£595 service quote for 1984 speedmaster auto Omega westfield

[communique]

Hi,A quote from Omega Westfield London, for a service on my speedmaster was:-
Service £595
Replace "rusty parts" £201
Date Mechanism Support "optional" £383
This was all scrawled at the bottom of the reciept given for the watch when my son took it in for me as he lives near them.
I can't believe its correct even after looking at Omega's service price list,but me being totally naive with regard to this business I guess it must me right.I bought the watch new in 1984 and used it every day till it stopped a few years ago (didn't know they needed servicing).
Would like to have it working again but if that what it costs to repair I will have to part with it.
Any advice and information would be gratefully accepted.
Cheers.

[RichTT]

It's a 28 year old miniature mechanical device that would normally need regular (5-7 years) services to keep everything working 100%. Given that it lasted as long as it did is a testament to the original design and quality. It also sounds like the o-ring seals have perished and let some water into the case. Given that they are saying some parts are rusty.

The cost is not outrageous for what they are saying they have to do to get it back in tip top condition. Especially for a vintage (ish) piece. You could always investigate the option of going for an independent watchsmith for servicing it.

[Mark.H]

Or as a better option sell it to me as I have been looking for a watch from my birth year for ages!

[communique]

Any recommendations re independant repairers?
I'm not bothered about polishing it to as new looks as long as it works. I used to be a mechanic so it bears the scars of my working life (bit like me) and it never ever went into water,I was always careful in that respect.

[Tanguero]

The British Horological Institute has a list of BHI Registered repairers http://www.bhi.co.uk/repairer.html

[nikaiyo2]

http://www.robinmartin.co.uk/

£150 to service my Seamaster Auto chronograph, not the most"polished" customer service but no complaints about the quality of their work

[communique]

nikaiyo2 said:

http://www.robinmartin.co.uk/

£150 to service my Seamaster Auto chronograph, not the most"polished" customer service but no complaints about the quality of their work

Thank you for this I will ask for a quote,was this price recent?
I like the idea of down to earth service as opposed to the designer label type omega charge for.

[crackthatoff]

Was just about to post a thank you to the pistonhead massive for some really good advice, Ryte time watch repairs ! Brilliant.. my seamaster had stopped working, full service and properly cleaned and polished £150....... well chuffed considering peter jacko's wanted £400 to send it off.

[DS3R]

1984 may need someone sympathetic. Talk to Rocco - http://www.watchworks.co.uk/

Omega accredited repair centre and really knows vintage pieces.