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Watch UPDATE Any Omega trained watchmakers in uk/help with Albatros?

  1. bonerp Jul 12, 2018

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    Indeed. I have found one guy locally willing to look so fingers crossed eh. They condition of the watch is better than omega are suggesting but guess they are looking at it very critically.
     
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  2. padders Oooo subtitles! Jul 12, 2018

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    Nightmare!

    Memo to self: avoid 1970/80s Omega LCD watches, or at least give Keiren or Tony a call first to check on parts availability.
     
  3. bonerp Jul 12, 2018

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    Parts seem available its trying to find someone prepared to repair it!
     
  4. ChrisN Jul 12, 2018

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    For £1650, Omega will make it like new but, if you just want it serviced, you don't need to spend anything like that. I'm not sure why some people are refusing to work on it but, it's just a quartz* watch with a slightly odd electronic module and motor layout plus virtually every part for the movement and case are available somewhere (at least when I briefly looked some weeks ago).

    * I'm not being derogatory as there is nothing wrong with a quartz movement but the complexity is nothing like a mechanical.

    Good luck, Chris
     
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  5. bonerp Jul 12, 2018

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    I quite like the ageing... It's a nice looking watch in great condition but I guess it's inspected under a loupe. Shame they've inspected it and won't share the problem but why would they!
    I've got lots of images of parts and think I have a reasonable idea of the problem after lots of research . Updates to follow when I get it back and the watch maker has taken a look.
     
  6. Spacefruit Prolific Speedmaster Hoarder Jul 12, 2018

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    Photo of the watch would be nice :)
     
  7. gostang9 Jul 12, 2018

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    Read my mind! I'm on page 2 of this thread thinking "something's missing..."
     
  8. padders Oooo subtitles! Jul 12, 2018

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    Been thinking about this. If the parts are actually available then you need someone willing to take a look at even if they aren't specialists and apply engineering skills to the problem. A few candidates spring to mind and may be worth approaching. I would start with Duncan Hewitt (thewatchbloke) who is talented at problem solving. I would also try Duncan Potter at Genesis and also approach Christian at Watchguy. All three are very talented. If none of them can help then it might not hurt to reach out to Paul Wirdnam at Electricwatches but he is a bit picky about quartz, preferring to work on hummers and megasonics. I can't believe I nearly overlooked Simon Freese (as mentioned in post 3). If anyone understands an awkward Omega it'll be him.

    All of the above are UK based. If none of them can help then I think you may have a basket case sadly.
     
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  9. bonerp Jul 12, 2018

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    Thx. Even Simon suggested omega would quote 1600 so wasn't far off!
     
  10. bonerp Jul 12, 2018

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    The before
     
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  11. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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    I have just received my fabulous albatros back, serviced and fully repaired by swisstec and its looking glorious. £1000 cheaper than the same repair and service by omega.
     
    20181011_132049.jpg 20181011_132033.jpg 20181011_132037.jpg
  12. padders Oooo subtitles! Oct 11, 2018

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    I am a little confused. Swisstec are part of STS, the part that does the non omega and the Omega stuff Bienne would prefer they didn’t. You mentioned earlier they couldn’t help but STS came good after all?
     
  13. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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    Yup strange isn't it. This was sent to swisstec by my local friendly jeweller, not an ad. When I opened the receipt i saw part of STS... Odd. Came back in a red omega case too.

    Bagful of pushers and several springs returned... Will take a better shot...
     
  14. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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  15. padders Oooo subtitles! Oct 11, 2018

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    Did you not try speaking with STS direct? You said earlier that they refused it, was that from the horses mouth ie Kieren or Tony or did you take a jewellers word for it?
     
  16. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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    I rang them directly which was before I'd taken it to my jewellers. I spoke to one of the team (not sure who) but they said they wouldn't touch it. They said it would simply be sent to Bienne. I said I'd already been quoted by omega and it was too much.
    However its been returned with the case and bracelet refinished as well, so pretty much what omega said they'd do.
     
  17. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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    I assume then swisstec is maybe a different branch that offers non omega servicing? They must've accepted the challenge. £695 as opposed to £ 1695!
     
    Edited Oct 11, 2018
  18. padders Oooo subtitles! Oct 11, 2018

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    Exactly the same people. Either they didn’t understand what you wanted or made a mistake. You would have probably saved a few quid going direct. Maybe not a lot though as that was always going to be expensive. Pity you were messed about but it’s worked out well after all.
     
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  19. bonerp Oct 11, 2018

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    This is one of my favourite pieces. Not the most £££ and certainly not desirable to some but its mine and its amazing to have it back. I think it's done more air miles than me this year too!

    Thanks for everyone's help, advice and recommendations. OF team is awesome.
     
  20. crazywatches Apr 29, 2019

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    Hi guys, interesting to see the actual prices for restoring a 1611. I have had 6 of these and did all the work myself including all steel brushing. If you know where to look and know a bit about restoration you can save a fortune. The watch is odd but it's not rocket science and there are derived calibres to rob parts from.
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