Omega Vintage Parts & Service: Calgary Boutique Issues

gatorcpa

I can tell you that any Omega watch more than about 20 years old is going to go back to Switzerland and unless you are an authorized Omega repair shop, they are not going to tell you if parts are available.

Omega vintage watches are not “second class”, it’s just that Omega keeps a separation of knowledge between those that service new and vintage watches.

That’s just how they roll.
gatorcpa

Peemacgee

Have you tried talking to an independent Omega certified watchmaker (who can access Omega parts) to see if they can help you?
@Archer is based in Canada and is one such Omega certified watchmaker.

gatorcpa

I can tell you that any Omega watch more than about 20 years old is going to go back to Switzerland and unless you are an authorized Omega repair shop, they are not going to tell you if parts are available.

Omega vintage watches are not “second class”, it’s just that Omega keeps a separation of knowledge between those that service new and vintage watches.

That’s just how they roll.
gatorcpa

Peemacgee

By the tone of your posting it's evident that you are somewhat frustrated @Gentleman Jedi - however, having a go at one of the mods (@gatorcpa ) who was trying to help you probably isn't your best option to get the help you've asked for.

Regarding the OB's preference for modern watches - if you went to a Jaguar dealer and rocked up with a beautiful 1950s 120, the staff might ooh and aah over the car but they would have no knowledge or particular interest because they are there to make money by selling modern Jaguars.

You can't really blame them for that.

As vintage Omega owners we are mainly focused on old Omegas, however, Omega sustain a vintage section of their business to (rightfully) keep in touch with their heritage - however, as business proposition, it is a drag not a boon to their current primary objective of having a profitable business by selling modern watches - sometimes I think that some of our (vintage) members forget that.

- which, I believe, is more or less the point @gatorcpa was making.

@Archer is generally extremely helpful with members asking for information - but he is also a busy watchmaker, so it may be that he hasn't had time to respond to your DM.
He's been tagged twice now on this thread and I'm sure, if he is inclined to do so, he will chime in with info on your crystal if he can.

If you haven't already done so, you might also try contacting the Omega Service Centre in Toronto directly rather than going through the OB or AD - you might have better luck with them in finding out if Omega still have the crystal that you are after.

Peemacgee

By the tone of your posting it's evident that you are somewhat frustrated @Gentleman Jedi - however, having a go at one of the mods (@gatorcpa ) who was trying to help you probably isn't your best option to get the help you've asked for.

Regarding the OB's preference for modern watches - if you went to a Jaguar dealer and rocked up with a beautiful 1950s 120, the staff might ooh and aah over the car but they would have no knowledge or particular interest because they are there to make money by selling modern Jaguars.

You can't really blame them for that.

As vintage Omega owners we are mainly focused on old Omegas, however, Omega sustain a vintage section of their business to (rightfully) keep in touch with their heritage - however, as business proposition, it is a drag not a boon to their current primary objective of having a profitable business by selling modern watches - sometimes I think that some of our (vintage) members forget that.

- which, I believe, is more or less the point @gatorcpa was making.

@Archer is generally extremely helpful with members asking for information - but he is also a busy watchmaker, so it may be that he hasn't had time to respond to your DM.
He's been tagged twice now on this thread and I'm sure, if he is inclined to do so, he will chime in with info on your crystal if he can.

If you haven't already done so, you might also try contacting the Omega Service Centre in Toronto directly rather than going through the OB or AD - you might have better luck with them in finding out if Omega still have the crystal that you are after.

Archer

I just went back through my messages here back to October of 2024, and I have zero messages from you. I'm not sure how you tried to contact me, but it certainly wasn't here on the forum that I can see.

Yes, the crystal is still available...

TIMElyBehaviour

So you are unhappy because salesmen who are only trained in the most modern of watches aren’t able to give you specific watchmaking part information about your vintage watch. The process can be frustrating and you want what you want. But remember, your query isn’t an everyday occurrence for them, they aren’t trained on the watch you are questioning about, and every business wether it be omegas processing of repairs or a warehouse had processes and a scope of business. Once you do something outside of that scope, you become liable and generally loose something. They are following process. They have a watch that requires part replacement. Switzerland.

The fact that you had a the audacity to drop a snide remark to a moderator tells me that you have t been around here long enough to “cut your teeth” and learn something and that you will be a absolute pain for omega to deal with.

Good luck

gatorcpa

First, I have no idea if your watch was worth $8 or $8 million. I don’t use your funny money, only real depreciating American dollars!

Second, if your boutique has an Omega authorized repair person (whether trained in vintage repair or not), they should be able to check with the factory to see if they have the parts. It’s just that you can’t check with Omega Bienne directly. If Omega allowed this, they would never get any work done. They would just be answering emails all day.

The Boutique “staff”, as you put it, are not watchmakers. They are there to sell new watches. They should have directed you to call their main Boutique in Toronto, but perhaps they don’t have the experience to tell you that.

The Force may be with you, but you are certainly no gentleman.
gatorcpa

TIMElyBehaviour

So you are unhappy because salesmen who are only trained in the most modern of watches aren’t able to give you specific watchmaking part information about your vintage watch. The process can be frustrating and you want what you want. But remember, your query isn’t an everyday occurrence for them, they aren’t trained on the watch you are questioning about, and every business wether it be omegas processing of repairs or a warehouse had processes and a scope of business. Once you do something outside of that scope, you become liable and generally loose something. They are following process. They have a watch that requires part replacement. Switzerland.

The fact that you had a the audacity to drop a snide remark to a moderator tells me that you have t been around here long enough to “cut your teeth” and learn something and that you will be a absolute pain for omega to deal with.

Good luck