Omega service cost

[Pugster]

I'm shocked. I've got a late 90's quartz SMP and the battery has gone. The wife has just taken it to my local jewellers and they've said it's £87.50 for a new battery and seal. Last one I had was about £30!

They also said that because it was last serviced in 2006 they might not even do it without a full service. Cost £247.50 plus the battery cost.

It's bloody quartz for gods sake. It's not even worth that sort of money. I only had it serviced last time to get the scratches out of the bracelet.

Looks like I'll be having it done elsewhere. Any recommendations?

[wolfy1988]

I feel your pain, I paid a similar amount on an old Tudor of mine.

Hope you find somewhere a little more reasonable.


J

[Dominic H]

£87.50 for a new battery and case seals is an absolute p*ss take. There are many good, independent watchmakers who will do the same job at a fraction of the AD price. Have a look at the British Horological Institute website to see your local BHI accredited watchmaker.

http://www.bhi.co.uk/repairer.html

[GC8]

Youll find Steve Burrage on there, no doubt. Google Ryte-Time watch repairs. Id also suggest Brian at Time Repairs in Bolton.

Of course, neither of these are 'walk in'.

[Pugster]

Thanks for the replies.

To clarify, this was the prices I was quoted for it to be sent back to Omega (Swatch?) to be done. They also said that if I chose not to have it serviced Omega may well refuse to change the battery because it was last done in 2006.

Sounded like bull to me

[Dominic H]

Pugster said:

Thanks for the replies.

To clarify, this was the prices I was quoted for it to be sent back to Omega (Swatch?) to be done. They also said that if I chose not to have it serviced Omega may well refuse to change the battery because it was last done in 2006.

Sounded like bull to me

Great! Get your local, trusted watchmaker to do it and enjoy the huge saving!

[BrabusMog]

I had a similar quote for my Tag. The jewellers tried to scare me with the fact that a non Tag authorised person changing the battery would mean it wasn't sealed properly.

I went to a guy in Guildford who's had a shop for years and years (my brother-in-law recommended him) and all was well.

[The Leaper]

You're being stung by the shop taking a large cut...typical high street practice.

I have a 1997 Seamaster, quartz, and 18 months ago I had it totally serviced at Swiss Time Services, Omega's official UK service company. Cost was £180. Also, the watch was back within two weeks. They provide an estimate that you have to agree before they proceed.

I realise this is a lot higher than you may be willing to pay but it does give you a good idea of the "real" price for a full, official service compared to what's often quoted on the high street.

Interesting, too, that they told me they can do other makes of watches for somewhat less, and the price I paid is what Omega say they must charge.

R.

[RemainAllHoof]

Pugster said:

local jewellers

There's your problem. As above, try Ryte Time.

[Pugster]

I did consider that they had increased the cut. This is a local independant AD and I've used them for years to get the batteries done and it's where the watch originally came from. Maybe they are going downhill a bit. I believe they recently lost their Rolex AD status.

I'm on the case with other alternatives now so thanks for the replies.