You won't get anything at a reasonable price in there. Just to give you an idea, they sell Dynamics at £1500 and up.

 

God no...

 

Do a search here under their shop Name, Somlo, and you will find plenty of information on them. There are photos here,
http://omegaforums.net/threads/london-watch-tour-part-i.1159/#post-11871

 

That place sells some of the most over-refinished and overpriced vintage omegas anywhere. Much nicer watches at lower prices to be had elsewhere.

 

Not only do they not sell NOS, they are restored pieces.

They bought up big lumps of stock from STS after STS had done them up - then added huge mark up.

STS told me that in retrospect they regretted selling so much to them. I don't know if they still use STS, but I suspect that they are buying pieces up, getting them restored at STS & then using that to sell them off the back off having had the work done by the Official Omega service Centre - thereby implying more of an official connection with Omega rather than simply being a trade customer of STS.

As Mike says, you can do the same yourself for cheaper Just buy a good piece at reasonable value & then get STS to do a restoration - voila ! A watch comparable to anything you'll get at Somlo or better, for less outlay.

 

I've had them claim that they were The Official Vintage Outlet of Omega

 

Actually, that is correct.

Address​

​

OMEGA Vintage Store ​

Somlo Antiques ​

35-36 Burlington Arcade ​

W1J 0QB London ​

United Kingdom​

​

Contact​

​

+44 20 7499 6526 ​

+44 20 7499 0603​

Opening hours​

​

Mon - Fri10:00 - 17:30 ​

Sat10:30 - 17:30 ​

Above is from the dealer listing of the Omega website.

My understanding is that if STS can't handle a restoration, it goes back to the mother ship in Bienne.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

 

Ah, but does that mean that they are Omega, this is what they told me.

 

Their website says they are: "The first and only authorised specialist store, dedicated to a brand whose name is synonymous with over 150 years of horological excellence. It has resulted in a collection of time pieces that highlight the origins of the contemporary OMEGA watch."

And that they are "the world’s first and only official store specialising in Vintage Omega timepieces".

I take it from that that they have a licence from Omega.

As they use the Omega logo liberally on the website they must have a licence to use it, but such licences aren't unusual & I'd expect it to be a condition of the licence that it is used only in connection with genuine Omega watches.

That would be enough for them to use the marketing puffery above I reckon - although it is typical sales guff (but not unlawful) to use those descriptions based on that sort of licence. But let's be clear: this is all speculation and whether they are licenced to do anything more than use the Omega brand marks isn't clear.

From what I know of them, they are an independent dealer holding a licence to use Omega's name & brand marks. When you go in there, they are selling other brands as well as Omega. When you go into an official Omega boutique, it's only Omega stuff you'll find.

 

Well, I'd say there is a big difference in Somlo being "The Official Vintage Outlet of Omega" and Omega. Similar to the difference between being an authorized dealer for Omega and an Omega Boutique. Clearly, they are not Omega, although it is always possible that Omega/Swatch Group has an equity interest in Somlo.

Frankly, I always thought the the Boutiques were operated by a 3rd party for Omega anyway, so maybe there really isn't that much of a difference other than the Boutiques are required to sell only at MSRP as set by Omega.

Take care,
gatorcpa