Omega Speedmaster Professional botched repair - is this beyond help?

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stevenellner

·Jul 6, 2025

I own an old Omega Speedmaster Professional. About ten years ago, I took it to a local watch repair (jeweler) to install a bezel (it was missing the bezel). The bezel wasn't the right one for the watch, as he had to laser it on to the watch to get it to fit. When it rains, the inside of the watch gets wet. Unfortunately, I didn't deal well with the botched repair or the shop back then.

I took the watch to Omega in New York City (the main store on Fifth Avenue), they looked at it and said they would not work on the watch - that it is basically a valuable watch (one of the earlier Speedmasters) that is now ruined.

So Omega apparently wont touch this. Is there any place that might be able to work on this watch to get it repaired? I live near Washington DC.

Thanks

 

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Dan S

·Jul 6, 2025

Are you saying that the bezel is welded to the case? If so, the best solution is probably a replacement mid-case. I suspect that Swatch service center might be willing to do that, but you could also buy a more period correct mid-case and bezel from a third party, and have an independent watchmaker assemble it all for you.

If the watch has sentimental value, and you want to put it right, it could be worth it. If finances are a consideration, it might not be the right decision. It depends on the condition and specific reference of the watch, which we can't really determine from that single photo. At first glance, it looks like it might be a late 70s watch or later, certainly not pre-moon. So while it has some value, the upside is limited.

 

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stevenellner

·Jul 6, 2025

It is my understanding that the bezel is laser welded to the case. The watch seems to me to be in good condition, most definitely post 1969.

 

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Davidt

·Jul 6, 2025

I’d say it’s very possible the bezel isn’t laser welded and even if it is. Modern service cases are available so I’m not sure why they refused service.

Imo the best course of action would be to take it to an independent and see if they can remove the movement and dial, then see if they can separate the mid case, crystal and bezel. From there you will know what you’re dealing with, otherwise there’s too much guess work.

 

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NotJackson

·Jul 6, 2025

Davidt

I’d say it’s very possible the bezel isn’t laser welded and even if it is. Modern service cases are available so I’m not sure why they refused service.

Imo the best course of action would be to take it to an independent and see if they can remove the movement and dial, then see if they can separate the mid case, crystal and bezel. From there you will know what you’re dealing with, otherwise there’s too much guess work.

+1 on this. Laser welding a bezel seems like a pretty extreme (and monumentally wrong) solution.

That said, I agree that you need to find an independent watchmaker who knows Speedmasters, can pull everything apart, and give you their assessment. FWIW, there are both modern service cases and used Omega cases available through various sources. So I think there’s a good chance that your watch could be fixed. Whether or not that would make economic sense is unclear (and none of my business).

 

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140dave

·Jul 6, 2025

It just depends on your end goal.

What @Davidt said is the best coarse of action if you want to maintain originality.

Your other option IMO is to send it direct to the Omega service center of your choosing. Secaucus NJ is the closest to you I believe. You may loose some original parts but they will put it back in full running order. It won’t be as “collectible” but honestly it’s not that old or rare as far as Speedmasters go.

If it is indeed laser welded it may be a money pit; new case and service will run you $2500 or so. The folks in NYC may have made that decision for you so they didn’t have to go through the motions for a repair that may cost more than the watch is worth. They probably assumed you would hear the price and decline anyhow. (Just my guess)

 

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stevenellner

·Jul 6, 2025

Thanks for the replies. I'm considering my options.

 

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Pvt-Public

·Jul 8, 2025

stevenellner

So Omega apparently wont touch this. Is there any place that might be able to work on this watch to get it repaired? I live near Washington DC.

This is the guy I have used, although it was just for servicing, not repair. He seems to be knowledgeable and competent.
https://herndonclockandwatch.com/

 

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sonicosa

·Jul 8, 2025

A couple additional recommendations:

https://247watchrepairs.com/

24 Hour Watch Repairs was purchased by a younger gentleman in the last couple years. He has serviced several vintage Omegas for me including a Speedmaster. He did his training with Omega but is not Omega certified and does not have a parts account.

https://www.facebook.com/AnnandaleWatchClock/

I haven’t had any services done at Annandale Watch and Clock yet, but they are Omega Certified with a parts account (at least they were the last I checked a year or 2 ago). I have gotten quotes from them, and they tend to be more expensive than the other shop, but it sounds like they might be a better fit for your situation.

 

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97TJ

·Jul 8, 2025

Oh wow, this is just so wrong on so many levels it makes me cringe.
I hope you get all sorted out.

 

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paddymoran

·Jul 8, 2025

I have to ask why would anyone intentionally put this bezel on a Speedy Pro simply because it was the only available bezel? This isn’t the same as an intentional modification.

 

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Evitzee

·Jul 8, 2025

paddymoran

I have to ask why would anyone intentionally put this bezel on a Speedy Pro simply because it was the only available bezel? This isn’t the same as an intentional modification.

I would say it was just incompetence. This world has plenty of that.

 

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gatorcpa

·Jul 8, 2025·ΩF InvestiGator

You might want to discuss this with Peter Wuischpard. He can at least make a recommendation on an appropriate course of action.

https://www.watchcaserepair.com/contact

Hope it all works out for you.
gatorcpa