First vintage watch help

MrElm00 · Sep 2, 2020

Hello,

I just bought my first vintage watch, an omega seamaster and loved it. Took it to my watch guy and he told me it needed a service, so I said OK. Then, about a week later he calls me and tells me that the Omega lettering and seamaster from the dial came of while he was cleaning it. I guess he didn't know to treat vintage watches (I'm never taking a watch to him again). He tells me that the letters can be reapplied, should I trust him? Is the watch worth it (Payed 380 for it)?
Here it was before the incident (sorry for the crappy pictures). Any help would be appreciated.

MRC · Sep 2, 2020

I would be telling that alleged watchmaker that they had just bought a watch -- at 380 plus any out of pocket expenses you had to pay.

apsm100 · Sep 2, 2020

Ah that's terrible.
It is very important to be clear on what work is to be carried out with any watchmaker, even one you trust.

edit: reading comprehension

Dan S · Sep 2, 2020

I'm pretty doubtful that the dial can be rescued. What communication did you have with him about cleaning the dial? Members of the forum generally recommend against attempting cleaning unless the dial is totally unacceptable, which was obviously not the case for your watch.

Marsimaxam · Sep 2, 2020

Is it this watchmaker's practice to clean dials and polish cases as part of a service? He's your watch guy. On any watch, unless told, the watchmaker should never clean the dial or polish the case. I don't know what his "service" consists of when it comes to servicing a watch, but this is the issue. If you told him not to clean dial, then the damage is on the watchmaker and he should pay you for the watch or replace with a like condition model.

X350 XJR · Sep 2, 2020

MrElm00
Here it was before the incident (sorry for the crappy pictures).

This is the before.

MrElm00 · Sep 2, 2020

Marsimaxam
Is it this watchmaker's practice to clean dials and polish cases as part of a service? He's your watch guy. On any watch, unless told, the watchmaker should never clean the dial or polish the case. I don't know what his "service" consists of when it comes to servicing a watch, but this is the issue. If you told him not to clean dial, then the damage is on the watchmaker and he should pay you for the watch or replace with a like condition model.

To tell you truth I didn't know he was going to do anything to the dial, I thought he was just going to service the movement. So I didn't state that the dial was not to be touched (I guess I thought he had some common sense). I'm surprised becaused he's supposed to be a proffesional watchmaker, and he has serviced watches for friends. It goes without saying that I'm never going back to his shop.

Marsimaxam · Sep 2, 2020

MrElm00
To tell you truth I didn't know he was going to do anything to the dial, I thought he was just going to service the movement. So I didn't state that the dial was not to be touched (I guess I thought he had some common sense). I'm surprised becaused he's supposed to be a proffesional watchmaker, and he has serviced watches for friends. It goes without saying that I'm never going back to his shop.

You still need to call him and give the watchmaker the opportunity to make it right. Let him know that his solution is not acceptable. Hopefully it can be resolved to your satisfaction. Keep us posted.

Nepomuceño · Sep 2, 2020

MrElm00
It goes without saying that I'm never going back to his shop

What is the rough area you are located? I am sure lots of members could give you recommendations to their watch guys. But definitely get this guy to see what he did wrong. Hopefully it all works out.

First vintage watch help

MrElm00

MRC

apsm100

Dan S

Marsimaxam

X350 XJR

MrElm00

Marsimaxam

Nepomuceño

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