16 month old Omega watch needs overhaul?????

[mtaylor777]

I bought a Omega Seamaster from [gray dealer info removed], 16 months after owning it, it begin to gain an hour a day running fast. I sent it back to them and they say its quit normal for an overhaul and want $175 to do it. Mind you its only 16 months old. Does this sound right to you?

[Scott D]

No, it should be under warranty from them. Tell them if it needs the overhaul fine - do it, but they need to cover it under their warranty.




BTW, I removed the gray dealers name from your post as we don't post gray dealer info.. Thanks!

[timefinder]

16 months? Sorry to hear about this. BTW, Scott is 100% correct. But, I have to ask......how long was the warranty that the grey dealer gave you?

[Scott D]

BTW, the comment on 'normal' I guess depends on their definition of normal. Is it an everyday occurrence? No. But definitely not unheard of for a 1 1/2 year old (almost) watch to need serviced (and from a dealers perspective they probably see them on a 'normal' cycle where the consumer may think it's abnormal)... But - then again that's why we got warranties...



TF, that dealer has at least a 2 year warranty on all Omegas, so it should be covered.

[diver88]

sorry for the trouble you are having,

i would say it's not "normal" for a new Omega to need an overhaul at 16 months. i know little about movements and it could be anything i suppose because it is a machine but,

when a watch is in need of a servicing doesn't it usually slow down? something has went haywire for it to gain 1 hour a day, and maybe that sort of problem is so extensive they may as well do a full service while they are in there.

bottom line, the company you bought it from should make it good at no cost to you (other than shipping maybe).

possibly someone who knows movements can give an opinion on why a watch would just start gaining an hour a day..

diver88 ;D

[timefinder]

diver88 said:

possibly someone who knows movements can give an opinion on why a watch would just start gaining an hour a day..

diver88 ;D

My guess is that the watch thought we were supposed to spring forward instead of fall back. ;D ;D

[mtaylor777]

Here is there response about it:

Your watch has been received and shipped to the dealer. After a
thorough examination by the technician, it has been determined that
your watch requires an overhaul, which is routine maintenance not
covered under our warranty. The estimate for the required service is
$175. Please remit payment for this amount via personal check or money
order to:

[Scott D]

well I would personally not accept that either. A watch running an hour fast a day isn't running in specs, so I'd definitely challenge that to them.

An overhaul sounds very suspiciously like a rebuilt movement, which would imply somethings not right with the movement, thus needs warranty work. Have you tried calling them & discussing it over the phone, maybe ask for a supervisor? I certainly don't see how this is not a warranty item. The watch isn't keeping time, and unless they can show how Omega says the watch needs overhauled every 1 1/2 years I'd say someones on the funny weed there...

[Scott D]

And if they still push back, ask them exactly what would be a warranty related item....

[Houston]

Sorry to hear of your trouble Mr Taylor.

I agree with the guys here. That watch should be covered by the 2 yr warranty and should be rectified at no cost to you.

I once bought a blue AT from a gray dealer and it began losing time just as soon as I placed it on my wrist. Eventually the dealer undertook to cover any charges Omega might have levied as it was not sourced through an AD. I actually suspect it may have been manhandled by the dealer or somewhere up the line. Anyway it was fixed by Omega without any fuss and was one of my two most proficient timekeepers to date.

The watch should still be under warranty so do speak with someone knowledgeable at the dealer and stand your ground. We'll be right behind you


Wish you well and do please keep us informed


ZIN
Not usually shaken nor stirred ;D ;D ;D

[diver88]

of course my watchmaker has not seen the watch, but he says they are just being dishonest with you. needing a "normal" service should not create that sort of problem, and again Omega does not suggest service before 4 years or so. if that was an Omega warranty (which the replacement warranty should mirror), it should be repaired to fall back into original COSC specs, you shouldn't be able to "service" a non-malfunctioning movement from a 60 minute + a day to within COSC standards.

it upsets me when folks obviously try to rip you off, I wouldn't take it. and if i did have to pay someone to fix it, it wouldn't be them... my 2 c's

good luck,

diver88 ;D

[timefinder]

Sounds like a case for Judge Alex! Ok, seriously, try talking to the dealer; but, absolute worse case, small claims court (assuming US status), small claims can be done for incidents under $5,000. Obviously, this is your last resort; but, just to be safe.............

1. Document EVERYTHING
-Calls with dates / times of the person talked to and what was discussed (Note: you can NOT record any phone conversation without both parties permission at a minimum. Reminders may also need to be voiced, etc.)

2- SAVE any corrospondce:
receipts, emails, letters, etc.

3- If the phone calls etc are not working, send a CERTIFIED RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED letter to the Manager of the dealer and explain the situation. Save the cost of the postage (USPS Receipt) and the return card who sent it.

4-If all tha fails, small claims court may be the best route.

[mtaylor777]

I've been dealing with the GM of the place and theres no one else for me to talk to above him. I have all the emails we have sent back and forth. I'm going to talk to a friend about taking them to court.

[Houston]

I'm amazed they are not forthcoming about resolving this in your favour which would in turn reflect well on them. In a way I'm not surprised since many dealers do that. The one who sold me the AT had to be threatened before they made me an offer. In fact it was a family business. The father was intransigent while the son was good at customer relations.

Perhaps the threat of court action or quoting chapter and verse may get them to pull up their socks.


Once again, wish you well Mr Taylor


ZIN
Not usually shaken nor stirred ;D ;D ;D

[foghorn]

Any chance that the movement somehow became magnetized and can be fixed (de magnetized) for a nominal fee?
An hour a day is extreme-even for a watch needing service.