ATOT watch collectors - where to get a watch fixed?

[EvilYoda]

I've been in Phoenix for less than a year and I've never checked out any small watch places around here, so I have no idea where to go. I saw my family over the weekend in Seattle and got my dad's old Omega Seamaster - problem is, it's about 30-years old, apparently non-working, and pretty dirty.

I'd like to get it cleaned and fixed and back in working condition. I've never owned an Omega, but I'd like to keep this one around (assuming that it's repairable) for sentimental reasons if nothing else.

If anyone has any suggestions (do the big jewelry/watch stores like Jared's/Tourneau have in-house repairmen?), B&M or online, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[EvilYoda]

And yes, I'm doing some searching online and there aren't any repair centers in AZ, according to Omega's site. I've found a few online places, but I'm wary of just blindly sending the watch somewhere.

 

[kranky]

If you send the watch to any official repair center as listed on Omega's site, you'll be fine. Nothing to worry about.

 

[mcveigh]

DON'T go to any of the "chain stores". Tourneau might be the only one to actually have someone on site...but I VERY MUCH doubt it.
I know a a great watchmaker near me that is very reputable. if you want to know who just PM me. It's a local jeweler with 3 watchmakers on the premise. I gave them my grandfathers old 1965 Omega DeVille and they returned it looking new!

If you contact Omega directly they will most likely still work on it but be prepared for a long wait (over a year is typical) and a high price....but they do amazing work.
you can also ask at timezone's omega forum. http://forums.timezone.com/ind...hp?t=threadt&frm_id=25

 

[EvilYoda]

Originally posted by: mcveigh
DON'T go to any of the "chain stores". Tourneau might be the only one to actually have someone on site...but I VERY MUCH doubt it.
I know a a great watchmaker near me that is very reputable. if you want to know who just PM me. It's a local jeweler with 3 watchmakers on the premise. I gave them my grandfathers old 1965 Omega DeVille and they returned it looking new!

If you contact Omega directly they will most likely still work on it but be prepared for a long wait (over a year is typical) and a high price....but they do amazing work.
you can also ask at timezone's omega forum. http://forums.timezone.com/ind...hp?t=threadt&frm_id=25

Thanks! That's the kind of info that I knew someone on ATOT must have.

The Omega repair prices are higher than I expected, but I'm sure the quality of work is incomparable. I'll ask around on the forums and see where that gets me.

 

[Born2bwire]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda

Originally posted by: mcveigh
DON'T go to any of the "chain stores". Tourneau might be the only one to actually have someone on site...but I VERY MUCH doubt it.
I know a a great watchmaker near me that is very reputable. if you want to know who just PM me. It's a local jeweler with 3 watchmakers on the premise. I gave them my grandfathers old 1965 Omega DeVille and they returned it looking new!

If you contact Omega directly they will most likely still work on it but be prepared for a long wait (over a year is typical) and a high price....but they do amazing work.
you can also ask at timezone's omega forum. http://forums.timezone.com/ind...hp?t=threadt&frm_id=25

Thanks! That's the kind of info that I knew someone on ATOT must have.

The Omega repair prices are higher than I expected, but I'm sure the quality of work is incomparable. I'll ask around on the forums and see where that gets me.

If you're going with Omega repair with a vintage watch, go the extra mile and sent it to Bienne as opposed to your regional Omega service center. The price may be higher (though I think the US and Swiss price schedules are about the same) but I have never heard complaints about the quality of the work from their Switzerland center.

 

[Ns1]

Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: Ns1
Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

whats it need? is it working and just needs some cosmetic work or is it all jacked up?

 

[darkxshade]

Originally posted by: Ns1
Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

If it's still under warranty, you should be able to send it to the manufacturer to have it serviced.

 

[BoomerD]

I have an eight lb. sledge hammer in the garage...I can take care of those for youse guys...

When in doubt...use a factory authorized repair shop.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: mcveigh

Originally posted by: Ns1
Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

whats it need? is it working and just needs some cosmetic work or is it all jacked up?

Losing a few minutes every year

 

[EvilYoda]

I'm going to check out a local jewelry/watch retailer next week - Omega dealer and they're having some "estate sale". I'll see what they say.

I took a few pictures for the timezone.com people to look at, but need to host it somewhere first. I should probably size them down too, they're like 5 megs each

 

[mcveigh]

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: mcveigh

Originally posted by: Ns1
Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

whats it need? is it working and just needs some cosmetic work or is it all jacked up?

Losing a few minutes every year

Honestly you could take it to any tag authorized place, they will send it out to someone (and take a fee on for that).
Your best bet may be to call tag and see if they have a list of watchmakers authorized for it.
if you want to use my guy just send me a PM

 

[Ns1]

cool, thanks for the reply.

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: Ns1
Sorry to jack the OP (yes, I mean that in the dirtiest way possible), but do any of you watch fiends got a place I can send my Tag off to to get tuned up?

I have sent mine out to some place in NJ? before. I need to send it out again for a new band and battery.