zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Your answer make me feel more comfortable about
: this sudden stop. In my naive thinking, I
: thought my SMP should go "forever"
: without needs for service in a
: "normal" condition. My wife has
: another lady's seamaster with quartz
: movement. Does that also needs some
: lubrication/cleaning service in certain
: years? (Hers is probably 3~4 year old)

Her quartz watch should have a full servicing at every other battery change. This way the gaskets are replaced and the watch is pressure tested to ensure water resistance. If you have the servicing done by Omega, the watch will also be polished so that it will come back looking like new. The battery needs to be changed when the second hand moves in four-second increments.

: The second question is where to find a
: trustworthy service. We do have a Rolex
: dealer in town and they changed the battery
: of my wife's seamaster before. Do you think
: it is a good idea for them to do this type
: of service for my SMP?

If they are experienced in servicing ALL high end watches INCLUDING OMEGA and they have a good reputation, then yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't take any chances - I'd send it back to Omega directly. Omega will charge $250-$300 for the full servicing, but a good local watchmaker can do it for less than $200.

: Also, since my SMP is from gray market, does
: Omega provide service for me?

Yes, Omega will service your gray market watch, but you will pay 100% of the cost. It does not matter if the watch has a serial number or not.

:Last, I also saw some
: recommendation about good watch service
: through some individual. This would be
: helpful if Omega or my in-town store refuse
: to service my SMP.

My local watchmaker here in the Orlando area is about as good as they come and he does do work for out of state customers. You can e-mail me for his contact info if you can't have the watch serviced locally. Keep in mind that with shipping, etc., your best bet is still to send it back to Omega.

Also, that clicking noise you heard when winding the watch is normal. That is the overwind protection mechanism kicking in. When you hear this clicking noise it means that the watch is fully wound.