Routine co-axial service, DC area?

I have an AT for which I don't know the service history (it's c.2006, so out of the warranty period). Still working great but I may, in the next year or so, want to send it out for routine service, just so I have a baseline to work with going forward. In the past I got some great recs for nearby places to service vintage Omegas, but from what I've been reading online, it seems like co-axials/modern pieces are best sent to Omega--? Is that true? (There's also a lot of derision pointed at Omega service here at OF, but I think that's mainly directed at their less-than-ideal handling of vintage pieces.) I have my local Boutique here in Annapolis that I can rely on for sending to Omega, but before I part with the watch for what I gather could be several months and ~$600, I figured I ought to ask the gurus here whether that's actually the right move.

In sum:

Can folks confirm that sending to Omega is the right move for a watch like this? I'm willing to make the investment for a watch I plan to keep indefinitely, such as this one, but I also don't want to be a fool so-soon-parted from his money.

And, if the above is not necessarily the case, and if you know of a trustworthy and competent watchmaker in the Maryland/VA/DC/Philly area who can service a watch like this, can you please pass along that info to me, either in this thread or via pm?

Thanks!

Appreciate these replies!

Thanks, Dan. This is what I plan to do. Peace of mind knowing it’s factory serviced.

I’m also drawn to their 2-year warranty for service work, whereas other places offer shorter periods.

I’m not sending a bracelet with the watch (just the watch) and I suppose I’m not terribly worried about polishing the case, though I might eat those words if the lugs end up dull. The watch is really quite clean, so I’m hoping they don’t feel the need to polish it all, actually.

@Archer I'd send it you if you'd want the work, though I don't know where you're located. 😀

I suppose the one thing I need to sort out vis-a-vis Omega, depending on when I do this, is whether they're currently operating under these unusual circumstances---or whether there are drastic delays. Could be worth holding off until some resumption of normal. I'm getting mixed results researching that question here and abroad; might just try calling them directly.

...and I just did (call them): If I send my watch in for official Omega service it will get routed to California, and that facility is in the process of reopening presently with an expected first day of operation of next Monday, 5/18. The rep said to expect some delay of turnaround since they're likely to have a backlog of repair/service contracts, but that's information that'll be easier to get once they're up and running next week.

Just figured I'd share, since this might of interest to other folks too.

...although why California (Culver City, I presume?) when there's a Swatch Group US Inc service center much closer, in Secaucus, NJ? I wonder if she mistook me when I stated my location: I said "Maryland, in the Washington, DC area, and it's possible she just entered "Washington" and so gave me a west coasty answer. Or maybe I'm missing something. Entirely likely.

And yes---it was annoying me so I called back (and got a different rep), and I was right: the first one mistook my location. Second rep informed me that the watch would go to Secaucus, NJ, which is currently operational but slightly lean on staff, so experiencing minimal delays. Again, just posting for others' situational awareness.

Thank you for the information!

If you're looking for local in DC, I can recommend either Afram Jewelers in downtown DC. Sam, the watchmaker, is super knowledgeable and friendly, is co-axial certified, and has an Omega parts account (he did my 2500B Aqua Terra last year and it runs great).

There's another shop in Arlington -- Arlington Watch Works. The watchmaker there is Dan. He's also Omega certified, but I have not used him for an Omega watch (he did, however, swap a dial on my Rolex 16710 when no one else would touch it).