Modern Watches with Factory Service

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llvhhui

·Aug 4, 2021

I’ve seen some dealers selling watches that come with recent factory service. I’m talking modern watches some only 5-8 years old. Could it be because the condition was so bad when they got the watch that they have to send it in to get serviced in order to fetch a higher price? Some dealers probably have watch makers available, why don’t they just service the watch themselves instead of sending it in at a higher cost? How do you guys feel about buying a modern watch with a factory warranty card?

 

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gbesq

·Aug 4, 2021

For modern Omegas, keep in mind that many dealers may not have watchmakers who are qualified to service Omega’s co-axial movements which require specialized training, lubricants, etc. I would consider it a bonus to purchase a preowned modern Omega that had been factory serviced with the standard two year warranty.

 

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abrod520

·Aug 4, 2021

The recommended service intervals for any mechanical watch is usually 3-5 years, so if they're selling 8 yr old watches, it's probably not a bad idea to get the expensive OEM service done and then bake that into the price as value added.

 

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ConElPueblo

·Aug 4, 2021

I have trouble seeing this as any sort of red flag. As @abrod520 says, a watch that old should have been serviced once.

 

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llvhhui

·Aug 4, 2021

Don't get me wrong, I do like the fact it was factory serviced. I'm just thinking why would a dealer go out of his way to get it serviced when they can just sell it quicker as is. Plenty of people selling over 10 years old Omega and Rolex with no service history. What's their angle here? Or maybe I'm just overthinking it?

 

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llvhhui

·Aug 5, 2021

Does omega service always include polishing?

 

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gbesq

·Aug 5, 2021

llvhhui

Does omega service always include polishing?

You can tell them not to, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll abide by your instructions. If they polish, however, they will do a skillful job and not overdo it.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Aug 5, 2021

llvhhui

Does omega service always include polishing?

No. It includes refinishing on the same machines used to create the case in the first place. They refinish both case and bracelet. You get the watch back with the original factory finish reapplied as best they can.

I have never had a bad refinish from Omega. Just issues with movements, etc, from the clowns at the Miami Service Center.

 

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Archer

·Aug 5, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

SkunkPrince

No. It includes refinishing on the same machines used to create the case in the first place.

Not really. But they do a good job typically.

 

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SkunkPrince

·Aug 5, 2021

Archer

Not really. But they do a good job typically.

I knew someone was going to ding me on that. Same type of machine is what I thought about saying....

 

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Archer

·Aug 6, 2021·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

SkunkPrince

I knew someone was going to ding me on that. Same type of machine is what I thought about saying....

Yes and no. The machines at the service center are much simpler than what is used in production, and a lot less automated.

 

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tyrantlizardrex

·Aug 6, 2021

llvhhui

Don't get me wrong, I do like the fact it was factory serviced. I'm just thinking why would a dealer go out of his way to get it serviced when they can just sell it quicker as is. Plenty of people selling over 10 years old Omega and Rolex with no service history. What's their angle here? Or maybe I'm just overthinking it?

Depending on where they are in the world, they may legally need to offer some form of warranty or guarantee on products that they're selling.

They also might just value their customers, and want to sell them a product in the best condition it could be in.

I've met a lot of really shady dealers over the years. Often what they classed as "serviced" was anything but.

Having a dealer sell a modern watch with a factory/OEM service so that it is under a proper warranty doesn't seem like something that should set any alarm bells off...