Hello all, my buddy knows I’m in to watches and asked if I’d find somewhere to get this serviced. He said Omega quoted him about $1000. Can you guys recommend me an Omega specialist US based to service this? Shipping obviously isn’t a problem.

Thanks in advance.

 

It's not about $1000 to service it, it's exactly $750 from Omega. Replacing the crystal would increase the cost.

If you choose a cheaper route, make sure the watchmaker has an Omega parts account first or you're going to be like this guy: https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-speedmaster-reduced-3510-50-3220-movement-required.105421/

 

Thanks for that link. That’s exactly what I’m trying to avoid by asking for suggestions here!

 

How much is your friend really expecting to save vs. the $750 from Omega

 

Even a few hundred is material to him, why do you ask?

 

You're talking about a chronograph dive-watch with a date function. An independent might have a base service price that's a little lower, but if a lot of parts need replacing, the costs could rise. IMO, on a modern watch like this, it's nice to have the guaranteed price from Omega. I think they will also correctly refinish the case and bracelet for that price.

 

I’ll ask another way. Are the US based guys listed in this thread still recommended (excluding ABC). Any new ones that someone might’ve used recently and would recommend?

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-watch-resource-information-service-repairs-parts-suppliers.52/

 

Looks like a 25945200. Please note that this watch has a Cal. 3301 or 3303 inside, which is an F. Piguet based vertical clutch chronograph movement, and parts will potentially be a problem for someone who doesn't have an Omega parts account. There aren't parts floating around on the open market for this movement like there would be for a 7750 based watch, so this is a bit more specialized.

Depending on when this watch was made, the movement may be subject to required upgrades that make the chronograph system more reliable, so parts may be required for that as well. If the owner actually gets this watch wet, you will want to have all the seals replaced, and there are individual seals available from Omega for the HEV, and the pushers (that's 6 seals in those three items), as well as a case back seal. The crown doesn't have a seal available for it, so a new crown would be the way to renew that seal.

All this can add up quickly, and since according to my instructor at Omega, not many of the watchmakers they train go on to service these (many just send it in to Omega) you might have trouble finding someone who is familiar with the movement. I personally like working on them, but not everyone does, so if you choose to go with an independent, make sure they can get the parts and have experience with this movement.

Or just send it to Omega and be done with it.

Cheers, Al

 

Try a search of this database to find an AWCI (American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute) professional near you.

 

Thanks, but I’m hoping US-based members might have personal experience they will reference.

 

thanks Al for the detailed explanation. Certainly food for thought, and I’ll advise my buddy accordingly.

 

I haven’t used them but they have good reviews online and on the Rolex forums. They list their general service prices online and it seems cheaper than most

Four Crowns Watch Service - Los Angeles
fourcrownsservice.com