Omega Vintage watch servicing reccos / cost - NYC

workandturn · May 22, 2023

I just bought a supposedly serviced vintage Seamaster from Chrono24 via a Korean seller and low and behold it wasn't serviced as the listing had stated. Its very crunchy when wound and as the seller knows he's in the wrong he's offering me a $100 refund. I know that's too low, but just wondering what the a good ball park refund might be ?

Im aware Im taking a risk as who knows what's wrong with it, but I think Im happy to do that for the right refund as the condition of the watch is outstanding.

Picture of the watch attached - I think its Ref 166.0216 - Any help is greatly appreciated

Also wondering if anyone has any recommendations on who to go to in NYC, Manhattan or Brooklyn ?

Dan S · May 22, 2023

In your place, I'd just send it to one of the frequently recommended US watchmakers by searching the many previous threads on this topic. I don't recall any NYC watchmakers that really get particularly strong reviews; they generally seem to be mediocre and overpriced. Fortunately, there's no need to limit yourself to a local, or to recommendations from the small subset of members who might contribute to this particular thread. It's not a particularly valuable watch, so not difficult to ship.

workandturn · May 22, 2023

Dan S
In your place, I'd just send it to one of the frequently recommended US watchmakers by searching the many previous threads on this topic. I don't recall any NYC watchmakers that really get particularly strong reviews; they generally seem to be mediocre and overpriced. Fortunately, there's no need to limit yourself to a local, or to recommendations from the small subset of members who might contribute to this particular thread. It's not a particularly valuable watch, so not difficult to ship.

Dan S strikes again - thanks for the advice.

Yes NYC watchmakers are ridiculously overpriced but its always nice to have someone local. That said Ill have a hunt through the forum and see what I can find as you're right this isn't a difficult watch to send out at all.

Dan S · May 22, 2023

Try something like this:

Screen Shot 2023-05-22 at 5.17.48 PM.png

DON · May 23, 2023

I'd return it if possible. Not sure on the movement, but crunching could be the reversing wheels for the automatic which could need lubrication or replacement

Called winding gears

Just a wild guess. Had similar problem in some movements

After what you paid and to add a further cost on top. Might be cheaper to return or ask for more money to offset the service cost

workandturn · May 23, 2023

DON
I'd return it if possible. Not sure on the movement, but crunching could be the reversing wheels for the automatic which could need lubrication or replacement

Called winding gears

Just a wild guess. Had similar problem in some movements

After what you paid and to add a further cost on top. Might be cheaper to return or ask for more money to offset the service cost

Thanks Don - obviously $100 is no where near enough and Im suspicious that the seller doesn't already know the problem as any watch maker would know that it wasn't right within 2 seconds of winding.

Im going to call Chrono24 today and see what my options are, but I paid for a fully serviced watch in top condition, so to then have to go and spend $300-600 extra is clearly crazy.

Vintage Lemania · May 23, 2023

If you like the watch, I say keep it and get it serviced. I would look outside of NYC for a competent watchmaker.

Dan S · May 23, 2023

If you're not satisfied with it, I think your main recourse is to return the watch. Don't play the partial refund game, it's obnoxious.

workandturn · May 23, 2023

For anyone following this I thought it would be good for people to get an idea of servicing costs, as I know I was curious.

Based on this forum I contacted:
Chronotekinc
Manhattan Time Service
Hamilton Jewelers

as well as my local watchmaker in Williamsburg
1:46 Watch Repair

Ive only had one reply from Chronotekinc, keep in mind the watch is worth $1150-1550 new in the condition its in. I paid $1350 with tax and postage included on the basis that it was near mint condition externally, polished but very sharp and importantly fully serviced. Luckily the seller has been recorded as saying it wasn't serviced in our Chrono24 chat so it is now fully on them and the money is still being held in Escrow.

Their reply - looks like its going back on this basis:
"James, we appreciate you contacting us in regards to your Omega. We would be happy to look at it for you. Typically this model will run $700 to service which includes most case and movement parts as well as a 2 year warranty. This is an older caliber and the symptoms you described are common if they are not serviced on a regular basis. If you are interested in our services you can make an appointment to visit our workshop or ship it to our address listed below. If you decide to ship your watch please enclose your contact information such as email, daytime phone and return shipping address. Should you have any additional questions you are welcome to call or email us."

canuco · May 24, 2023

W workandturn
I just bought a supposedly serviced vintage Seamaster from Chrono24 via a Korean seller and low and behold it wasn't serviced as the listing had stated. Its very crunchy when wound and as the seller knows he's in the wrong he's offering me a $100 refund. I know that's too low, but just wondering what the a good ball park refund might be ?

Im aware Im taking a risk as who knows what's wrong with it, but I think Im happy to do that for the right refund as the condition of the watch is outstanding.

Picture of the watch attached - I think its Ref 166.0216 - Any help is greatly appreciated

Also wondering if anyone has any recommendations on who to go to in NYC, Manhattan or Brooklyn ?

SVS in Oceanside recently hired a master watchmaker and is even filming each repair digitally (a cool idea). I have not used them since, but I do trust the owner as I brought a watch there a few years ago, and he advised that it was too complicated for his former watchmaker to service properly. It might be worth a phone call.

Aroxx · May 24, 2023

W workandturn
For anyone following this I thought it would be good for people to get an idea of servicing costs, as I know I was curious.

Based on this forum I contacted:
Chronotekinc
Manhattan Time Service
Hamilton Jewelers

as well as my local watchmaker in Williamsburg
1:46 Watch Repair

Ive only had one reply from Chronotekinc, keep in mind the watch is worth $1150-1550 new in the condition its in. I paid $1350 with tax and postage included on the basis that it was near mint condition externally, polished but very sharp and importantly fully serviced. Luckily the seller has been recorded as saying it wasn't serviced in our Chrono24 chat so it is now fully on them and the money is still being held in Escrow.

Their reply - looks like its going back on this basis:
"James, we appreciate you contacting us in regards to your Omega. We would be happy to look at it for you. Typically this model will run $700 to service which includes most case and movement parts as well as a 2 year warranty. This is an older caliber and the symptoms you described are common if they are not serviced on a regular basis. If you are interested in our services you can make an appointment to visit our workshop or ship it to our address listed below. If you decide to ship your watch please enclose your contact information such as email, daytime phone and return shipping address. Should you have any additional questions you are welcome to call or email us."

I was at Hamilton Jewelers a few weeks ago inquiring about service and was told they ship all vintage and brands they don't sell out. So it will not be serviced in house by Hamilton's watchmakers. They are expensive and you will pay shipping to ship to them and then pay shipping for them to ship it out to an unknown service center based on what I was told. Which I'm not sure was entirely true according to another esteemed member here who uses them. Unfortunately, I don't think I'd recommend Hamilton Jewelers for vintage watches anymore until they can guarantee it will be serviced in house.

I was also at Chronotek a couple weeks ago dropping off a watch. Michael sat and talked to me for almost 2 hours and we had a great conversation. One of their watchmakers also joined in a bit and they broke out some watches for me to check out. They have a ton of experience in that shop. Based on what I saw and my experience I would highly recommend Chronotek and will be using them for most, if not all, of my future watchmaking needs. I think the reason their quote is so high is because they know they'll be replacing a lot of parts in that watch.

Another esteemed member here who has unfortunately since been banished from the land used to recommend http://www.tempvsfvgit.com/ in NYC. I have no experience with them at all. You could try reaching out.

workandturn · Jun 16, 2023

Thought Id give a final update on this to help anyone out in the future

Full list for anyone looking through the Forum desperately wanting a list of New York Watch repair options here's what I found:

In Manhattan:
Tempvs Fvgit (few reccos on this one)
www.tempvsfvgit.com/for-sale-1.html

Manhattan Time Service
www.watchrepairny.com

Ron Gordon Watch Repair
https://www.rongordonwatches.com

In Brooklyn:
1:46 - Guys are really nice there and reasonably priced
www.growingabunchfarm.wixsite.com/brooklyn146/home

In NJ:
Hamilton Jewelers (probably not advised as they send out and cost a lot)
www.hamiltonjewelers.com

Outside of NYC - To send:
Chronotek Inc - Highly recommended on this Forum
www.chronotekinc.com

RGM Watch Company
www.rgmwatches.com

MJ Watch Service
www.mjwatchservice.com

Syrte · Jun 16, 2023

I hate to meddle as I don’t know anything about Omega, but are you sure this watch is worth 1000 dollars and that the dial is original? That picture was quite fuzzy.

Sorry for raising such questions, but if returns are possible, the time to find out is when you can still take action.

workandturn · Jun 16, 2023

Syrte
I hate to meddle as I don’t know anything about Omega, but are you sure this watch is worth 1000 dollars and that the dial is original? That picture was quite fuzzy.

Sorry for raising such questions, but if returns are possible, the time to find out is when you can still take action.

Pretty standard model, matches everything you see online, prices are well documented $750-1300, maximum $1550, watch maker reviewed it and its all good so not sure why you'd be skeptical.

These vintage Seamasters are fairly common, its a late 70s early 80s model, they don't have a huge fanbase but they've stared to have a little more attention. I personally think they're a great looking watches but you've got to like the vintage aesthetic.

The bracelet on them is average at best, the watch overall is nowhere near the quality of a traditional (what's traditional - who knows - but Im referencing a current Seamaster or Speedy) omega piece but if you want a watch to wear out, that looks good with t-shirt and jeans not worry too much about, why not.

Omega Vintage watch servicing reccos / cost - NYC

workandturn

Dan S

workandturn

Dan S

DON

workandturn

Vintage Lemania

Dan S

workandturn

canuco

Aroxx

workandturn

Syrte

workandturn

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