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Would you be upset or appreciative? Omega factory service-related

rahul718
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I sent my 2020 SMP diver in to Omega to get my crystal replace as it collected some noticeable scratches on the AR coating. Not really sure how as I baby the hell out of it. A crystal replacement also necessitates a partial service where the gaskets are replaced - fair enough. I made a request for them to inspect a scuff mark on one of the lugs - again, not sure how it got there as I never dropped the watch and I’ve owned it since new. Anyway, I asked them just to confirm it was on the surface and superficial. The scuff mark was definitely on the surface and in no way was it dented or gouged but I just wanted them to confirm.

When I sent the watch in I made a note specially saying NO POLISHING OR REFINISHING and it’s even on the work order. It’s not included in the partial service anyway. When I got the watch back I noticed the scuff was gone. I contacted the service center directly because I specifically mentioned no refinishing of any kind. They indicated that the watch was not polished but that the watchmaker did lightly go over the mark on the lug with a rouge cloth to confirm they were only aesthetic, surface level scratches.

What do you guys think about this? I hate the idea that metal may have been removed. Would a rouge cloth actually remove metal even though they said the watch did not undergo an actual refinish? I mean it looks great now but I can’t get over the fact that material may have been removed. Would you be happy with this? Before and after pics included
 
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F
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No it wouldn't bother me. They did you a favour. They probably wouldn't have done anything if you didn't note the scuff.
 
Dan S
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Obviously scratches can't be removed without removing metal, but I don't see why it would matter to you. For collectible vintage watches, it's important that the case has its original lines and shape, and polishing can affect the desirability. But for a watch like this, most people are happy to keep it looking new.
 
rahul718
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Dan S Dan S
Obviously scratches can't be removed without removing metal, but I don't see why it would matter to you. For collectible vintage watches, it's important that the case has its original lines and shape, and polishing can affect the desirability. But for a watch like this, most people are happy to keep it looking new.

understandable but how much metal could a rouge cloth remove? I wouldn’t say I fall into the “most people” category. I’m more concerned with longevity than having it look brand new
 
SkunkPrince
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rahul718 rahul718
understandable but how much metal could a rouge cloth remove? I wouldn’t say I fall into the “most people” category. I’m more concerned with longevity than having it look brand new

A few molecules at most. You have nothing to worry about.
 
Evitzee
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You shouldn't have mentioned any scuff or mark if you didn't want it addressed. In my opinion too many people here have a phobia about the idea of removing any metal, even with a rouge cloth.
 
Dan S
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rahul718 rahul718
understandable but how much metal could a rouge cloth remove? I wouldn’t say I fall into the “most people” category. I’m more concerned with longevity than having it look brand new

I would take the rouge cloth comment with a grain of salt. Logically, the amount of metal removed corresponds approximately to the depth of the scratches.
 
rahul718
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Evitzee Evitzee
You shouldn't have mentioned any scuff or mark if you didn't want it addressed. In my opinion too many people here have a phobia about the idea of removing any metal, even with a rouge cloth.

yea going forward I will keep this in mind. I never asked them to fix it, just to confirm that it was on the surface only. And the work order instructions say no refinishing of any kind.
 
SkunkPrince
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Dan S Dan S
I would take the rouge cloth comment with a grain of salt. Logically, the amount of metal removed corresponds approximately to the depth of the scratches.
Actually, not really. The metal gets moved and flattened more than removed.
 
3rdstringholder
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I would be ecstatic....You obviously don't baby it like you think....If you did, you wouldn't have crystal scratches and a case scuff. I personally would follow-up with the service center and thank them.
 
Duracuir1
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Nice watch! Omega must have the best of the best on staff and not a bunch of Dremel tool hacks. You’re good! It makes me wonder if some new watches occasionally get minor scratches before ever leaving the factory. If they do, these same experts must perform a bit of cosmetic work on a regular basis. My uneducated guess only.
 
rahul718
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3rdstringholder 3rdstringholder
I would be ecstatic....You obviously don't baby it like you think....If you did, you wouldn't have crystal scratches and a case scuff. I personally would follow-up with the service center and thank them.

Fair response. Believe it or not I do baby it. Hard to believe though. And if you read up on the AR coating you’ll learn that the newer generation just had a super sensitive coating and others have the same issue. Regarding the lug scuff… only time I can think of is when I’m taking my kids in and out of their car seats. Otherwise I can genuinely say it’s pretty babied
 
Archer
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The mark looks like it is something on the lug surface rather than scratches. Looks like they just wiped whatever it was off...
 
3rdstringholder
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rahul718 rahul718
Fair response. Believe it or not I do baby it. Hard to believe though. And if you read up on the AR coating you’ll learn that the newer generation just had a super sensitive coating and others have the same issue. Regarding the lug scuff… only time I can think of is when I’m taking my kids in and out of their car seats. Otherwise I can genuinely say it’s pretty babied
Yep, children and pets. As careful as I am, every time I see a new mark, I wonder how it got there.
 
rahul718
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Archer Archer
The mark looks like it is something on the lug surface rather than scratches. Looks like they just wiped whatever it was off...

no sir, I can assure you it was most definitely a scuff. I tried all sorts of ways to verify it at home before sending it in for the crystal replacement
 
rhr321
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They did you a favor. Phobia of light polishing on a modern watch is overblown. Not a big deal and you are better off for it.
 
Rocketeer61
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Duracuir1 Duracuir1
Nice watch! Omega must have the best of the best on staff and not a bunch of Dremel tool hacks. You’re good! It makes me wonder if some new watches occasionally get minor scratches before ever leaving the factory. If they do, these same experts must perform a bit of cosmetic work on a regular basis. My uneducated guess only.

My Speedy came straight from Omega with a few very light scratches in the Hesalite. They are so small you need the loupe and the right light to see them. Psshht.

I do understand your concern, but I'm OCD enough that I probably would appreciate the polish. Years ago I had a Baume & Mercier Capeland S Chrono Lefthander that I absolutely loved, but the first week I had it I took a tiny chunk out of the polished bezel and from that point forward I found myself constantly staring at it instead of checking the time. I finally polished it out and was happier afterward even though I'd removed some metal. Six on one side, a half dozen on the other.
Edited:
 
Pazzo
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Archer Archer
The mark looks like it is something on the lug surface rather than scratches. Looks like they just wiped whatever it was off...

Yes. It looks like baby food or baby....

..... 😀
 
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