Cosmic 2000 diver advice...

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so, I sent my Dad's 1972 Cosmic 2000 diver to Omega for repair and service. The watch was in fairly bad shape, including missing bezel, so I decided to do a full refurbish (new dial, hands, bezel, etc). The bracelet was pretty beat up so they are suggesting replacing, but they don't stock the exact bracelet anymore and want to use a "speedmaster style" bracelet for it. I'm not quite sure how that would work since the Cosmic bracelet is integrated and looks very unique. Any advice? Should I just ask them to try to affix the old bracelet and tighten links? Is that something they could do?
 
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Hey!

What’s the exact Ref of the bracelet? I beg to differ, that’s such rare that you can’t find a replacement.
 
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Hey!

What’s the exact Ref of the bracelet? I beg to differ, that’s such rare that you can’t find a replacement.
The watch has been sent to Omega (first to NY and then they had to send to Geneva), so I don’t have exact ref for bracelet. The watch reference is 166.137.
 
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Ok, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out. I'll check.
Would it be an option for you to replace this or should the bracelet stick to the watch, that your father wore?

E: should be a 1198/195.
 
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Ok, but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out. I'll check.
Would it be an option for you to replace this or should the bracelet stick to the watch, that your father wore?
I’d actually like to keep the original bracelet. Not sure why Omega is saying they need to replace. One end link was slightly damaged (slight twist in the metal) when I brought it in but it looked like a pin could fit through. Maybe they saw that and didn’t want to try a fix? Either way, I would like a bracelet for it that is period correct for the watch.
 
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If both end links are present, why don’t you send it to an independent watchmaker to do a sympathetic restoration? The watchmaker should be able to restore the end link.

I would try to keep everything original rather than replace everything, the dial especially.

The reason why Omega wants to replace the bracket is because they have to provide warranty. They don’t want to provide warranty on a flimsy bracelet although it will probably work fine for years to come.
 
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If both end links are present, why don’t you send it to an independent watchmaker to do a sympathetic restoration? The watchmaker should be able to restore the end link.

I would try to keep everything original rather than replace everything, the dial especially.

The reason why Omega wants to replace the bracket is because they have to provide warranty. They don’t want to provide warranty on a flimsy bracelet although it will probably work fine for years to come.
Hi, yes- both links are present. I just spoke with the AD that sent the watch to Geneva. At this point Omega has started the service so he recommends getting the service done and adding the new bracelet. They will send all original parts back and I can get the original fixed and attached by an independent if I'm not happy with the service bracelrt. Thanks all for the advice. I will post pics when its done!
 
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For a watch with an integrated bracelet like this, it would be pretty important for me to have the original style bracelet. It could cost as much as the service to have the bracelet properly restored, since it's a specialized and labor-intensive job. But if the watch has sentimental value, I guess it will be worth it to you.
 
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Why not find a better used one?

I have this in my spareparts box 😀 Someone have opened two of the link in one end, dont know if they can be closed again or it is ruined.

 
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Why not find a better used one?

I have this in my spareparts box 😀 Someone have opened two of the link in one end, dont know if they can be closed again or it is ruined.

Hi, this forum is great!! can you explain “opened two of the links”? It looks fine in the pic? If you’re willing to part with it and it’s in good working order, I will send you a private message. Thanks!
 
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So, the drama with this watch continues...Omega says that the original bracelet is not available so the are replacing with another that they have in stock. I ask3d for the reference no for the new bracelet and this is what they sent: O022ST1162172. When I look this number up online, the bracelet I see doesn’t look like it would fit the Cosmic 2000 with its integrated bracelet. Does anyone know if this is the correct one for this watch?
 
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P.s., this is the picture of the bracelet that they are proposing to use
 
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So, the drama with this watch continues...Omega says that the original bracelet is not available so the are replacing with another that they have in stock. I ask3d for the reference no for the new bracelet and this is what they sent: O022ST1162172. When I look this number up online, the bracelet I see doesn’t look like it would fit the Cosmic 2000 with its integrated bracelet. Does anyone know if this is the correct one for this watch?

Odd. When I search on the case number, the current bracelet for it is 020ST1181215, and it looks like the original. Where exactly did you send this watch to?
 
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Odd. When I search on the case number, the current bracelet for it is 020ST1181215, and it looks like the original. Where exactly did you send this watch to?
Hi Archer, sent originally to my local AD, who sent to Omega in NY. They then had to send to Geneva for the repair (9 months ago!). When Geneva sent the quote they said they would replace the bracelet with a “similar” style, but that the original was not available. After a few more emails I finally got the ref number and the picture of the replacement bracelet above.
 
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Odd. When I search on the case number, the current bracelet for it is 020ST1181215, and it looks like the original. Where exactly did you send this watch to?
I reached back out to omega with the part number above (which agree looks like the right one). At this point I just want them to do the service and then I will source the bracelet separately. Very frustrating process
 
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Hi Archer, sent originally to my local AD, who sent to Omega in NY. They then had to send to Geneva for the repair (9 months ago!). When Geneva sent the quote they said they would replace the bracelet with a “similar” style, but that the original was not available. After a few more emails I finally got the ref number and the picture of the replacement bracelet above.

Very strange - you would think the people working at Omega over there would be able to use the Extranet - took me all of 10 seconds to find this information.

Omega would actually be going against their own policies with the first bracelet they suggested...
 
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Well, just heard from Omega that they are sending the watch back and are "unable to do the service." I heard this after spending weeks trying to get information on the correct bracelet and about 3 + hours on the phone this morning. Keep in mind that they have had the watch since March of last year! Needless to say this has been an extremely frustrating process. The guy on the phone didbn't have the details about what exactly wasn't serviceable, so I am hoping there will be at least a written explanation when i receive the watch. so question for this thread - should i just give up at this point or should i pursue through an unaffiliated Omega watchmaker/gurus? it's a very sentimental piece
 
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. so question for this thread - should i just give up at this point or should i pursue through an unaffiliated Omega watchmaker/gurus? it's a very sentimental piece

Fight the good fight! Lots of good independents out there. Get some suggestions from guys on here in your area for a watchmaker that's familiar with vintage Omegas. If you're close to New York there has to be at least one that's highly recommended.

That's got to be so frustrating to be without the watch for that long only to have them say they can't service it. 🤬🤬🤬
 
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Fight the good fight! Lots of good independents out there. Get some suggestions from guys on here in your area for a watchmaker that's familiar with vintage Omegas. If you're close to New York there has to be at least one that's highly recommended.

That's got to be so frustrating to be without the watch for that long only to have them say they can't service it. 🤬🤬🤬
I think you’re right...I really want to get this watch fixed. Btw, the watch was still ticking last I had it, running about +50 a day...not terribly bad for a 50 year old watch that has never been serviced! I’m in San Francisco, so if anyone can recommend vintage Omega specialists nearby, I would be grateful!!