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Service Recommendations: SMP 300m 2531.80

  1. zagato125 Jul 7, 2020

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    Hello everyone:

    First thread here, long time watch guy and lover of Omega. I know it's a bit cliché but you know, another Bond fan that got hooked on Omega after Goldeneye.

    For one of my quarter life birthdays, I decided to finally get a watch I had long lurked for... a 2531.80.

    I love the damn thing, one of the most comfortable and versatile watches I have had thus far.

    I bought it second hand from Crown and Caliber for what I think was a good price and 0% financing that I was able to pay off quickly.

    Not too long ago, I noticed it was losing some time and that the rotor was becoming noisy. As any second hand purchase, the service history is unknown. Instead of sending it to C&C for a service that can take up to 3 months according to them, I reached out to my watchmaker of choice. With due credit and his entire right, he declined to service it due to the restrictions on Omega parts which I totally understand.

    I am a long time member of Watchuseek and have read not-so-good experiences with the Service Centers, from replacing parts that were not requested to be changed (like changing the original clasp with a newer clasp without asking) or the watch being returned in worse condition than given to the center.

    I was wondering if anyone could render any recommendations on a good watchmaker in the US to give my SMP the love it deserves. I'm looking to get a full overhaul and a waterproof test since I wear this watch to almost everywhere and everything.

    [​IMG]

    I thank you all in advance.
     
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  2. RMA Jul 7, 2020

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    Phillip Ridley in AZ. He just relocated there from TX, the guy cured my never ending 16710 issue I had for the longest time and couldn’t be any happier with his work. Give him a shout.
     
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  3. zagato125 Jul 14, 2020

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    Thank you very much!
     
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  4. WatchTimes Jul 14, 2020

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    Isn't that Bill Ridley?
     
  5. killer67 Jul 14, 2020

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    Bill is his dad
     
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  6. Jolsongoude Jul 15, 2020

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    I feel your pain. After reading about the seemingly variable service from SwatchUSA, and after my own terrible experience sending my old Heuer 980.007 to LVMH, I just kept putting off service for my 2503.33.00 until it started losing time and occasionally stopping.

    Somehow, I found out about Official Time Watch in SLC. I was unable to find a single less-than-favorable review anywhere, so I took a chance. I called, and they verified that they authorized to get OMEGA parts. The watch was gone for a total of four weeks, and they kept me informed at each step. When he had had disassembled the watch, Leo the watchmaker called and explained exactly what was needed parts-wise (new escape wheel and crystal gasket) and how everything else looked.

    I got the watch back a few days ago, and am completely satisfied. The watch looks, winds and runs like brand new. I never would have believed that a watch with 10+ years of daily use could actually look like new, but it does. I put a leather band on it to keep the bracelet looking like new while I decide if I'm going to keep it or not. I'd recommend OTW to any OMEGA owner for service.
     
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  7. DIV Jul 19, 2020

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    I would highly recommend Nesbit’s here in Seattle.