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What do do about scratched lugs by an authorized Omega service center on a brand new piece

Pun
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I wear my watches as I like. I don’t worry about dings and scratches that come to them naturally or with a story. I send them for service with specific instructions to service only the movement of the watch and change gaskets etc. I don’t get my watch case buffed or polished unless it’s a PM dress watch.
 
Stufflers Mom
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vbrad26 vbrad26
I mean, no matter how careful you, or anyone else is, over time, you will get scratches on the lugs if you are changing straps.
That's a reality. The best thing to do is practice on a watch you don't care about so you can minimize your chances of scratching.
But it's going to happen.
As others have said, you could to see what could be done to fix it but it may be a bit of a challenge and may not be worth it.

This is just around 6 months of changing the strap (when required to remove spring bars) about a dozen or so times. And I consider myself to be decent at changing straps and quite careful while doing so....

8DEABDEA-1E58-4CB8-891C-DEFC71E93D1C.jpeg


I always go from the same side and this one is the worst one of the 2. I don't bother with taping.
And this picture makes it look even worse than it actually is.


It looks like Stevie Wonder has worked on that one.😀
 
Philip Loftus
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Pun Pun
With little lighter in weight as well, as small amount of metal left your watch case in getting that new look! I might have not liked that idea.
No m8ey just the 1 scratch was removed, weren't any others. I know sad story.
 
henckel
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Sorry to hear that and it happened on my Rolex Deepsea when an AD change Rubber B strap for me. There were scratches at the back lung.I finally sent it for a light polish. But if it happened from OB, you may ask for a compliment strap and light polish at the back. I doubt they will offer a case replacement for you. Just write an email ans see what their response will be. Good luck
 
sog00d
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starcraft starcraft
yeah, what was the outcome?
The outcome is no outcome. They told me “Sorry, shit happens” and didn’t offer anything. I pushed slightly but clearly it’s not a place I will be bringing my pieces to get serviced. I really expected more from a big name like them.
 
ASJ
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rafabond rafabond
I use this tool from the Bergeon brand, so I avoid scratching the clock
B2F4E02C-9DDD-4574-A9C6-A400FF458D9F.jpeg
Am so sorry to hear this. 🙁
Yes - the Bergeon 7825 should be the tool to use for steel bracelets. A tool similar to Rolex3200 tool. I use it and changing bracelet is fast and pretty safe.

Although 20mm lugs, Also do note that the springbars used for leather straps and bracelets are different. ST2 that came with the leather straps, hence force fitting these leather strap springbars might caused damage. 🙁

Leather straps springbars - Ref: 068ST2208
Vs
Steel bracelet springbars - Ref: 068ST2207 (which is slightly shorter)

My thoughts and experience for sharing this.
 
superfly
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kilofinal kilofinal
this may sound silly, but I'm curious if manufacturers could apply some type of coating around the area of the lugs to reduce the chance of scratches to the lugs. I realize this may add to production costs.
I have a titanium alloy watch from Citizen that doesn't have a scratch anywhere on it after several months of use. No band changes, but I'm thoroughly amazed by the scratch resistance. Citizen calls the material Super Titanium, and they say it's 5x harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel.
Satellite Wave F900.png


So, the answer to your question is yes. Different materials can be used for scratch resistance.
Edited:
 
mikekchc
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wow i am so sorry this has happened
i would be so frustrated. I think its one thing when you scratch your own watch because you were an idiot... (like i do often) and another when someone else does it, especially when they are supposed to be an expert. I think it's absolutely fair to expect more from them.

I hope you are able to get something from Omega, anything would help.
 
cholack
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I agree with most people’s remarks to learn how to do it yourself.

However, you should also feel validated that your experience of “customer service” is terrible.
 
4
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kilofinal kilofinal
this may sound silly, but I'm curious if manufacturers could apply some type of coating around the area of the lugs to reduce the chance of scratches to the lugs. I realize this may add to production costs.
Heh, i have been thinking same, but too costly, i guess 😀
 
Skyblue44
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Sorry to hear about that. You would think that these guys at the Omega Boutiques are experts, but quite often they don't really know what they are doing. I have often run into well dressed neophytes at the store who were just at a loss when encujntered by a WIS like myself.

That being said, the first scratch always hurts, but once you get into the swing of wearing your watch you will soon forget it. It's bound to happen sooner or later. Enjoy it!
 
Panych
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Sorry to hear about it. I do not trust to anybody with regards to bracelets resizing or change. I tried to do all this works by my own. I always tape the lags and use an appropriate tool. Together with practicing it really helps to minimize the risk of scratching but do not eliminate 100%.
I was really upset when I scratched my brand new Sub during the removing of the bracelet. Every time when I took the watch I spotted the stratches which made me unhappy. However, later I noticed, the more I wear it the less I spoted the scratches. Now I do not care at all. So, time helps.
I would not polish as it most likely makes even worse.
 
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