Yeah

 

I think it's worth it though, it's to nice of a watch not to have serviced, plus iv got to admit, I got it at a bargain

 

Yes. Psychologically you’ll feel better if it gets a fresh service

 

If getting movement parts becomes a problem, be aware the 1481 movement was a 1970s joint development with Tissot. The Tissot version was the 2481, most parts are fully interchangeable but some of the finishes differ.

 

Thanks padders. I should be getting the call today with an estimate.

 

So I need opinions.. my watchmaker just called with a quote of $680 for an overhaul which would include a new crystal and a clutch wheel? Does this price sound right?

 

Ouch, sounds high to me. I normally expect to pay approx £250 plus parts, but I can’t imagine a crystal and clutch wheel would make that difference.

 

that's exactly what I was thinking

 

That's not an unsual price for where I live... where are you?

 

Connecticut, US

 

You might take the train into NYC because apparently there are a lot of watchmakers in Manhattan and it's a more competetive environment, so the prices are lower. So I've heard on here.

 

Yeah well you also get what you pay for when it comes to competition

 

Sending it to omega would be totally out of the question because I'm pretty sure it would cost more

 

Omega charges $550 for that sort of watch, movement parts included.

 

Even if they consider it vintage?

 

I thought that was only the new stuff? Cause I just called omega and they couldnt quote me over the phone because it was vintage

 

No way of knowing until you send it in.

I sent my Seamaster Professional to Nesbit's in Seattle but it's about the same price as Omega and it's a chronometer. I get the feeling some of these people lowballing servicing is by taking shortcuts like not doing more than the minimum of adjusting after the watch is reassembled. My local guy starts at $500 for higher-grade watches like the Omega. Lesser watches like Gruen and Benrus he does for less, but they can't be adjusted to run much better than when they were new, whereas the Omega usually can, depending on the condition of the parts.

If you plan on wearing it every day, then what your watchmaker is quoting might be reasonable. Some of these people might wear a watch for 10 hours, 16 hours, and switch the next day. In that case it doesn't matter if the watch gains 20 seconds in a day, because that's good enough.

 

Ah for vintage, they might have to make the parts or source them from Switzerland.

 

I just had my 1961 Seamaster serviced by Omega Switzerland. $550. No separate vintage price.

But FYI, 3 things I don't like.

1. They put in the incorrect hands. Since my watch had the original hands replaced by non-lumed versions I think the watchmaker made a mistake replacing it with the same, although slightly too short. The correct version is lumed and longer.
2. Incorrect glass replacement. The original one is round, domed shape. The replacement is squarish edged.
3. Incorrect crown. Originals were disk-like. The replacements are boxy.

I'm talking to them about these 3 issues to see if they would address them. If not, since they returned all of the replaced parts, I'll have to find someone here willing to put some of the old stuff back or source new old stocks for me.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm in NYC but all of the ones I know here are not trustworthy. So, if anyone has any great experience please post it here or DM me. Thanks!

BTW, why isn't there a sticky posted on this website of all the highly recommended local watchmakers?

 

I guess I'll sleep on it. That's just alot of money to put up just to have an omega dress watch on my wrist.. and all because it's a looker..