zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Hi Folks,
I recently had a conversation with a jewelry/watch parts supplier that carries geniune Omega parts. They are called Otto Frei, and are located in California. During my conversation regarding some end links for my Seamaster Bond (2531.80), he mentioned that some of these parts are made in Asia--particularly Thailand. I did not ask to what extent what specific parts are made in Asia, but the very thought of this makes me sad. Is this true? Does this mean that "genuine" Omega watches that are to be sold in the the Asian market, have parts made there, then are shipped back to Switzerland to be assembled, then shipped again to Asia to be sold? That's a lot of shipping...

Is nothing "of country origin" anymore?

It seems everything is becoming mediocre nowadays. Fords are made in Mexico, and Jaguars contain Ford parts. Jag is probably using parts from India now??? My SMP 2531.80 was $1,750 USD when introduced in 1993. Then it increased to $1,950, then a final $2,150 before being replaced with the current "black dial" version w/ 2500 movment. Now they are easily $3,000 now. Are any of the parts on that watch made in Asia? The dial? The bezel? The tubes for the bracelet link pins? The pins? The clasp? Dare I say the movement?

I realize Swiss labor is expensive. In fact, labor anywhere (except Asia) is expensive. What happens when labor in Asia is expensive? Where do we go then? And believe me it's happening. In a decade, the Chinese went from riding bikes to driving cars--another reason gas is nuts, but that is another forum. I just thought of all things mediocre out there, high end SWISS watches were still the "real deal." 100% designed, fabricated, manufactured and tested in Switzerland. Even when I flip over the red inner box to my SMP, it says "Made In Thailand." Think about it: A watch that costs $1,750 (in 1993)should have everything made in Switzerland. It is a watch. They can be had for $20 and do the same thing. When I invest over $1,000 (minimum) to wear a piece of jewelry (Swiss jewelry mind you) on my arm that tells me the time of day and date, I expect the entire package to be 100% Swiss. Not even 50% or 60% as they (Swatch Group, Rolex etc...) are now proposing.

This leads to my next question: What watch manufacturer(s) make watches that ARE still 100% designed, fabricated, maufactured and tested in Switzerland? Rolex? Patek?

Hopefully, some insight (and confirmation of info here) will ease my mind.

Brent