Omega battery replacement - watch no longer works
Discussion
Last week, took 6 yr old Seamaster Pro (faultless, on original battery, never opened up or been deep sea diving with it!) for a new battery (had the 3/4 second skip indicating thus) to local highstreet Omega jewellers (been there a long time, reputable etc.). They said they can change battery and do pressure test etc. so no need to send to Omega.
Great.
"We've replaced battery but watch no longer works so we need to send to Omega to service/check".
It this normal? Bit of a co-incidence that it has failed at the same time as they opened up to replace battery etc. One of those bad luck things or did the person changing the battery make a mistake?
Obviosuly, I am now in the waiting period whilst they send to Omega etc. but just wondered if anyone else had the same. If it's just a case of a service and all's well, anyone know what sort of cost? (jewellers cannot say about cost until Omega have had a look).
Great.
"We've replaced battery but watch no longer works so we need to send to Omega to service/check".
It this normal? Bit of a co-incidence that it has failed at the same time as they opened up to replace battery etc. One of those bad luck things or did the person changing the battery make a mistake?
Obviosuly, I am now in the waiting period whilst they send to Omega etc. but just wondered if anyone else had the same. If it's just a case of a service and all's well, anyone know what sort of cost? (jewellers cannot say about cost until Omega have had a look).
If it was running (but showing low battery) before and is now stopped completely then they've made a mistake. The most likely is that they've grazed the coil with a screwdriver, tweezers, or the inner movement cover. Omega will want to charge for that - lots! It's part of the circuit on that model so can't be changed on its own and they'll almost certainly insist on servicing at the same time.
The circuit is a restrictd part - only available through Omega - but, depending whether you have the 1424 or 1538, either an ETA 256.111 or 255.111 circuit is identical apart from the Omega brand stamp. Both of those are also restricted (to discourage people from using them to repair Omegas)but the complete movements are available at (probably) cheaper than Omega would charge for a circuit so it's possible to buy a complete movement as a circuit donor.
If they do send it back then make it very clear that you want a full report from Omega about what work needs doing, and why, before anything's done. If it involves circuit replacement then kick up like crazy!
The circuit is a restrictd part - only available through Omega - but, depending whether you have the 1424 or 1538, either an ETA 256.111 or 255.111 circuit is identical apart from the Omega brand stamp. Both of those are also restricted (to discourage people from using them to repair Omegas)but the complete movements are available at (probably) cheaper than Omega would charge for a circuit so it's possible to buy a complete movement as a circuit donor.
If they do send it back then make it very clear that you want a full report from Omega about what work needs doing, and why, before anything's done. If it involves circuit replacement then kick up like crazy!
Thanks.
It was certainly working when I dropped it off to them (skipping 3/4 seconds etc.) and the counter girl saw that.
Got a receipt stating it was in for battery replacement and.pressure check (girl said they'd need to send to Omega but then the chap there, who I assume was more senior, said they can do this in store, full guarantee etc.)
If the person changing the battery cocked up,then fair enough these thing happen as long as fixed etc. at no expense to myself (other than agreed battery charge cost £45)
I will call them tomorrow to clarify and request full report from Omega asking reason for fault.
My left wrist feels naked (well, it is!
)
It was certainly working when I dropped it off to them (skipping 3/4 seconds etc.) and the counter girl saw that.
Got a receipt stating it was in for battery replacement and.pressure check (girl said they'd need to send to Omega but then the chap there, who I assume was more senior, said they can do this in store, full guarantee etc.)
If the person changing the battery cocked up,then fair enough these thing happen as long as fixed etc. at no expense to myself (other than agreed battery charge cost £45)
I will call them tomorrow to clarify and request full report from Omega asking reason for fault.
My left wrist feels naked (well, it is!
)
GC8 said:
The second thread with a similar issue. I hope that the OP doesn't cave in like the last fellow did to his AD and Breitling.
Sadly, there's a lot of it going on. People don't seem to realise that most ADs are little (if anything) more than sales outlets. It's like assuming the receptionist in your car dealership can personally do the oil change for you because there's an official sign over the door.
Omega said there was an issue with the circuit resulting in excessive drain (odd since the battery lasted 6 years!). Anyway, the shop said the coil had some form of cover/seal that should prevent accidental damage.
Anyway, I asked them to ask Omega exactly what was wrong and what caused the issue (as it's only 6 years old and was working OK prior) and they are doing a "watchmakers report" I think but I should hear about that soon (shop said it can take a couple of weeks).
The chap at the shop does seem OK though, not denying that it was working when I dropped it off and understand's my position/concern etc.
One thing that may "not" in my favour (with Omega) is that I had not had the watch serviced. Even being quartz, this should happen every 4 or so years?
Shop mentioned a potential cost (but didn't want to say more about until he full report) of about £300 that may effectively include a service (didn't really register what was said though) but I understand that's the charge Omega make for a service anyway? If it gets fixed AND serviced for that price, is that good?.... Shop said he may know of other watchmakers who can fix (with Omega parts) for less but will wait to see what the report says.
Anyway, I asked them to ask Omega exactly what was wrong and what caused the issue (as it's only 6 years old and was working OK prior) and they are doing a "watchmakers report" I think but I should hear about that soon (shop said it can take a couple of weeks).
The chap at the shop does seem OK though, not denying that it was working when I dropped it off and understand's my position/concern etc.
One thing that may "not" in my favour (with Omega) is that I had not had the watch serviced. Even being quartz, this should happen every 4 or so years?
Shop mentioned a potential cost (but didn't want to say more about until he full report) of about £300 that may effectively include a service (didn't really register what was said though) but I understand that's the charge Omega make for a service anyway? If it gets fixed AND serviced for that price, is that good?.... Shop said he may know of other watchmakers who can fix (with Omega parts) for less but will wait to see what the report says.
UPDATE:
Omega have stated that the micro electronics lubricating oil has dried up hence the issue and that this normal (I.e. wear and tear) so a full service is required (includes replacing seals, crown etc.) for the std service cost of £290. Get 2 yr warranty on that but will take 6 weeks or so.
Basically all the "insides" are replaced rather than serviced like an auto/windup watch as it's cheaper than taking the micro electronics apart. So in some ways it's like getting an as new watch back...
Omega have stated that the micro electronics lubricating oil has dried up hence the issue and that this normal (I.e. wear and tear) so a full service is required (includes replacing seals, crown etc.) for the std service cost of £290. Get 2 yr warranty on that but will take 6 weeks or so.
Basically all the "insides" are replaced rather than serviced like an auto/windup watch as it's cheaper than taking the micro electronics apart. So in some ways it's like getting an as new watch back...
With due respect to Omega, that simply doesn't ring true.
Oil drying can have one of a few effects on a quartz watch:
(1) It can stop it completely. This will virtually always be after you've noticed a problem with timekeeping first.
(2) It can make it lose time as it "misses" steps - if left like that it'll eventually stop.
(3) It can reduce battery life as most watch circuits will sense the increased resistance and boost the power to the stepper motor to compensate.
Given that it was still running (albeit with a low battery warning) as you handed it to the jeweller and wasn't running when they finished, that rules out the first effect. In 20 years of repairing these I've never seen a watch come in moving (even on a 4-sec step) but stop completely after a battery change because it needs servicing - it just doesn't happen!
My watch-making senses are saying that the real chain of events was: Dealer damages watch, Omega cover dealer's mistake by saying "needs servicing", Omega get paid a nice fat bill for fitting a movement that probably costs them around £20 (I know what I can get the ETA branded version for after import costs, material house profits etc are added) and maybe an hour's labour to fit and reseal. They get their repair fee at a hundred + £ / hour, their dealer keeps his reputation (and makes a profit on the repair), and "everyone's happy".
Hate to say it, but it's another good reason for going to a reputable indie rather than a dealer - if an indie breaks it and it has to go back, Omega won't "cover" for their mistakes!
Oil drying can have one of a few effects on a quartz watch:
(1) It can stop it completely. This will virtually always be after you've noticed a problem with timekeeping first.
(2) It can make it lose time as it "misses" steps - if left like that it'll eventually stop.
(3) It can reduce battery life as most watch circuits will sense the increased resistance and boost the power to the stepper motor to compensate.
Given that it was still running (albeit with a low battery warning) as you handed it to the jeweller and wasn't running when they finished, that rules out the first effect. In 20 years of repairing these I've never seen a watch come in moving (even on a 4-sec step) but stop completely after a battery change because it needs servicing - it just doesn't happen!
My watch-making senses are saying that the real chain of events was: Dealer damages watch, Omega cover dealer's mistake by saying "needs servicing", Omega get paid a nice fat bill for fitting a movement that probably costs them around £20 (I know what I can get the ETA branded version for after import costs, material house profits etc are added) and maybe an hour's labour to fit and reseal. They get their repair fee at a hundred + £ / hour, their dealer keeps his reputation (and makes a profit on the repair), and "everyone's happy".
Hate to say it, but it's another good reason for going to a reputable indie rather than a dealer - if an indie breaks it and it has to go back, Omega won't "cover" for their mistakes!
Thanks for the reply, one thing I think dealer did mention is that the watch was working after the battery replacement but stopped soon after.
Regardless, Omega have stated the oil issue and there's not a lot I can do/say and much less prove otherwise. Accusing Omega/Jeweller that they are maybe "lying" without any proof doesn't get me anywhere. A service is, in principle, due (by years!) anyway so doing that regardless fixes the issue (and I just want my watch back, in a working condition)
As for "next time" when it needs a new battery (another 5 years or so maybe) then one can go to a "reputable Indy" (whoever/wherever they might be! There's horror stories whatever option one takes).
Regardless, Omega have stated the oil issue and there's not a lot I can do/say and much less prove otherwise. Accusing Omega/Jeweller that they are maybe "lying" without any proof doesn't get me anywhere. A service is, in principle, due (by years!) anyway so doing that regardless fixes the issue (and I just want my watch back, in a working condition)
As for "next time" when it needs a new battery (another 5 years or so maybe) then one can go to a "reputable Indy" (whoever/wherever they might be! There's horror stories whatever option one takes).
NeMiSiS said:
If it lasts for another 6 years, which it should, then 13pence a day is a small price to pay for what you get back.
The fact that the movement is a fraction of that price is irrelevant as you don't know where to buy one nor do you know how to fit it. As for 100% reputable independents, well you don't know any of them either....do any of us ?
IF the jeweller did make a mistake with the watch, and Omega were lazy and gave you the " standard - you need a new movement " spiel that is very inexpensive for them and low hours then there is nothing you can do about that either.
A bit pooh all round for you, but not the end of the world I'm sure.
My advise would be to treat yourself to an Automatic SeaMaster PRO and after its warrantee has expired IF there are any problems send it to Edward [ ecain63 ].
I'm not sure you quite understood my point.The fact that the movement is a fraction of that price is irrelevant as you don't know where to buy one nor do you know how to fit it. As for 100% reputable independents, well you don't know any of them either....do any of us ?
IF the jeweller did make a mistake with the watch, and Omega were lazy and gave you the " standard - you need a new movement " spiel that is very inexpensive for them and low hours then there is nothing you can do about that either.
A bit pooh all round for you, but not the end of the world I'm sure.
My advise would be to treat yourself to an Automatic SeaMaster PRO and after its warrantee has expired IF there are any problems send it to Edward [ ecain63 ].
If (and from a technical POV with what the OP described it's more than likely) the dealer made a mistake then you believe it's ok for Omega to hide that mistake because the £250 bill is only 13p a day? If only all customers thought like you there'd be no need for Trading Standards!
As for the indie comment, again, you seem to be missing the point. You don't actually need a 100% reliable one, just one with a decent reputation who's not likely to disappear. If similar happened then, you could send it to Omega for a completely independent opinion and they would not ignore any damage in order to protect the repairer. By going to a dealer, you lose that guaranteed independence if it does have to go back.
The one thing you're right about is that, in this case, there's very little the OP can do by now but swallow the bill
Actually, the OP could ask for the watch back in it's unrepaired state and check for coil damage.
(You'll easily see it with a cheap USB microscope / laptop combo.) I'm with Variomatic, the dealer are lying and / or incompetent.
Just make sure the back is removed and the movement examined before the watch is removed from the dealer's store.
(You'll easily see it with a cheap USB microscope / laptop combo.) I'm with Variomatic, the dealer are lying and / or incompetent.
Just make sure the back is removed and the movement examined before the watch is removed from the dealer's store.
Just an update (of sorts). Got the watch back last week. Looks mint now.
I'd like to know how (& what with) they clean/brush the bracelet with as I'd like to get it back to that condition every few years.
Got the reference/invoice from Omega so could call them up to see what their records say, one day maybe.
I'd like to know how (& what with) they clean/brush the bracelet with as I'd like to get it back to that condition every few years.
Got the reference/invoice from Omega so could call them up to see what their records say, one day maybe.
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