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Brand new Speedmaster damaged by AD - how to proceed?

YY77
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G4_Chrono G4_Chrono
Is that right about the spring bars?
I have the 1861 Speedmaster with the big box kit and it came on bracelet and with 4 'spares' in a bag labelled 068ST2207. I take it these are for the bracelet. Or should I have received the 08 spring bars with the kit?
My A11 50SS also only had spare 2207's although there was a velcro strap additional, ask the OB for 2208's to use with straps/NATO, maybe they will give them gratis or they charge you around 3~4 $€£ a piece.
 
rfcs
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Texasjohn Texasjohn
Learn to do it yourself. The next time it happens you will only have yourself to blame.
Yes, and put painter’s tape to cover the lugs to avoid scratches when changing straps. I’ve learned the hard way.
 
rfcs
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As a lawyer here’s my two cents worth. Put everything in writing. Write an e-mail or letter to both Omega and the AD stating the facts and including your pics depicting the damage. Typically an Omega AD does not charge for a strap replacement as a courtesy to a customer. If the watch is new as it seems, meaning that it was years before required to come in for service (when pieces are generally polished as a courtesy) your benefit of the bargain is a new replacement watch. I would request a replacement. If they counteroffer to polish and repair at no cost I would also request a 25% credit of the price paid for the watch redeemable at any AD for any new purchases at any time. Maybe you can also get your significant other Omega jewelry out of this deal!
 
noelekal
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That's a bit severe!

I'm hoping for you to receive a new case in this instance timmyk86. You're new watch deserves it. You deserve it.

Best thing to do after an inspection of the work performed is obtain satisfaction before leaving the establishment.

A quick search of Google Images found an authentic photograph of their work bench (in the back of the shop).
tools.jpg





5659953a3864a46bc5e0b4582a517690.gif

This debacle is akin to taking a newly purchased car to have OEM door sill guards installed and having the car returned looking like this.

6038b8b509775d55982aafd93ce81656.jpg
Edited:
 
tools.jpg
AngelDeVille
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did they use a brick for a springbar tool? That's the only thing I can think of/
 
MTROIS
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noelekal noelekal
A quick search of Google Images found an authentic photograph of their work bench (in the back of the shop).
tools.jpg





5659953a3864a46bc5e0b4582a517690.gif

This debacle is akin to taking a newly purchased car to have OEM door sill guards installed and having the car returned looking like this.

6038b8b509775d55982aafd93ce81656.jpg
That will buff out, for sure!! ::rimshot::
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I am sorry... I could not help myself!!😁
 
noelekal
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MTROIS MTROIS
That will buff out, for sure!! ::rimshot::
.
.
.
.
.
.
I am sorry... I could not help myself!!😁

Hah!

Sure it will.

8-case-polish-jpg.13933221
 
BenBagbag
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I found who they had do the strap change in the back.

Wild stuff, man. Hope all is made right.

strap.jpeg
 
Dan S
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When I started reading the thread I was fully prepared to roll my eyes about yet another newbie complaining about a minor scratch, piece of dust, misaligned bezel, etc. But having seen the damage on the ends of the lugs, I can relate to the OP's frustration. I basically think of AD's as jewelers, so I personally wouldn't ask them to do anything with one of my watches. But even so, I would not have expected that they would cause that amount of damage. It's hard to imagine. I hope you are ultimately satisfied with their response.
 
timmyk86
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Omega got in contact earlier today and have asked me to return the watch directly to them, most likely for replacement as it so new and ‘not the experience they would want me to have’.

Would be over the moon if that’s how this story pans out.

Massive kudos to them for taking charge of dealing with it.
 
Donn Chambers
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Dan S Dan S
When I started reading the thread I was fully prepared to roll my eyes about yet another newbie complaining about a minor scratch, piece of dust, misaligned bezel, etc. But having seen the damage on the ends of the lugs, I can relate to the OP's frustration. I basically think of AD's as jewelers, so I personally wouldn't ask them to do anything with one of my watches. But even so, I would not have expected that they would cause that amount of damage. It's hard to imagine. I hope you are ultimately satisfied with their response.

Yes, they are jewelers. But replacing a strap on a watch is probably a lot simpler than placing a diamond in a setting and securing it, and is something any jeweler tech should be able to do. I’ve had those kiosk battery-replacement outfits in the mall switch a bracelet on a Seiko with no damage at all! Imagine what they would have done if you had brought in a ring to have setting fixed!
 
BenBagbag
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timmyk86 timmyk86
Omega got in contact earlier today and have asked me to return the watch directly to them, most likely for replacement as it so new and ‘not the experience they would want me to have’.

Would be over the moon if that’s how this story pans out.

Massive kudos to them for taking charge of dealing with it.


This would be a great outcome. Wonder if Omega reached out to the AD and they confirmed. I could imagine Omega trying to gather more info first to ensure this isn't a he said she said but great if they don't.

Are they paying for return shipping?
 
MTROIS
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timmyk86 timmyk86
Omega got in contact earlier today and have asked me to return the watch directly to them, most likely for replacement as it so new and ‘not the experience they would want me to have’.

Would be over the moon if that’s how this story pans out.

Massive kudos to them for taking charge of dealing with it.

Good for you!! 👍

Another reason why I absolutely love OMEGA!!! 🥰
 
rfcs
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MTROIS MTROIS
Good for you!! 👍

Another reason why I absolutely love OMEGA!!! 🥰
Me too. I haven’t had a negative experience with Omega or my local Omega AD. But my AD bends over backwards to please me as a customer. I’ve bought a few pieces and jewelry from this AD and was rewarded with a courtesy rose bouquet for my wife on Mother’s Day. Talk about attention to service. My experience with Bvlgari’s local AD has been positive too. Whereas Rolex’s AD, not so much. Like, come visit us but I have nothing to offer you.
 
Starman71
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I had something similar happen, and it was done by the owner of my AD. Mine were much more minor and I decided not to worry about it. But in your case I would demand compensation from the business that damaged it and not be tricked into asking a third party (omega) for help. Get a written agreement on the remedy, e.g. the shop paying for repairs by Omega. If they don’t come to terms, use the BBB.
 
Starman71
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Oh and as someone said, buy the tools (good ones) and learn to do this yourself. You may still put minor scratches but at least you will have only yourself to blame. The fact is, nobody cares as much about your watch as you do.
 
fc3861
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Not that it's any comfort, I had a similar experience with my new Moon Watch when I busted the original bracelet on it all to hell. The OB manager was trying his best to put the new bracelet on and fiddle farted around with it for a good 15 minutes. He did not however, put any new scratches or dents into it. Instead, he got the in store watch tech and he popped it on in 2 seconds flat. So, I surmised that there is some kind of trick or secret knowledge to get that particular bracelet back on. It would be great news if Omega sends you a replacement watch so you don't have to wait 6 or 8 weeks to get a new case installed or whatever kind of repair job they would try to get away with. Good luck!
 
kilofinal
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I get handed a bottle of Fiji water and offered a polite smile while perusing empty display cases at my Rolex AD.....

rfcs rfcs
Me too. I haven’t had a negative experience with Omega or my local Omega AD. But my AD bends over backwards to please me as a customer. I’ve bought a few pieces and jewelry from this AD and was rewarded with a courtesy rose bouquet for my wife on Mother’s Day. Talk about attention to service. My experience with Bvlgari’s local AD has been positive too. Whereas Rolex’s AD, not so much. Like, come visit us but I have nothing to offer you.
 
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