasp then in my experience they may well offer to fit it for free regardless of where the watch came from but if not then I am not surprised they prioritise their dealer network customers for the 'free' services like resizing and/or ask for a fee for a grey watch. Nothing is really free in the end.
That was the question. I didn’t realize it was only a service for customers that pay in full. I’m still buying a watch that Omega made and is still profiting off of. Should I get invited to NASA or the fancy events? No, I’m not expecting that. But if I stop by with an authentic Omega, it would be a nice courtesy if they resized it for free. If it’s not their policy then that’s fine, I just thought they provided services like that for any authentic Omega owner. A perk of being an Omega owner, regardless of the price you pay.
