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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

Factory service is probably your best bet, because it generally costs less than competent service by an independent. Paying less might mean getting less.

 

Doesn't sound like spending a bunch of money on it makes much sense. Sell it and get something you will wear.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Any independent watchmaker should be able to service this. These Dynamics are nice watches.

 

Whereabout in the UK are you?

 

Near Oxford.

 

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.

 

Here are a few, but by no way an exhaustive list.

https://thewatchbloke.co.uk
https://watchguy.co.uk (can recommend)
https://watchrepair.expert (can recommend)
https://www.abouttimewatches.co.uk

Others like swiss time services are larger and would not be much different to sending it to Omega

 

That's great - thank you!

 

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.