Boutique Question

R-Tic · Apr 4, 2023

Hey Folks, new to the forum....I have been looking at Omega watches for 10 years though...in 2016 they came out with a Seamaster Plant Ocean that had a black and white bezel and I feel in love. tried in on a few times and wanted to pull the trigger in 2018, but life issues happen. It's been mostly not available over the last couple of years...but recently went to the Boutique to inquire about putting my name in for them to reserve one. Apparently, there were two still in the US.

So, questions: I was asked to put a down payment on it in order to have it shipped in. It ended up being the full amount plus tax. Is this normal?

The other question I asked was to make sure this is a new watch, not the display or one folks been trying on. The tone in the managers voice totally changed but assured me that all the protective plastic was still on it. Not sure what to do with that, but just didn't get the warm fuzzies from my question. But I don' think I was out of line asking. I want to full Boutique experience but not off to a great start.

Thoughts?

Meme-Dweller · Apr 4, 2023

R R-Tic
...in 2016 they came out with a Seamaster Plant Ocean that had a black and white bezel ... Apparently, there were two still in the US.

Are you talking about the Planet Ocean GMT black & white, ref. 215.30.44.22.01.001? If so, it's not discontinued so I don't see what relevance "two still in the US" has unless you want the watch as soon as possible.

R R-Tic
So, questions: I was asked to put a down payment on it in order to have it shipped in. It ended up being the full amount plus tax. Is this normal?

It's normal to make a down payment for a watch with unknown delivery time, like a new release. If it's being shipped in, not really a big difference paying in full now vs paying in full the next week.

R R-Tic
The other question I asked was to make sure this is a new watch, not the display or one folks been trying on. The tone in the managers voice totally changed but assured me that all the protective plastic was still on it. Not sure what to do with that, but just didn't get the warm fuzzies from my question. But I don' think I was out of line asking. I want to full Boutique experience but not off to a great start.

Bring a loupe. I've seen fully-stickered watches with dents on the case and deep scratches, probably from clients trying on multiple watches at the same time and them scratching each other. If it doesn't meet your expectations, ask for them to order a new one direct from Omega. Will take a couple of weeks. In fact, this is what you should have requested from the beginning seeing as you are paying MSRP + sales tax.

R-Tic · Apr 4, 2023

Meme-Dweller
Are you talking about the Planet Ocean GMT black & white, ref. 215.30.44.22.01.001? If so, it's not discontinued so I don't see what relevance "two still in the US" has unless you want the watch as soon as possible.

It's normal to make a down payment for a watch with unknown delivery time, like a new release. If it's being shipped in, not really a big difference paying in full now vs paying in full the next week.

Bring a loupe. I've seen fully-stickered watches with dents on the case and deep scratches, probably from clients trying on multiple watches at the same time and them scratching each other. If it doesn't meet your expectations, ask for them to order a new one direct from Omega. Will take a couple of weeks. In fact, this is what you should have requested from the beginning seeing as you are paying MSRP + sales tax.

Thanks Meme-Dweller for your insight. Really appreciate it.

You are correct, it is the Seamaster with the black and white bezel. My initial intention was to get on the list and have a new one from Omega delivered. You are right, should have asked that from the beginning. And walking out of the OB I felt rushed, especially since there was no one in the store when we first walked in.

The loop idea is good. I will plan on doing that and if anything doesn't make me feel good about the watch, will refuse it and ask for one direct from Omega. Any suggestions on what to look for? What should have protective plastic on it?

Also, one last question: This watch should be delivered in the new wooden box correct? Not the high gloss one shown below, think those were discontinued, but am I correct in what I am reading on line?

Meme-Dweller · Apr 4, 2023

Assuming brand new from the factory out of the shipping coffin--
CASE
- Clear circular plastic covering the front sapphire (those fall off easily and are rarely included by boutique/dealer)
- Caseback sticker with either an orange or white label with the serial number and a barcode or QR code. The orange or white background should be a solid color, but if the watch is worn a lot, the sticker will show a pattern similar to a fingerprint
BRACELET
- A long piece of plastic extending from the endink to the the clasp on both ends on the outside only. Also rarely included by dealer/boutique
- Clear sticker on the clasp
- A sticker with a red or green tab on the "PUSH" button inside the clasp
- A whole bunch of other little stickers inside the clasp

^ all of that information is for a brand new one untouched from the factory.... doesn't necessarily mean the watch is no good if it's missing some of those stickers. At the Omega Boutique in Bellagio Las Vegas, they wrap their own non-factory plastic around the entire watch because too many people try it on and they want to prevent damage. You can't even rotate the dive bezel!

In regards to finding damage with a loupe, the part most likely to get damaged is on the side where 9 o'clock is because that's where the crown of other watches will hit it if worn together.

As for the box, it really depends on what the boutique has in stock. There is no right or wrong as the boxes are shipped separately and probably doesn't even come from the same place. They are combined when sold. Personally, I think the older (2015-2022) gloss box is much nicer. Seems more premium to me.

Left = old gloss, Right = new matte

R-Tic · Apr 4, 2023

WOW...thanks a million for this additional information Meme-Dweller. I will take this with me when I go to the Boutique to look at the watch. I do like the high gloss box and will inquire to see if they have one in the back, if not presented to me.....

Truly appreciate the response!!

Boutique Question

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