Is Omega Biel struggling with Extracts?

JetLinks · Jul 30, 2020

Just before COVID lockdown #2 happened here in California I called my local Omega Boutique to get an update on the extract requests on my two different calibers of Speedies (321 & 861) and he informed me that both got rejected for some unknown reason.

When the boutique manager checked all the recent EofA requests he said that half of them had been rejected (something like 26 out of 55) so I'm wondering if Biel is either under staffed with COVID or are now doing things a different way (to make more money)?

Anyone tried more than once for the EofA and finally achieved success after the second or third attempt?

robocaspar · Jul 30, 2020

Ordered one in April/May for a 145.022 69 and received it relatively fast.

robocaspar · Jul 30, 2020

Forgot to mention, they did change the format of the Extract. It's now a folded card instead of a letter and no more red sealed envelope. It is also signed by the Omega museum curator instead of Omega's CEO.

321Only · Jul 30, 2020

Actually received mine today, ordered two weeks ago. Pretty responsive I would say 👍

Norfolk · Jul 30, 2020

Ordered 25/6. Arrived 16/7. Pretty impressive.

MTROIS · Jul 30, 2020

JetLinks
Just before COVID lockdown #2 happened here in California I called my local Omega Boutique to get an update on the extract requests on my two different calibers of Speedies (321 & 861) and he informed me that both got rejected for some unknown reason.

When the boutique manager checked all the recent EofA requests he said that half of them had been rejected (something like 26 out of 55) so I'm wondering if Biel is either under staffed with COVID or are now doing things a different way (to make more money)?

Anyone tried more than once for the EofA and finally achieved success after the second or third attempt?

Sounds like your boutique is not submitting the requests properly, no?

Aludic · Jul 30, 2020

Well, from experience it can take a little longer than usual. My last one was ordered on June 7th (with Omega directly) and available for download about 5.5 weeks later. So based on that experience and the above, it apparently differs greatly.

JetLinks · Jul 30, 2020

Thanks for all the feedback.... are you guys also requesting them through the Boutiques (i.e. US based) or directly through Omegas website like one can in civilized countries?

killer67 · Jul 30, 2020

just under 6 weeks for mine that I ordered through the website

harrymai86 · Jul 30, 2020

Within 2 weeks you will receive the digital pdf format first then the hard copy later by post. And yes the new format sucks.

SkunkPrince · Jul 30, 2020

Nit-picky, I know, but Omega SA identify themselves as being in Bienne. I believe they all speak French (though knowing those Swiss, they probably also speak plenty of German, Italian, and English!).

ndgal · Jul 30, 2020

I just received about 8 of them last week.
Shipped directly to the US via Virgin Islands loophole.

cyuvan · Jul 31, 2020

I ordered 2 of them from the webiste on July 16 and received the electronic PDF versions on July 30th. Still waiting for the physical copies to arrive. Both were fine. I am happy by how quickly it was completed.

rcs914 · Jul 31, 2020

I realize the reason we were buying these wasn't for the red envelope and the signature of the CEO, but it does reduce the likelihood I will cough up to have one for my Speedy if I haven't before now. The trappings went a ways to justify the somewhat exorbitant cost, at least to me.

FREDMAYCOIN · Jul 31, 2020

Any pictures of the new format?

befobe · Jul 31, 2020

I ordered mine 1 month ago, from France, so it works... But not all the time....😲
They don't find my movement number!
So they refunded me... Explaining it happens sometimes... 🙁

cyuvan · Aug 24, 2020

FREDMAYCOIN
Any pictures of the new format?

Here is picture of the Extract from the Archives I just received today.

It comes in a white envelope that is 16cm x 14cm. There is a red Omega logo on the back flap of the envelope.

Inside the envelope is a half fold card measuring 15cm x 13cm unopened. It is a textured thicker card stock paper .

It is signed by the Head of Brand Heritage, Petros Protopapas.

One interesting thing I found on mine is that under Bracelet for my 145.022-69 they listed it as Stainless Steel 1171/633. I think the correct bracelet should be a 1039/516.

YY77 · Aug 24, 2020

cyuvan
Here is picture of the Extract from the Archives I just received today.

It comes in a white envelope that is 16cm x 14cm. There is a red Omega logo on the back flap of the envelope.

Inside the envelope is a half fold card measuring 15cm x 13cm unopened. It is a textured thicker card stock paper .

It is signed by the Head of Brand Heritage, Petros Protopapas.

One interesting thing I found on mine is that under Bracelet for my 145.022-69 they listed it at Stainless Steel 1171/633. I think the correct bracelet should be a 1039/516.

so either the extract/Omega can't be fully trusted as to how your watch originally left the factory or there was a swap of the bracelet. If the first is more likely I feel paying 120 CHF is too much.👎

Stripey · Aug 24, 2020

cyuvan
Here is picture of the Extract from the Archives I just received today.

It comes in a white envelope that is 16cm x 14cm. There is a red Omega logo on the back flap of the envelope.

Inside the envelope is a half fold card measuring 15cm x 13cm unopened. It is a textured thicker card stock paper .

It is signed by the Head of Brand Heritage, Petros Protopapas.

One interesting thing I found on mine is that under Bracelet for my 145.022-69 they listed it as Stainless Steel 1171/633. I think the correct bracelet should be a 1039/516.

If that's just because it is the bracelet it has now, it might just be a replacement, or it could even be original. Either bracelet is potentially correct, and Moonwatch Only notes that you see the 1039/516 as a replacement on older watches, or is there something else that makes you think it should definitely be a 1039/516?

cyuvan · Aug 24, 2020

Stripey
If that's just because it is the bracelet it has now, it might just be a replacement, or it could even be original. Either bracelet is potentially correct, and Moonwatch Only notes that you see the 1039/516 as a replacement on older watches, or is there something else that makes you think it should definitely be a 1039/516?

I don't think the type of bracelet/strap that is on the watch now is relevant because I did not send the actual watch in to get the Extract. On the previous versions of the Extract they usually left this part blank or said "not mentioned" and did not state the bracelet type.

This watch is a 145.022-69 from early 1970 with a 2911xxxx movement number. I am quite confident that these watches originally came with a DON bezel and the 1039/516 bracelet.