zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Hello all,

: I have several questions about the cost of
: ownership of the Omega Sea Master.

: 1. For the quartz model how long does the
: battery typically last? Assuming it has to
: be sent to an authorized Omega dealer how
: long does it take to get the watch back and
: how much does this bit of maintenace cost?

Omega USA claims batteries last 2-3 years and a routine quartz servicing takes about 2 weeks. Cost is about $150 for the full servicing, which would include polishing the bracelet, pressure testing for water tightness, replacement of all gaskets, and battery replacement. This full servicing is only recommended at every OTHER battery change, so you can have your battery changed locally by a qualified watchmaker.

Some people never bother with the full servicing described above and just pay their local jeweler/watchmaker for battery replacement, which makes owning a quartz watch very cheap.

: 2. For the mechanical models, I'm under the
: impression that the watch should be sent in
: every 3-4 years for a check-up, lube, etc.
: How long does this take and how much does it
: cost?

Omega USA claims 6-8 weeks for the full servicing of an automatic watch, and the cost is $275-$300. The extra cost includes the replacement of all lubricants and any worn or damaged internal parts, along with a factory regulation and testing the watch to make sure it is within COSC specs after the watch has been serviced. A typical Omega watch can go 5 years between servicings, while the newer co-axial models can go 10 years.

: I'm just wonder generally about cost of
: ownership of quartz v. automatic and how
: long I am without the watch during routine
: maintenance.

There is no question that quartz watches are more practical, since they keep better time and are easier and cheaper to maintain. However, if you want a TRUE Swiss timepiece that you can consider a "mechanical marvel" on your wrist, I'd buy the mechanical watch.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

-John