What is "Omega Service"?

^^^ it was actually 2015 when all the resellers of parts were cut off, not 2010.

Price starts at 1500...

To answer Tom’s question, the “horror stories” have happened at both country service centres, and at Bienne.

I don’t recall seeing anyone on a forum indicate that they have used the restoration service, which I believe only applies to watches made before 1940, so not generally the focus of the majority of people here or on other forums.

Regarding what calibers are Bienne only, Omega has a list that they maintain, and update so it’s not a static list.

Glad your experience was good. Just to clarify, Omega won’t replace or refinish a dial unless they have a valid reason to do so. The checks that are done on all vintage watches are outlined in something called the vintage diagnostic manual. This outlines all sorts of checks that vintage watches are subjected to, and what conditions are a pass or fail for each test.

If the part in question doesn’t pass, there are remedies defined. So one test that would be done on your dial would be taking a sharpened piece of peg wood, and using that around the edge of the dial to see if the finish lifts easily or is solid. If it lifts, the policy is clear that a dial replacement or refinish is mandatory.

If you are lucky, Omega will inform you of the result and give you the option to have the watch returned without the service being completed. If you are unlucky, they will go ahead and do this without getting your permission.

So if Omega doesn’t replace or refinish your dial, that means there was nothing wrong with it. It’s common when people ask Omega not to replace something, and that request is complied with, for them to conclude Omega will listen and not change something that they would have changed, but that’s not really the case.

Cheers, Al

What most people don't understand (or don't want to) is that by definition, a service done by a brand (I e a big company) or an independent is done differently. With the former it is much more procedural, and the client does not have much to say about it. An independent may have more leeway, he works alone and has a full view of the process. For example if you insist on keeping a flaking dial you may keep it-with some warranty restrictions. It can be a custom tailored work, as opposed to a more standardized approach.

That is why obviously, most collectors say not to send a vintage watch to the mothership; you can't always control how it will be afterwards.