I would send it to Omega for a quote only. If the quote comes back saying they have to replace the dial or hands then run far far away.
The tritium dial on your watch has aged to a beautiful custard colour and it is the centrepiece of the watch. Omega will want to replace it with what is called a service luminova dial and it will never age like a tritium dial.
If they want to replace the dial, I would suggest taking the watch back and going to an independent watchmaker who can retain the original hands and dial for you.
There are plenty of good independent Omega watchmakers around the world, and I’m sure this community will be happy to share recommendations if you advise of your location.
I’ve always sent my Speedmaster Reduced (white dial) to Omega for service, via my AD. Not always the same AD as I’ve moved around the UK over the past 30 years. Never had a problem. Cost last time (2016) was £390-ish but perfectly possible that prices have shot up recently
8 weeks turnaround would be the first thing to put me off, that's assuming they get it right the first time.
Factory service can take much longer!
I handed my personal watchmaker two watches in October (I think). They might be done soon. Good work takes time, unless you would rather have a rush job?
I don't really understand the why owners of modern watches are so opposed to polishing. Getting a watch back from service looking brand new is the best part about having it serviced (unless the watch is broken).
B BurrogsIt’s gonna cost more or less the same either way, I’d send it to Omega. I sent my watch in earlier this year and specified no case or bracelet polishing and they followed my instruction.
8 weeks turnaround would be the first thing to put me off, that's assuming they get it right the first time.
If it were me I would try finding a better example all together (unless you got this for very cheap) before spending money on servicing, as the price difference between a nice and not so nice case is small.
I don't really understand the why owners of modern watches are so opposed to polishing. Getting a watch back from service looking brand new is the best part about having it serviced (unless the watch is broken).
It's hard to capture in pictures, but I feel like the stainless steel surfaces are in good shape for ~20 year old watch.
If you're getting the steel reconditioned every 5ish years when the watch goes in for service, won't that start to take away from the sharpness of the edges over time?
I'd rather save the buff job for when the steel surfaces are showing a bit more wear and tear.
I sent my Seamaster Professional to Nesbit's in Seattle this time, and it came back absolutely flawless. Their prices are likely in line with Omega's, but no funny stuff. They sent me an estimate, I approved it, and some weeks later, received it back runnning perfectly, and yes, they refinished case and bracelet, but Omega requires that of authorized service. You can call them and talk with Jan Nesbit if you have any concerns ahead of time and see what they say.
