zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: 1) How will I know when it needs to be
: serviced (major problems keeping time, etc.?)
: 2) About how often does a watch like this need
: service, assuming I wear it every day?

Generally, every 5 to 8 years, or when it starts to show signs of running poorly.

: 3) Does it have to be sent to the Omega factory
: in Switzerland, or can it be serviced by an
: authorized dealer (or authorized service
: center?)?

Authorized dealers almost never service the watch themselves--they send it to somebody. So it is better for you to send the watch yourself so you have better control of the situation.

Actually, the center in Switzerland is a great place to send watches. The Lancaster service center in the US has a somewhat spotty reputation.

Also, some local watch repair places are Omega certified.

: 4) How much does a routine maintenance like
: this typically cost?

Omega posts their standard prcing on their website in the Customer Service section. You will need a currency converter like
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
to convert their prices from CHF (Swiss Francs) to your currency opf choice.

: 5) I have been considering buying a quartz
: version of this watch to wear as a spare
: when the chronometer is being serviced. Is
: it realistic that my watch may be at the
: factory for a month or so?

That's pretty excessive to buy another $1200-1600 watch to wear for a few weeks. Buy something FUN and INEXPENSIVE instead -- like a Swatch for $50 or a neat VINTAGE Omega for about $200-300. Get something that adds versatility, not redundancy, to your watch collection.