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Strap change in Omega branch and lug damage - thoughts?

B
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Hello,

I’m new to the forum so hi everyone!
I wanted to get some views on the lug damage that an Omega store caused to my new Seamaster Worldtimer. I took the watch straight back in after I noticed the damage and they were apologetic but seemed to think that it would polish out?!

Do you think this is repairable or should I be asking for a new case?

Ive shared 1 lug, 3 of the lugs are like this.
DA731482-65B1-4F23-95D3-BDFF3448F931.png


Thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks
Mike
Edited:
 
JimInOz
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You'll probably get replies ranging from indignant:

"How dare they! You should demand a new replacement watch or threaten to sue them!"

to normal:

"it's par for the course, you can't see it when worn normally and it doesn't really matter."

It wouldn't bother me.
 
tyrantlizardrex
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That’s a pretty hefty scratch…

Have you got a best case outcome in mind?

Would suggest going back to them with what you see as the best possible outcome - and then if they can’t resolve, escalate to Omega customer care in your country.
 
B
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Thanks for the input Jim, you would be ok with that level of damage being done to your watch by an Omega store, really? I should have also flagged that there were light scratched on the top as well.

I asked them to change it as I thought that they would be better equipped than myself to do it.

They have agreed to return to Omega and repair FOC, I just have my doubts on whether that depth of scratch can ever be polished out. Ideally they replace the case and add the original serial number i guess.

I'm pretty new to this grade of watch, so let me know if there's anything else i should be asking for?
Edited:
 
mutanthands
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B Breen88
They have agreed to return to Omega and repair FOC, I just have my doubts on whether that depth of scratch can ever be polished out. Ideally they replace the case and add the original serial number i guess.

It's a bit annoying of an Omega boutique, glad they agreed to sort it. I very much doubt they'll replace the case, as it's an easy fix for any competent watchmaker. They'll just re-brush the lugs.
 
JimInOz
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You didn't mention the upper scratches, so in that case I'd be quite firm about a proper restoration.

It looks like an untrained person carried out the work. The lugs should have been covered with Kapton tape before removal / replacement of the spring bars.

For future reference, always ask who is going to work on your watch, and if it's just the person behind the counter then move on and find a proper watchmaker.
 
JimInOz
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mutanthands mutanthands
It's a bit annoying of an Omega boutique, glad they agreed to sort it. I very much doubt they'll replace the case, as it's an easy fix for any competent watchmaker. They'll just re-brush the lugs.

We don't know if it was done at an Omega Boutique, or simply at a jewellery store that sells Omegas.
 
Dan S
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It also looks like they got a piece of dust in the movement. Good thing it's still under warranty.
 
Tony C.
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I would demand a new case. No excuse for that, and polishing will degrade its resale value.
 
Evitzee
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I would suggest that the OP get a good Bergeon spring bar tool, some tape and watch some YouTube videos. Then take a deep breath and do it himself, it's not that difficult and it will give a sense of satisfaction in doing it on your own. Personally, I like a tidy, clean case. Hate strap change marks. The OPs case was unduly scratched, I would not be happy with that on a brand new watch.
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nicolamilton
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It's not simple to scratch and damage so hard a case. Even meaning it...
How could they?
 
Walrus
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That is pretty extreme. So the case was mint and all that damage was done removing the bracelet? I’m not a watchmaker in any way shape or form but I sometimes change straps quickly even at work as I decide I don’t like the look and I think I would need to try pretty hard to do that much damage.
 
B
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JimInOz JimInOz
We don't know if it was done at an Omega Boutique, or simply at a jewellery store that sells Omegas.
It was an Omega Boutique within a Goldmsiths jeweller, so Omega staff were there, whether or not it was passed to a Goldsmiths colleague i don't know.

The Omega manager was very apologetic to be fair to her, and she also commented that she was amazed with how calm i was, most people would have lost their temper with that level of damage apparently! She did however admit that no one in the store was trained to change straps, so in future they will just decline. Wish she'd mentioned this beforehand!

Thanks everyone for the comments, i called them today and they're saying that if Omega deem it unrepairable to original standard then they will replace the case and align the serial number etc. I fully plan to buy the tools and do any strap changes myself in the future, this was my first major watch purchase and perhaps i was naive on the level of consistent care that you can expect from Omega boutiques. My dealings with Omega up until this point have been exceptional so i really had no reason to doubt them on this occasion. But now i know.

I'll let you know how this one ends, but this will be minimum 3-4 weeks before i see the watch again.
 
B
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Walrus Walrus
That is pretty extreme. So the case was mint and all that damage was done removing the bracelet? I’m not a watchmaker in any way shape or form but I sometimes change straps quickly even at work as I decide I don’t like the look and I think I would need to try pretty hard to do that much damage.

The watch was bought new in January and barely worn, the strap had never been changed, no marks anywhere.

The Guy took it away for about 30 minutes, he put the delay down to looking for a missing piece on the strap. My guess is he had no idea what he was doing, he seemed completely calm when handing it back as if he was oblivious about there even being an issue.

As soon as his manager saw the damage her jaw hit the floor.
 
watchyouwant
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Post the other original pics, you deleted, again. From memory it shows, there were shoulderless springboard used.....
.
 
mrchen
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The internet is just going to be a feedback loop for whatever you're already feeling. This would not bother me, but because you cared enough to make a whole thread about it you're gonna instinctively read into the comments that tell you to "demand a brand new watch, and a bottle of wine for your trouble", which you should be asking for, because nobody here will cheer you up about this one, I've been there.
 
F
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Can't they make a springbar removal tool that's plastic or some material strong enough to remove the springbar, but soft enough to not scratch a case? Even if the tool end could get damaged with use the tips could be replaceable. Why is this not possible?
 
Doc Olives
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F Frank J Malloy
Can't they make a springbar removal tool that's plastic or some material strong enough to remove the springbar, but soft enough to not scratch a case? Even if the tool end could get damaged with use the tips could be replaceable. Why is this not possible?

I have had this exact question forever. For removal of spring bars, just slow and steady with a traditional tool works well. But for insertion, I take plastic drywall anchors and snip them into a little fork edge. Strong and narrow enough to do the job, soft enough not to scratch. They last a few changes.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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F Frank J Malloy
Can't they make a springbar removal tool that's plastic or some material strong enough to remove the springbar, but soft enough to not scratch a case? Even if the tool end could get damaged with use the tips could be replaceable. Why is this not possible?
It’s the springbar that scratches the case. Not the tool. If you’re scratching the case with the tool, you’re doing something very wrong.
 
Dan S
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
It’s the springbar that scratches the case. Not the tool. If you’re scratching the case with the tool, you’re doing something very wrong.

Or maybe it's the jaws of the vise they are holding the watch in. 😲
 
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