How long is too long? (watch repair)

[mjohnson]

We sent my wife's omega seamaster in for it's 10-ish year service in November through a licensed vendor. It's still stuck in the shop "waiting for parts", 6 1/2 months later.

This isn't an exotic piece, it's a lady's size automatic with a MOP face. Suredly it's just simple ETA guts inside.

Even considering the 'rona, how long is long enough? When should I start stamping my feet - and what's my recourse?

Amazingly poor customer service BTW from the local shop. You'd think they would keep track of these things - but they don't. It took a few calls of "where's our durn stuff?" to even get an update. How hard would it be to have a simple list of things out for service and a phone call or email every few weeks with a status? They're the only Omega place in NM, I think, so we'll probably be going elsewhere from here on. I do know that my speedy, purchased from them, isn't going through that door again.

[Cajundaddy]

2 weeks. If they have not fixed it yet, go pick it up.

A nice Citizen Eco Drive can be had for $200 and they are nearly flawless.

https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/collection/ladies/

[NutmegCarrera]

My local shop services in house with certified watchmaker.
Took mine in right before X-mas and had it back within 6wks. Might have been shorter if not for holidays.
Looks and operates as if new. (I wore it daily for about 15 years).

[Eric Coffey]

If they can't give you a straight answer or ETA, get it back and send it to Nesbits in Seattle.

Would be curious to know which OSC your shop sent it to.

[Bill Douglas]

Another thing to consider. If the business goes bust you will have a devil of a job getting your watch back from the receivers. And now is the time for businesses to go bust.

[Tobra]

^what Bill said^

go get it today

[A930Rocket]

I took my old Seiko in last February 29th and received a call from the guy who was going to repair it two weeks after dropping it off.

With covid and them moving locations, I thought it was gone.

Just got the call it was ready.

Unfortunately, they are only open 10:30 to 3:30 Mon - Fri and I can’t find the time during the week to grab it.

Before picture.


After picture

[sc_rufctr]

4 Weeks tops for a mechanical watch! Any more than that and there's something seriously wrong.

[Rick Lee]

Four weeks is unrealistic, but more than four months would upset me. I've sent a few Sinns back to Germany for overhaul and it's a good 3-4 mos. turnaround time. But you know that going in. I've sent some Breitlings back too, but that was within the US. Still, it's never going to be less than a month. And with the way things are now, who knows how quickly they can get OEM parts shipped over from Europe? If they need parts, they don't grow on trees. They only come from Europe. Some of those places are locked down way more strictly than how things are here.

[HardDrive]

I had my Seamaster serviced by the official shop in Seattle last year. I think it took about 2 months. I had the full service done. Very happy with results. Good for +2 seconds a day when I got it back.

https://www.tourbillon.com/en/boutiques/seattle

[javadog]

Poor parts availability is what caused me to want to get rid of all of my Omegas, years ago. Omega couldn’t supply a couple very small parts that keep the bracelet links together, should’ve been a no brainer. Only watch I’ve ever had where the bracelet came apart while I was wearing it. It was a titanium Seamaster.

[patz]

Liars.

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by javadog

Poor parts availability is what caused me to want to get rid of all of my Omegas, years ago. Omega couldn’t supply a couple very small parts that keep the bracelet links together, should’ve been a no brainer. Only watch I’ve ever had where the bracelet came apart while I was wearing it. It was a titanium Seamaster.

Right?

They're ETA! That's like toyota not being able to find parts for something.

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I took my old Seiko in last February 29th and received a call from the guy who was going to repair it two weeks after dropping it off.

With covid and them moving locations, I thought it was gone.

Just got the call it was ready.

Unfortunately, they are only open 10:30 to 3:30 Mon - Fri and I can’t find the time during the week to grab it.

Before picture.


After picture

Your after picture didn't.

Regardless, that 1960s-1970s style is really growing on me for some reason. That's a pretty watch!

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I had my Seamaster serviced by the official shop in Seattle last year. I think it took about 2 months. I had the full service done. Very happy with results. Good for +2 seconds a day when I got it back.

https://www.tourbillon.com/en/boutiques/seattle

I'll totally go this route when I need service again. My experience dealing with the "official" network is soured.

[vash]

i'm wearing my Tudor today. it is keeping awesome time since the recent service. but i got ripped off cost-wise i think. Switzerland people must also have a "boat payment: due.,

whatever.

[javadog]

What did the service cost you?

[vash]

Originally Posted by javadog

what did the service cost you?

$850 iirc

[Seahawk]

I had Govberg do my service when it was time on my Omega Seamaster. They really paid attention to what I wanted (service the watch, leave the patina).

A friend of mine recommended them and I will use them again when the watch needs servicing. It has been over six years since the first service and the watch still keeps great time.

And more patina!

https://www.govbergwatches.com/

[mjohnson]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I had Govberg do my service when it was time on my Omega Seamaster. They really paid attention to what I wanted (service the watch, leave the patina).

A friend of mine recommended them and I will use them again when the watch needs servicing. It has been over six years since the first service and the watch still keeps great time.

And more patina!

https://www.govbergwatches.com/

That's a good point, but at 10y there's not much patina.

Now I just want the watch back...