I'm expecting this watch back from service in May. I'm told the current waiting time on Omega watch service is *around 4-5 months* , but I've also heard it can take much longer! I guess good things are worth the wait. As far as additional costs - yes! When I dropped it off they said *the watch may need a new dial and bracelet* , which is _in addition_ to the $900 service cost. I will give a full breakdown of what the factory service center recommends plus the costs in my upcoming video. 😉
@@LaurentiusTriarius I shot the video in January but waited until now to release it because they told me it would be ready in May, and I didn't want that much time between the 2 videos! When I was originally quoted, they said September (9 month wait). Then they told me October. Then when Omega received the watch in Switzerland they estimated May. I'm really glad I'm working with one of the 'fast' manufacturers!
I almost sold mine years ago. You've got to do what you've got to do, and then we move forward. Thanks for the nice words, I appreciate you watching! 😁
I just received my Seamaster back from service. My local Omega dealer were really keen on replacing the hands but I didn’t want them to do that as it wouldn’t have been the original watch and they worked fine. The dealer ended up sending it to a local watchmaker who would just service the movement and only replace parts that needed to be replaced and not for cosmetic reasons. I ended up needing a new mainspring plus gaskets. All in it cost $550 for the service and another $40 or so for the parts. The watch is actually running better now than when I got it in 2000 so I consider it money well spent.
Michael, it sounds like everything worked out great for you! I struggled with the decision on whether to replace the parts for cosmetic reasons. If Omega can give me a good reason why things need to be replaced then I am happy to listen… That's awesome how your watch service got your Seamaster running better than when you bought it. Congrats!
I am a big omega fan and own a couple of speedmasters, including a 321 pre-moon speed master which I bought while in the army in 1967. When I got home in 1969, I bought the mark two and held onto it for quite a few years. I had given it to a friend to use and unfortunately he allowed it to get wet and rusted the movement. I took it to an Omega repair shop which could not fix it and it was sent back to Switzerland for repair. When I got it back, it looked virtually brand new, and I received all the parts that had been replaced. I believe from what I’ve read that they replace the entire movement and it’s now like a new watch. I enjoyed watching your review of your particular Mark two, thank you!
@macmorgan6685 - That's really great that they were able to replace/restore your Mark II in Switzerland! I fully expect to get back the original movement, since they didn't tell me I needed to pay more! Can't wait to get the call saying it's done - it should be any day now!
The tachymeter bezel is glued to the crystal and always will let loose and the print will detoriate. No worries it’s normal wear. 250-300 degrees amplitude is amazingly good after 50 years. I have a few of those as well, such fine watches.
@cedarcanoe - Thanks for sharing your comments! I just got the watch back from service and posted my follow up video. I see what you mean about the crystal and tachymeter ring. You can see the before/after in the video: ua-cam.com/video/k1JsbPhAzeQ/v-deo.html I appreciate you watching!
Good luck, I have sent two watches to be serviced by two well know brands recently and one came back with the main chronograph and the 10th sec hand misplaced and the thousand of a second hand wasn't even on the scale! The other, a retrograde chronograph ,came back with all the hands in the twelve o'clock position!!!!
Wow, Alan, of all the things that could have happened, you would have thought they would have caught those quality issues. I'm sure Omega doesn't know that I will be doing a full reporting of my experience, so we'll see how they do. I am hopeful that the quality of the work will reflect the high quality of service that I have received so far, so I remain optimistic. Thanks for commenting, and please stay tuned!
I just discovered your channel. Thanks for taking us along on your service journey using Omega. That's a beautiful watch - I remember seeing them in stores when I was a kid. I'm really looking forward to how it looks when you get it back.
I'm glad to have you along for the ride, Michael! I can't wait to get it back and post the video. I have lots of watch related content planned in the meantime so stay tuned and I hope you enjoy!
What an incredible Speedmaster. @WatchChris has a very similar vintage Speedy that’s beautiful as well. I love the aggressive taper on your bracelet as well.
@thetruebatman - Thanks for the kind words! I feel really to have this model, and I can't wait to get it back from service. @WatchChris indeed has the same watch, and I've seen his restoration videos. Awesome! 😀
@@WatchWithMike LOL I was hesitant to say it was the same one but I agree that you’re both lucky to have them. I love seeing the watches that Omega sends back on youtube, it never ceases to amaze me that they’re able to bring it so close to almost new.
@@thetruebatman4632 Exactly! I was also inspired by all the watch content on UA-cam. It's been fun having all these conversations about the watch here in the comments section...it's a great way to pass the time until the watch comes back!
I am curious to see if they will put a new dial on it or clean and relume the original one. It would be also Interesting if you will be sent the replaced parts back with the watch as Rolex is arrogant enough to keep that stuff. Even replaced bracelets for more than one grant. Good video, Mike. Have a good one! 🕐🍰☕️🍸🍸
Thanks @NaNByZero! When I dropped off the watch, my rep said that the dial needing replacing will be determined when they look at the back of it, to see if there has been any moisture damage, which they suspect. If there is moisture damage, then the back of the dial can flake, which can shed particles into the movement. That would be bad! Omega was happy to request that all original parts be returned. If something does need to be replaced then I definitely want to see the part. I guess Rolex doesn't want people selling bad parts, but as the owner, I think you have the right to have them back. Fingers crossed! 😁
i have my grandpas and my farhers omega ....i wear them a lot they are both went for service no restoration... my father was a welder under water and there are three welding spots on the glass that always remind me of him welding !!!
@elderpinto4102 - That's so cool! I really like how you have both generations... The fact about the welding spots on your dad's crystal is amazingly sentimental. I hope you enjoy these watches for many years to come!
@@WatchWithMike Yes wanted a Speedmaster Mk1 for many years (back when they were £2000 a go) but now they are too...well...everyone has one. So for a few years now I have come to favour the more retro looking Mk2. You never see them in the wild and the orange adds pop. Plus wasn't the Mk2 tweaked to actually work in space from the start over the Mk1?
@Jason Dagless - The Mark II can definitely be called 'retro' looking, but at the time I think they were going for 'futuristic', and the new design received mixed reviews! I think you are right, that Omega was committed to keeping the 'space-durability-spec' that the original Moonwatch Speedmaster had established. There was a Speedmaster watch designed by Omega (just prior to the Mark II) specifically engineered to cope with the extreme temperature conditions of space and Arctic exploration, code named the Alaska Project. This watch had a titanium one-piece case...which to me looks like the design that made it to the Mark II!
The Omega boutique in northeast Philadelphia didn't give me that as an option. They said that all watches of this model and vintage get sent back to Switzerland where they have the age-appropriate parts. I am glad for this, because I don't think "...Sending it to Secaucus" would be a very good title for a video. 😂
Cool video! How long until you get it back from Omega in Switzerland? Do you think there are going to be other charges beyond the $900 service cost?
I'm expecting this watch back from service in May. I'm told the current waiting time on Omega watch service is *around 4-5 months* , but I've also heard it can take much longer! I guess good things are worth the wait. As far as additional costs - yes! When I dropped it off they said *the watch may need a new dial and bracelet* , which is _in addition_ to the $900 service cost. I will give a full breakdown of what the factory service center recommends plus the costs in my upcoming video. 😉
@@WatchWithMike from my personal experience it could take up to 6 months but it depends by manufacturer, JLC and Omega are the "fast" ones 😮😅
@@LaurentiusTriarius I shot the video in January but waited until now to release it because they told me it would be ready in May, and I didn't want that much time between the 2 videos! When I was originally quoted, they said September (9 month wait). Then they told me October. Then when Omega received the watch in Switzerland they estimated May. I'm really glad I'm working with one of the 'fast' manufacturers!
Great video, Mike.
Many years ago, I had to sell my father's mk ii so I could pay the rent. That still hurts.
I almost sold mine years ago. You've got to do what you've got to do, and then we move forward. Thanks for the nice words, I appreciate you watching! 😁
I just received my Seamaster back from service. My local Omega dealer were really keen on replacing the hands but I didn’t want them to do that as it wouldn’t have been the original watch and they worked fine. The dealer ended up sending it to a local watchmaker who would just service the movement and only replace parts that needed to be replaced and not for cosmetic reasons. I ended up needing a new mainspring plus gaskets. All in it cost $550 for the service and another $40 or so for the parts. The watch is actually running better now than when I got it in 2000 so I consider it money well spent.
Michael, it sounds like everything worked out great for you! I struggled with the decision on whether to replace the parts for cosmetic reasons. If Omega can give me a good reason why things need to be replaced then I am happy to listen… That's awesome how your watch service got your Seamaster running better than when you bought it. Congrats!
I am a big omega fan and own a couple of speedmasters, including a 321 pre-moon speed master which I bought while in the army in 1967. When I got home in 1969, I bought the mark two and held onto it for quite a few years. I had given it to a friend to use and unfortunately he allowed it to get wet and rusted the movement. I took it to an Omega repair shop which could not fix it and it was sent back to Switzerland for repair. When I got it back, it looked virtually brand new, and I received all the parts that had been replaced. I believe from what I’ve read that they replace the entire movement and it’s now like a new watch. I enjoyed watching your review of your particular Mark two, thank you!
@macmorgan6685 - That's really great that they were able to replace/restore your Mark II in Switzerland! I fully expect to get back the original movement, since they didn't tell me I needed to pay more! Can't wait to get the call saying it's done - it should be any day now!
The tachymeter bezel is glued to the crystal and always will let loose and the print will detoriate. No worries it’s normal wear.
250-300 degrees amplitude is amazingly good after 50 years.
I have a few of those as well, such fine watches.
@cedarcanoe - Thanks for sharing your comments! I just got the watch back from service and posted my follow up video. I see what you mean about the crystal and tachymeter ring. You can see the before/after in the video: ua-cam.com/video/k1JsbPhAzeQ/v-deo.html
I appreciate you watching!
@@WatchWithMike just saw it, must have been an exiting experience. Both positive and a bit negative (the case)
@@cedarcanoe I try to tell it like it is. Overall I am really excited to have it back. I've been wearing it and enjoying it. 😁
Good luck, I have sent two watches to be serviced by two well know brands recently and one came back with the main chronograph and the 10th sec hand misplaced and the thousand of a second hand wasn't even on the scale! The other, a retrograde chronograph ,came back with all the hands in the twelve o'clock position!!!!
Wow, Alan, of all the things that could have happened, you would have thought they would have caught those quality issues. I'm sure Omega doesn't know that I will be doing a full reporting of my experience, so we'll see how they do. I am hopeful that the quality of the work will reflect the high quality of service that I have received so far, so I remain optimistic. Thanks for commenting, and please stay tuned!
Excellent Video !! Thinking of buying a Mark ii. Now I can't wait to read your Part 2 and see the results and how much it cost!
Thank you! They are great watches. Looking forward to getting mine back… I just got word that it's ready.😁
Did you end up getting the mark 2 ?? I'm thinking of getting it new from AD but not sure it'll fit.. my wrist is 6 1/4 ...
@@shchino134 not yet - quite a bit of coin for me but definitely considering it
I just discovered your channel. Thanks for taking us along on your service journey using Omega. That's a beautiful watch - I remember seeing them in stores when I was a kid. I'm really looking forward to how it looks when you get it back.
I'm glad to have you along for the ride, Michael! I can't wait to get it back and post the video. I have lots of watch related content planned in the meantime so stay tuned and I hope you enjoy!
You're pretty humble, better than sending a bag of parts to service 😂👍
Lol! I didn't know that returning a 'bag of parts' was an option! 😂
What an incredible Speedmaster. @WatchChris has a very similar vintage Speedy that’s beautiful as well. I love the aggressive taper on your bracelet as well.
@thetruebatman - Thanks for the kind words! I feel really to have this model, and I can't wait to get it back from service. @WatchChris indeed has the same watch, and I've seen his restoration videos. Awesome! 😀
@@WatchWithMike LOL I was hesitant to say it was the same one but I agree that you’re both lucky to have them. I love seeing the watches that Omega sends back on youtube, it never ceases to amaze me that they’re able to bring it so close to almost new.
@@thetruebatman4632 Exactly! I was also inspired by all the watch content on UA-cam. It's been fun having all these conversations about the watch here in the comments section...it's a great way to pass the time until the watch comes back!
Looking forward to Part 2 😀
Thanks Andy! Me too! 😊
Interesting video. Thanks.
@SkyBlue - Glad you enjoyed it! Should be finished by August. Stay tuned!
I am curious to see if they will put a new dial on it or clean and relume the original one. It would be also Interesting if you will be sent the replaced parts back with the watch as Rolex is arrogant enough to keep that stuff. Even replaced bracelets for more than one grant. Good video, Mike. Have a good one! 🕐🍰☕️🍸🍸
Thanks @NaNByZero! When I dropped off the watch, my rep said that the dial needing replacing will be determined when they look at the back of it, to see if there has been any moisture damage, which they suspect. If there is moisture damage, then the back of the dial can flake, which can shed particles into the movement. That would be bad! Omega was happy to request that all original parts be returned. If something does need to be replaced then I definitely want to see the part. I guess Rolex doesn't want people selling bad parts, but as the owner, I think you have the right to have them back. Fingers crossed! 😁
@@WatchWithMike Cool. That is good to hear.
i have my grandpas and my farhers omega ....i wear them a lot they are both went for service no restoration... my father was a welder under water and there are three welding spots on the glass that always remind me of him welding !!!
@elderpinto4102 - That's so cool! I really like how you have both generations... The fact about the welding spots on your dad's crystal is amazingly sentimental. I hope you enjoy these watches for many years to come!
My fave speedy.
Thanks Jason! This design definitely stands out amongst all the other Speedy's! 😁
@@WatchWithMike Yes wanted a Speedmaster Mk1 for many years (back when they were £2000 a go) but now they are too...well...everyone has one. So for a few years now I have come to favour the more retro looking Mk2. You never see them in the wild and the orange adds pop. Plus wasn't the Mk2 tweaked to actually work in space from the start over the Mk1?
@Jason Dagless - The Mark II can definitely be called 'retro' looking, but at the time I think they were going for 'futuristic', and the new design received mixed reviews! I think you are right, that Omega was committed to keeping the 'space-durability-spec' that the original Moonwatch Speedmaster had established. There was a Speedmaster watch designed by Omega (just prior to the Mark II) specifically engineered to cope with the extreme temperature conditions of space and Arctic exploration, code named the Alaska Project. This watch had a titanium one-piece case...which to me looks like the design that made it to the Mark II!
Mike I like your Ferrari 🎉
Thank you! It's a FORD Ferrari! 😉
Why didn't you send it to Secaucus?
The Omega boutique in northeast Philadelphia didn't give me that as an option. They said that all watches of this model and vintage get sent back to Switzerland where they have the age-appropriate parts. I am glad for this, because I don't think "...Sending it to Secaucus" would be a very good title for a video. 😂
Great video unfortunately you now have long wait for the return of your watch ⌚️
@Sam Zerafa - Agreed! And posting this video and talking about it in the comments is making me miss it MORE! 😀
(Really not a bad problem to have!...)
Clubbing in the 80's! I'm surprised that you never ran in to Radu! 😂😂😂 This video is a great idea! I look forward to seeing the "after" video.
Thanks Dayton! Radu probably would not have come down to my part of New Jersey unless he was into girls with really really big hair. 🐩
@@WatchWithMike I had to zoom in on that poodle emoji! That's hilarious! But I think you're right. Radu was into other things...💰💊⚰👂😱
@@IMakeWatches eeek! Radu was a bad 🐴!
@@WatchWithMike 🕶⭐🌃🤑
@I Shoot Watches Is that _your_ emoji story for "American rock star in Switzerland"?