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  1. kidkimura Aug 24, 2017

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    Hey all-

    I recently got quite a nasty surprise when taking in my new to me 2998-2 for a full overhaul. I'm told I need a new main spring, and will require quite a few replacement parts. All understandable as you can see from the attached. However, I was (perhaps naively) shocked at the quote: nearly $3000.

    Granted I have never had a watch with a movement in such poor condition but what do you all think? Is this a reasonable price? I've solicited quotes from a few other shops and still waiting to hear back, but this one is local, so would save some hassle.
     
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  2. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 24, 2017

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    That is a very big number certainly, but unless the exact scope of the work is defined, it will be difficult to give you any sort or reasoned response. I have certainly had overhauls get to this sort of number, but in those cases a very large number of parts were required - due to flooded watches typically. Having said that, if for example the watch needs a new balance complete, that alone could run you $1000. If there is a major problem in the main plate, those are no longer available and would be expensive to replace. Other parts may have to be made or repaired if they can't be found...

    You really have to know the details to make a sound judgement. I serviced one recently where the pivot of the escape wheel was snapped off and the escape wheel bridge had been bent down to keep the wheel in place - it ran, but not well! Since the escape wheel is no longer available, it was either find one on the open market ($$) or repivot the wheel ($$). Stuff like this can add up fast.

    And after I post this I'll wait for the typical knee jerk response that no matter what is involved it's too much and they could get the same thing done for $0.49...:rolleyes:

    So was there any breakdown of the scope of work and what parts were included?

    Cheers, Al
     
  3. kidkimura Aug 24, 2017

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    Hey Al-

    First off, thanks so much for your response. This is what I got:

    I can follow up and ask some specific questions if you think its worthwhile.

    Edit to add: I followed up and asked which "worn" parts they planned on replacing.
     
  4. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 24, 2017

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    This is the key thing, so when you know that, let us know.
     
  5. kov Trüffelschwein. Aug 24, 2017

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    Sounds like before moving to watchmaking your guy was servicing Aston Martin ::screwloose::
     
  6. watchknut New watch + Instagram + wife = dumbass Aug 24, 2017

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    Before anyone shoots me, if there are major issues with the movement, may make sense to send back to Omega.

    Of course, have to make sure they wont replace everything, polish and kill the watch.
     
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  7. axl911 Aug 24, 2017

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    Or an air cooled Porsche!!!

    Well....at least the ultrasonic case cleaning is free. (Same thing on the Porsche, they will wash the car for free...with a dirty, full of sand sponge.)
     
  8. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 24, 2017

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    I had mine done for $1750 no replacement parts save gaskets. I now suspect that this was a high price but the high street shop employs only one watchmaker. The work was done well and the watch runs perfectly. I now go to one with better economies of scale and not in a high rent district. I'd like to know what worn parts are to be replaced. $3K sounds very very high unless there are parts to be machined.
     
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  9. Kmart Aug 24, 2017

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    I don't know if I'd ever chance that. You run the risk of devaluing your watch by much, much more than $3000.
     
  10. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 24, 2017

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    There is no reason to send back to Omega. There are plenty of good watchmakers who can do this work for a fair price. Demand a full and detailed SOW from this guy. Check references as well. He needs to defend that quote.
     
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  11. Cuttysark Aug 24, 2017

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    For 3000€ I can give you a 321 movement just serviced with 19mln serial. I think is very expensive..
     
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  12. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Aug 24, 2017

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    If you had a junk dial and hands you could put on the watch, and maybe even a junk bezel, then with strict instructions not to refinish (fingers crossed!) it could be a viable option.

    So is turning it into a franken...
     
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  13. Rman Aug 24, 2017

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    I would expect to pay half of that.
     
  14. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Aug 24, 2017

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    I'm now averaging about $400 with some parts.
     
  15. kidkimura Aug 24, 2017

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    Heres the update:

    ???

    I asked for itemized costs. We'll see what happens.
     
  16. ChrisN Aug 24, 2017

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    He must have stripped the movement to know what parts need replacing so, I can't see how anyone else could make an estimate? Or are they quoting this without stripping the watch?

    Canadian, I hope:D

    Cheers, Chris
     
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  17. kidkimura Aug 24, 2017

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    @ChrisN I believe this is without stripping the watch, so not sure where the costs are coming from. I've asked for an itemized SOW, we'll see what comes back.
     
  18. Tik-Tok of Oz Aug 24, 2017

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    That must be where BMW learned to wash its customers cars from...:D

    In all seriousness these watches are not unlike more expensive European cars. The parts alone can be costly. If they even make the parts. I think if you really love the watch, and you have the means, and the itemized costs make sense (not padding the bill) I'd get it all done and done properly. Vintage 321 movement is worth it. Did the seller mention anything about condition when you bought it?
     
  19. ChrisN Aug 24, 2017

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    Seems like I posted at the same time as your explanation before this. If they haven't stripped it, then $3k is covering themselves for any eventuality, I'd say. I'd also sayfor such a watch, forget the local guy unless he is a specialist in these. There are a few Watchmakers who have recommendations on this forum for such a watch.

    Just out of interest, is this across a range of calibres? This seems very low for a 321.

    Cheers, Chris
     
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  20. Speedmasterfan88 Aug 24, 2017

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    3k sounds realy high. I had a 321 movement serviced recently, it was quite clean to begin with but hadn't seen a watchmaker probably ever.

    This was the work done: (roughly translated from German to English, don't cut me in half if something is not the right term ;) )

    1. Caliber revision Handwound Chronograph
    2. additional cost for vintage caliber
    3. disassemble/reassemble
    4. Case cleaning ultra sonic
    5. Dial assembly
    6. water resistance Chronograph
    7. Hands assemble
    8. omega Part main spring
    9. omega part escape wheel cal.321
    10. Omega crown gold plated*
    11. omega pushers for Chronograph*
    12. Omega Crystal*
    13. Omega stem for crown*

    Price was around 570€ in total.
     
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