Omega Seamaster - MEGA gripes.
Discussion
So to celebrate the start of my third decade I treated myself to an Omega Seamaster. I don't like the weight of the SS watches so decided to opt for a Ti. I have now had the watch nearly three years. In the first year the watch lost time, up to 20 secs a day which is outside of the levels of accuracy I was hoping for by ohhh, lets see, about 20 secs a day actually! Then the clasp broke. A Ti pin which could not be replaced by the selling jeweller. It had to be returned to Omega. It went with a complaint about time keeping and was within warranty.
The watch was returned 12 weeks later with a new clasp (design was revised) and losing about 5 secs a day.
I wore it for another year, it quickly returned to it previous levels of accuracy again (-20secs a day), great and then earlier this year the clasp broke again. This time the clasp lock pin 'fell' out of it's recess, bounced into the darkest crevices of my house, never to be seen again.
I sent it back to Omega. They argued about the strap - I argued that it had broken once before, was not fit for purpose and that they should replace. They finally agreed to replace it IF I paid for a full service (£245). I gave in.
Watch came back last week with a new clasp. I wore it for about 3 hours before I noticed the bloody backplate was about to fall off. It hadn't been tightened prior to return to me and was on the last turn of the thread!!! Luckily I didn't go diving or swimming.
I bought this thing as a watch for life and so far it's spent 24 weeks being fixed, has never kept time and the Omega servicing people have proved themselves inept at best.
I have now returned it to Omega again (see you in 12 weeks watch) but have a nagging feeling that this just isn't right for a watch costing the best part of 2 bigguns.
What to do?
(apart from kick them in the face, no P&P input please!)
The watch was returned 12 weeks later with a new clasp (design was revised) and losing about 5 secs a day.
I wore it for another year, it quickly returned to it previous levels of accuracy again (-20secs a day), great and then earlier this year the clasp broke again. This time the clasp lock pin 'fell' out of it's recess, bounced into the darkest crevices of my house, never to be seen again.
I sent it back to Omega. They argued about the strap - I argued that it had broken once before, was not fit for purpose and that they should replace. They finally agreed to replace it IF I paid for a full service (£245). I gave in.
Watch came back last week with a new clasp. I wore it for about 3 hours before I noticed the bloody backplate was about to fall off. It hadn't been tightened prior to return to me and was on the last turn of the thread!!! Luckily I didn't go diving or swimming.
I bought this thing as a watch for life and so far it's spent 24 weeks being fixed, has never kept time and the Omega servicing people have proved themselves inept at best.
I have now returned it to Omega again (see you in 12 weeks watch) but have a nagging feeling that this just isn't right for a watch costing the best part of 2 bigguns.
What to do?
(apart from kick them in the face, no P&P input please!)
Contact them tell them you are unhappy and that this is not the service you expect from a top watch manufacturer.
Tell them the watch is losing alot of time and that even after a second service the watch still is losing alot of time, also tell them the bracelet is defective.
Maintain a stern voice, don't get angry or raise your voice just sound very unsatisfied, remember the customer is ALWAYS right.
They should reply with an apology and tell you that they will service the watch free of charge.
They should replace the movement and bracelet.
Worked for many of my clients after recieving watches that just weren't right.
unfortunatley duff movements or bracelets happen, not often but it does happen.
Tell them the watch is losing alot of time and that even after a second service the watch still is losing alot of time, also tell them the bracelet is defective.
Maintain a stern voice, don't get angry or raise your voice just sound very unsatisfied, remember the customer is ALWAYS right.
They should reply with an apology and tell you that they will service the watch free of charge.
They should replace the movement and bracelet.
Worked for many of my clients after recieving watches that just weren't right.
unfortunatley duff movements or bracelets happen, not often but it does happen.
Olf said:
So after three years of ownership is it worth protesting with Omega/Swatch about my experiences oor just accept I got a duffun and never ever go near the b'stards again?
Serviced watches have a 24 month guarantee, so keep taking it back, time after time. Every time you get it back its got another 24 month guarantee period.Ultimately they will notice. When you drop it off amke sure the notes are included with the watch so at least thee word is getting back to the Swiss workshop. My Ti was returned with the strap fitted backwards so they do havee some quality control issues for sure, but thee timekeeping is well outside the parameters for a Swiss chrono.
It is a pain that it will be away for 12 weeks at a time, but you should push for fastlane service as it is a service return item. You might get a better response if you take it or get it delivered to the Bond St shop - they at least have direct access to service records and the like. Simon ( I think) it the guy to talk to - the girls there are a bit, well, girly.......
If you explain civily how much aggro you have had, it is possible they will examine it and replace it maybe ? Pay no more though as the service work is guaranteed.
I think that if you are spending top dollar then it is fair to expect a certain level of craftmanship. My Omega and my Panerai have never missed a beat interms of reliability and build quality.
My advice is to contact Bienne and tell them of your concerns. Their customer service has been excellent in my experience.
My advice is to contact Bienne and tell them of your concerns. Their customer service has been excellent in my experience.
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