zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Hello Omega Forum,

I just purchased an Omega Seamaster 300M Professional Quartz. This watch was to replace my old TAG-Heuer 200M Pro which suffered some serious Scuba-trauma after 14 years of outstanding, rugged service. I was excited to be “moving up” in the world of watches.

However, right out of the box I noticed the second hand was acting strangely. At 0:30 through 0:00 the seconds would index crisply and accurately right on the tic marks on the dial. From 0:00 through 0:30 (the right half of the watch dial) the seconds would not index on the marks, but would fall vaguely somewhere in between. The degree and location of imprecision would vary, but was worse around 0:10 – 0:25. Also in this area, the second hand would often stagger, bounce, or overshoot its mark and visibly recede.

One repair shop suggested it only needed a new battery to fix the erratic behavior of the second hand. To my understanding the “end-of-life” indication for a battery which needs replacement is the second hand jumping at regular 4-second intervals, although the "new battery" suggestion seemed somewhat plausible. Another jeweler suggested that the movement was OK and maybe the dial was “off” and I should not let it bother me.

Regardless, its not just a little detail to be overlooked. It is quite noticeable and irritating. Its especially noticable on a "great" $1500 watch with a superb reputation, but whose movement exhibits all the grace and refinement of a $35 Timex. And its especially noticable when my 14 year old TAG-Heuer has been through hell and still performs. Its been flooded at 90' depth, the dial stained from water intrusion, the luminous markers flaked off; its been baked, beaten, and frozen in every climate imaginable. I can't take my Heuer in the water any more, but it still moves with elegance and precision. So, I expect more from a "great" watch like Omega known for Swiss precision. As my brother said, there are only finite requirements for this watch; it must do those things correctly.

I'm really hoping that this an unusual occurence, and really look forward to joining the ranks of deservedly proud Omega owners.

Has anyone else experienced problems like this with their SMP? Are there some quality issues with this line? Any suggestions or solutions? And please don’t suggest (like the jeweler did) that I’m just being picky… I know when I can “just deal with it”, and when something is actually unacceptable. Like now.

Thanks for your feedback!