Suspected case and crystal damage during service… what would you do?

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Farrowla

·Fri. 6:12am

Hi OF… I recently got my 166.036 back from service, which included installation of a new OEM crystal, new OEM hands and new OEM crown. I’m super happy with the movement service, but I’m 99% sure the (Omega certified) independent watchmaker damaged the case and new OEM crystal when putting it back together, based on damage to both.

I only spotted it when inspecting the watch after I got my hands on it yesterday. Based on how the light reflects off the radial case, I also suspect he tried to polish the damaged area even though I expressly told him no polishing. At no point did the watchmaker inform me of any damage to the case or new crystal.

Above are pictures post-service. Part of me is inclined to just let it go. Nobody else might even notice it. But I also feel that if my suspicions are correct, he should have said something and offered to compensate me for any damage if he was responsible. I paid full price for the service and parts.

I’m interested in people’s thoughts.

Edited: Fri. 8:16am

 

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mac_omega

·Fri. 2:14pm

He should have told you (at least)
Better: he offered you some compensation

 

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SOG53

·Fri. 2:28pm

Do you have pre service photos to fend off any claims this was there prior?
I would bring it up and ask why they did not inform you.

 

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Davidt

·Fri. 2:37pm

If that is new damage that occurred during the service that is a hack job from someone who wasn’t familiar with how the crystal is installed (or didn’t have the right tools)

 

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Speed2Sea

·Fri. 2:50pm

"What would you do?" I would ask the watchmaker for a full refund. However, without prior photographs as least of the damage to the case things might get sticky.

 

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Evitzee

·Fri. 3:24pm

If the guy didn't mention that he damaged the case during the service he is going to flat out deny that he caused that damage. Unless you have before pics I think you are out of luck. You should ask him about it, but I wouldn't expect much to come of it, unfortunately.

 

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Farrowla

·Fri. 10:35pm

Thanks for the responses. The fact that the marks extend to the crystal (brand new OEM) make me think that it’s hard for him to dispute it.

Here are a couple of photos from before the service. (Old hands actually look decent in them, but they were heavily oxidized).

 

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Speed2Sea

·Fri. 11:14pm

Farrowla

The fact that the marks extend to the crystal (brand new OEM) make me think that it’s hard for him to dispute it.

So you'll be contacting the watchmaker or not?

 

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Farrowla

·9:11pm yesterday

If the guy didn't mention that he damaged the case during the service he is going to flat out deny that he caused that damage

Response from the watchmaker:

“I can assure you that case marks did not occur here. The whole thing is heavily covered in a plastic film to remove the glass which is then gripped on All sides by a special tool and lifted off directly.”

 

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ErichKeane

·9:18pm yesterday

Oof, that is not a good look on him. Those marks both look like they happened together (case + dial), so it would be suspicious if he were to get the crystal back exactly right in that regard.

ALSO: You said you get a NEW crystal, right? So ask him why he installed a damaged crystal?

I'd ask him for copies of his 'intake' photos to see if the damage is visible then.

I think you need to hold his feet to the fire and point out that a NEW OEM crystal was damaged between when he installed it, and it got to you, so it is on him to fix it either way. Whether he did it when removing the crystal, or when handling it after the fact, it is clearly his doing (assuming you are SURE it didn't happen after you received it).

MIGHT be worth name/shame if he doesn't stand behind his work here.

 

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uk_onega

·Today at 6:12am

Definitely ask why the crystal has arrived damaged and why that damage is then also on the same place as on the case....

Definitely wouldn't trust them to do any more work in the future.
Do they have many online reviews? If not that probably suggests that they are a novice and could have damaged it

 

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uk_onega

·Today at 6:12am

Also not sure if you are aware but your dial is repainted and not original which heavily decreases the value of your watch

 

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Passover

·Today at 6:51am

uk_onega

but your dial is repainted and not original

Dial doesn't look off at first sight, would you mind to explain your point? Thanks

 

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uk_onega

·Today at 6:57am

Passover

Dial doesn't look off at first sight, would you mind to explain your point? Thanks

The lettering looks hand painted, particularly the automatic
Also it never came in this blue colour from factory, quite common that they are redialed like this starburst blue or other colours to make them look nicer and sell

 

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masteroftime

·Today at 8:33am

uk_onega

The lettering looks hand painted, particularly the automatic
Also it never came in this blue colour from factory, quite common that they are redialed like this starburst blue or other colours to make them look nicer and sell

These photos look like they suffer from a bit of poor smartphone post processing, which makes the text look worse.

That being said, this model did come in a blue dial variant like this. It is very uncommon and the dials often show signs of deterioration, especially around the lume plots.

 

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uk_onega

·Today at 8:45am

Stand corrected, there may have been some blue dials on the cosmic series. The seamaster (non cosmic is where there are no blue dials)

Maybe bad phone camera, better photos would confirm if dial is original

 

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Archer

·Today at 8:47am·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

uk_onega

Also not sure if you are aware but your dial is repainted and not original which heavily decreases the value of your watch

This is 100% false. This is a completely original blue dial - part number for it is 064TT1360200.

 

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rendo

·Today at 8:48am·faux legend

uk_onega

The lettering looks hand painted, particularly the automatic
Also it never came in this blue colour from factory, quite common that they are redialed like this starburst blue or other colours to make them look nicer and sell

I think you are misled by the poor quality of the macro shots using a phone. I don't see anything wrong with the originality of the dial.

 

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bgrisso

·Today at 9:42am

My favorite post ever from Hodonkee !!

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Tu13alcane

·Today at 10:15am

i know its a bit late when i take a watch in for renovation or service, i always take loads of my own pictures. I know they also take Bench pictures as well