Community Stories

Having a watch serviced by a non-Omega authorised watchmaker?

A
Posts
14
Likes
12
Hello - I wanted to ask for some advice. I have an Omega watch that I bought new in 2000, but have always been ambivalent about it and haven't worn it for many years. I've been trying to decide whether to have it serviced and try wearing it again, or to sell it.

The cost for an Omega-authorised service seems to be about £4-500, which is more than I'd be willing to pay. Are there non-authorised watchmakers in the UK who might be cheaper? And what would be the implications of having the watch serviced by a non-authorised watchmaker?

In particular, since I still might decide to sell the watch in future, would having had it serviced by a non-authorised watchmaker be a problem when selling?
 
gbesq
Posts
9,525
Likes
52,477
If you’re going to sell it, and it hasn’t been worn much, you might want to consider not having it serviced and disclose in your sales listing that a service has not been recently performed and is recommended. Many buyers prefer to have a new acquisition serviced by their own watchmaker. If you decide to keep the watch, there are many non-authorized independent watchmakers who can competently service the watch. The key is whether or not they have access to an Omega parts account if parts are needed.
 
A
Posts
14
Likes
12
Thanks very much - yes, if I were certain I wanted to sell, I wouldn't have it serviced first.

The question of using Omega parts was one of my biggest concerns about a service. I don't have a sense of how important this would actually be, or how to find a good watchmaker with a parts account.

I didn't want to say exactly what kind of watch this is, in case I gave the impression of trying to make a 'for sale' post by stealth. But to give some context, this was one of Omega's cheaper watches at the time, a simple 3-hand ETA-based automatic; it's not a super-collectible or valuable model.
 
gbesq
Posts
9,525
Likes
52,477
A aynjrz
Thanks very much - yes, if I were certain I wanted to sell, I wouldn't have it serviced first.

The question of using Omega parts was one of my biggest concerns about a service. I don't have a sense of how important this would actually be, or how to find a good watchmaker with a parts account.

I didn't want to say exactly what kind of watch this is, in case I gave the impression of trying to make a 'for sale' post by stealth. But to give some context, this was one of Omega's cheaper watches at the time, a simple 3-hand ETA-based automatic; it's not a super-collectible or valuable model.
The importance of access to genuine Omega parts really depends on the watch. A generic crystal or parts for an ETA movement is not a serious problem. A modern omega coaxial master chronometer movement in need of parts, that’s a different story.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,800
Factory service is probably your best bet, because it generally costs less than competent service by an independent. Paying less might mean getting less.
 
Evitzee
Posts
7,557
Likes
13,954
Doesn't sound like spending a bunch of money on it makes much sense. Sell it and get something you will wear.
 
A
Posts
14
Likes
12
SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Factory service is probably your best bet, because it generally costs less than competent service by an independent. Paying less might mean getting less.

That's an interesting point. Is it realistic at all to look for an independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account to do a service for £2-250? Omega UK's official price is £450 for a service, and I wouldn't feel it worth spending that much on this particular watch.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,800
A aynjrz
That's an interesting point. Is it realistic at all to look for an independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account to do a service for £2-250? Omega UK's official price is £450 for a service, and I wouldn't feel it worth spending that much on this particular watch.
If you're going to keep it, it's worth it. If you're going to sell it, maybe, but make someone else agonize over that decision.

You could try just wearing it for a week (unless it doesn't run) to see whether you might keep it.
 
Rado63
Posts
328
Likes
244
According what I have read there can be Omega authorized independent watchmaker services who have access to all the parts. If you don't wear the watch and you know it needs service you have to choices with regards to selling it. List it for a low price indicating it runs, but needs service, or list after you complete the service. Completing the service with Omega provides a warranty and enters your watch into the service data base which adds some credibility that the watch is authentic. If you complete the service and sell you may still not be able to recover the cost of servicing. Since it's just sitting around, maybe just post it up and see if you get some offers.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,800
How about sharing a picture of this watch so we can determine what it might be worth?
 
A
Posts
14
Likes
12
SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
How about sharing a picture of this watch so we can determine what it might be worth?

Hopefully, you should see a picture with this post.
 
IMG_0122.JPG
Donn Chambers
Posts
2,668
Likes
3,550
A aynjrz
Hopefully, you should see a picture with this post.

cool. A nice Omega Dynamic. I think it’s worth keeping and fixing up, but I’m sure you could easily find a buyer if you choose to sell.
 
SkunkPrince
Posts
5,636
Likes
5,800
You could probably get that serviced by an independent since it's new enough and has just sat around not getting worn (out) not long after it was new.

They are relatively desireable even though it was a value-priced alternative at the time. It certainly has a unique look.
 
amcclell
Posts
1,534
Likes
3,234
Any independent watchmaker should be able to service this. These Dynamics are nice watches.
 
A
Posts
14
Likes
12
Thanks to the people who have replied so far - if anyone has a recommendation for an independent watchmaker to try, I'd very much appreciate it.
 
simomega
Posts
249
Likes
1,834
If you have it serviced by Christian (watchguy.co.uk) or Mitka (mitka.co.uk) - or many others I’m sure, but I’ve used these two a lot - then you’ll get a series of photos of the movement that might add value to your sales listing...

As an example:

https://workshop.mitka.co.uk/cgi-bin/library?action=show_photos&wat_id=204&tk_id=182034781

also significantly better proof of recent service than a pinch-of-salt ‘recently serviced’ description.

I was bidding on a Speedmaster that had Christian’s pics last year, and bid *significantly* higher based on the info available.
 
1 More Post...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

perks713

Things to consider before having a watch serviced

perks713 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
impaw
impaw
Posts
13
Views
7K
MtV

Omega Seamaster 14779 in SS with a brushed dial, ca. 1961 | serviced + bracelet options

MtV Private Watch Sales
qazwsx1
qazwsx1
Posts
7
Views
7K
F

First Omega, but I think I was sold a 'Franken' watch.

FinalTuna Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Azveld
Azveld
Posts
46
Views
12K
Unknown Watchmaker

A Watchmaker Photo Guide to Omega Seamaster Cal 1020 Repair

Unknown Watchmaker Watchmaking
Unknown Watchmaker
Unknown Watchmaker
Posts
17
Views
9K
Geezer

So what exactly is a "watch service" for a vintage watch... on expectations and truthfulness

Geezer Open Discussion
timecube
timecube
Posts
74
Views
9K
Annapolis

SOLD Omega Aqua Terra 2504.30 just serviced by Omega (July 2020)

Annapolis Private Watch Sales
Annapolis
Annapolis
Posts
4
Views
4K