Omega Authorized Full Service vs Jeweler’s Repairs

B Chas · Mar 27, 2019

Got a close to mint used 2006 Aqua Terra Chronograph, unfortunately it failed time keeping and pressure tests when I brought it to my local Miami Omega Authorized Service Center. Needs ball bearings and updated parts, a $680 full serviced was recommended. Seller, a well respected (based on a longtime 100% ebay rating) NY Jeweler offers to repair the watch. I paid $3,200 for the watch, the free repair may have non authorized parts and will be limited to just passing the tests. Knowing the 2 are apples and oranges, what would you guys do?

johncatlas · Mar 27, 2019

I'd either ask for a refund or ask if he'd be willing to give you a partial refund towards the Omega Service. NOT trying to scare you but if the watch turns out the be a lemon you wanna have that Omega 2 year warranty handy if it gives your trouble again. I'm in Miami too bro! I'm pretty sure you and me are they only guys wearing Omegas in the land of Rolex and AP. Cheers!

Archer · Mar 27, 2019

Unless the seller has access to the proper Omega parts, I would either use the service center or a watchmaker that has a parts account and is familiar with the movement. Not everyone works on these F. Piguet based watches...

deanathan12 · Mar 27, 2019

Get a qualified watchmaker to do it. They're cheaper, you build a relationship, and it's safe.

supatonio · Mar 27, 2019

The following is just an opinion of what I would do in your situation. The $680 service comes with proof that it was serviced by Omega and is certified for 2 years. Its difficult to know, even if the seller is a well-known establishment, the authenticity of parts and skill-level of the watchsmith incorporated into your repairs. At least if Omega messes up, you can send it back in within the 2 year time period. Depending on whether you will sell this watch in the future, the service history documentation may be valuable for you. If possible, ask for a partial refund to contribute to the official service from Omega.

chiswick · Mar 27, 2019

B Chas
Got a close to mint used 2006 Aqua Terra Chronograph, unfortunately it failed time keeping and pressure tests when I brought it to my local Miami Omega Authorized Service Center. Needs ball bearings and updated parts, a $680 full serviced was recommended. Seller, a well respected (based on a longtime 100% ebay rating) NY Jeweler offers to repair the watch. I paid $3,200 for the watch, the free repair may have non authorized parts and will be limited to just passing the tests. Knowing the 2 are apples and oranges, what would you guys do?

I had my Omega Constellation (which went underwater) repaired by a so call old fashion "expert " watchmaker..................only to be returned in "parts" in a plastic bag. My thoughts only Omega to service my moon watch, if Omega fail to deliver at least you have redress.

Stufflers Mom · Mar 27, 2019

I don't roll the dice with any 3rd party options when it comes to getting watches serviced, send it back to Omega.

rudagger · Mar 27, 2019

chiswick
I had my Omega Constellation (which went underwater) repaired by a so call old fashion "expert " watchmaker..................only to be returned in "parts" in a plastic bag.

What was the explanation??

mrs_LA · Mar 27, 2019

I would opt for a partial refund from the dealer that you purchased it from, maybe at the cost of the service.

There are independent watchmakers that have parts and accounts with Omega, as well as 'certificates' of completion of training to work on specific watches (for example, Co-Axial training and certification). They will not charge as much as Omega's service center, but most of these watchmakers have a 1-year warranty. $680 and two years warranty with Omega, or $450-500 and one year warranty with an independent watchmaker, who is a certified technician by Omega. Just wanted to present these options to you.

chiswick · Mar 27, 2019

rudagger
What was the explanation??

Well according to his wife he spent two weeks trying to put it back "together", guess at the end of the day he was not up to it, anyway sent it back to Omega in the "plastic bag" (LOL), and they put it back together.

Pepe Lucas · Mar 28, 2019

Something like that happened to me with a Seamaster 176.005. It had some trouble holding the power so I tough it was the main spring. I went to a jeweler and the “watch maker” told me that they could do the service and replace the main spring. I gather some other parts so they could install while in service, the crystal and the bezel.? I came back for the watch some weeks later and the crystal was uneven and the problem with the mainspring was still there. I took it back and they kept it for a couple of months and when I came back for it it had the same problems. The owner gave me a partial refund but later I found out that they just had my watch sitting there until I came back to pick it up. I took it to the OB and they fix the problem and installed new crystal and bezel, all included in the service price. A couple of months later it started to gain a lot of time so I took it back and they fixed the problem under warranty. I would go with Omega every time.

hbombkid · Mar 28, 2019

In your case I would ask for some money and send it to Omega.

I will offer this though where an independent might be the way to go.

I have also started see lot of independents giving a 2 year warranty but the price is almost the same as omegas.

My AT is getting an overhaul as we speak. It actually should be done tomorrow or early next week. I am saving probably 25 bucks, but the guy is 10 min from the house has the certs, training, parts account etc. He knows his stuff and felt very comfortable with him. I have all the original paperwork so I wanted to give the work to a local guy. I am also getting a 2 year warranty and if an issue comes up it’s a 10 min drive.

If I needed some paperwork, etc then I would do the service via omega to obtain it.

Pepe Lucas · Mar 28, 2019

hbombkid
In your case I would ask for some money and send it to Omega.

I will offer this though where an independent might be the way to go.

I have also started see lot of independents giving a 2 year warranty but the price is almost the same as omegas.

My AT is getting an overhaul as we speak. It actually should be done tomorrow or early next week. I am saving probably 25 bucks, but the guy is 10 min from the house has the certs, training, parts account etc. He knows his stuff and felt very comfortable with him. I have all the original paperwork so I wanted to give the work to a local guy. I am also getting a 2 year warranty and if an issue comes up it’s a 10 min drive.

If I needed some paperwork, etc then I would do the service via omega to obtain it.

Are the parts needed for the service included in the price or they charge you extra for them. I know that when I did a service with another independent watch maker they charge you for the parts or you have to get them on your own and give them to them. That can be pretty expensive if you are talking about vintage pieces or even new ones. I did a small calculation on the prices of some of the parts that were replaced on my 176.005 and just the parts alone were a couple of hundred bucks. And that was only the ones that I could find the price for. I got new pushers, crown, crystal, bezel, mainspring and hands plus all the little parts that needed replacing.

hbombkid · Mar 28, 2019

Pepe Lucas
Are the parts needed for the service included in the price or they charge you extra for them. I know that when I did a service with another independent watch maker they charge you for the parts or you have to get them on your own and give them to them. That can be pretty expensive if you are talking about vintage pieces or even new ones. I did a small calculation on the prices of some of the parts that were replaced on my 176.005 and just the parts alone were a couple of hundred bucks. And that was only the ones that I could find the price for. I got new pushers, crown, crystal, bezel, mainspring and hands plus all the little parts that needed replacing.

Yes I was charged the parts. It was charged as a kit aka the standard ones that omega change. I did not need anything extra. I would think omega would charge you for anything extra as well, but I get your point and if you are getting charged for parts can get expensive quick. I got lucky he told me a couple weeks ago the movement was in great shape and thinking it was not a daily wearer as their was not much wear and tear for a year a 14 year old watch.

I was a little bummed bought it (did get a good deal) so that helped but was running about 10 seconds slow a day so only had it a month before a service. I knew it would need a service but was hoping for a year out. Had two owners and I am the 3rd. Previous owner thought it was serviced a couple years ago but was not sure so I take that as service history unknown. Least now I know as I am holding onto this one and will be good for while.

Pepe Lucas · Mar 28, 2019

hbombkid
Yes I was charged the parts. It was charged as a kit aka the standard ones that omega change. I did not need anything extra. I would think omega would charge you for anything extra as well, but I get your point and if you are getting charged for parts can get expensive quick. I got lucky he told me a couple weeks ago the movement was in great shape and thinking it was not a daily wearer as their was not much wear and tear for a year a 14 year old watch.

I was a little bummed bought it (did get a good deal) so that helped but was running about 10 seconds slow a day so only had it a month before a service. I knew it would need a service but was hoping for a year out. Had two owners and I am the 3rd. Previous owner thought it was serviced a couple years ago but was not sure so I take that as service history unknown. Least now I know as I am holding onto this one and will be good for while.

I have sent 6 vintage chronographs for restoration and they never charged me for parts. I replaced a couple of dials and they charge for that but that was it.

B Chas · Apr 1, 2019

Took awhile, the seller turned out to be really stand up. I can return, have his watchmaker repair at no cost or he'll give me $200 for the authorized service center repair or service. Can't ask for more than that.

Authorized service center quoted $680. Less $200 from the seller's contribution, so for $480 I know this 12 or 13 year old watch gets a full service from the best place possible, with a 2 year warrantee.

Many thanks to all who helped.

dputydwg1 · Apr 1, 2019

Too bad he couldn't have met you halfway. I've had two Seamasters serviced by the factory in the last two years and have been very pleased with both experiences.

B Chas · Apr 2, 2019

J johncatlas
I'd either ask for a refund or ask if he'd be willing to give you a partial refund towards the Omega Service. NOT trying to scare you but if the watch turns out the be a lemon you wanna have that Omega 2 year warranty handy if it gives your trouble again. I'm in Miami too bro! I'm pretty sure you and me are they only guys wearing Omegas in the land of Rolex and AP. Cheers!

Certainly lots of Rolex in South Florida. That's cool, I've always liked Omega, but yes, I have a Daytona too. We're fortunate to have a Authorized Omega Service center we can drive to, and not in congested downtown. Enjoy!

B Chas · Apr 2, 2019

dputydwg1
Too bad he couldn't have met you halfway. I've had two Seamasters serviced by the factory in the last two years and have been very pleased with both experiences.

The seller's probably saving a some over shipping and repair costs. That's OK, I like the model, this one's looks great, and was priced fairly. I think it's a good deal for both sides. Enjoy those Seamasters. Guess I need to get this one out on the ocean, lol.

Omega Authorized Full Service vs Jeweler’s Repairs

B Chas

johncatlas

Archer

deanathan12

supatonio

chiswick

Stufflers Mom

rudagger

mrs_LA

chiswick

Pepe Lucas

hbombkid

Pepe Lucas

hbombkid

Pepe Lucas

B Chas

dputydwg1

B Chas

B Chas

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