zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

If you wear your watch, it will get scratched no matter how careful you are or try to be. VERY FEW refinishing jobs on stainless steel look EXACTLY like the original factory finish. In lots of cases, it may come VERY VERY close, but rarely IDENTICAL. Because of this, just working on the damaged area/surface might be more than enough. Many times, it's probably better to let it accumulate a little history and build some character.

Your chances of getting an ideal refinishing of the case and bracelet are increased, if the work is done by someone with the right equipment, who is familiar and has extensive experience working exclusively with your particular model/brand. In theory, a competent factory service center should be able to get it close enough to the original. How bad is it? Back to Switzerland or Lancaster PA maybe? Is it worth going trough all that trouble and expense?

Personally, I would not completely refinish a 4-month-old watch. Usually, you don't paint your whole new car if it gets a scratch. If you didn't ask for the whole thing to be refinished, then you have every right to be upset and may even have a legal option or legal "headache". What that "reputable watch store" did doesn't sound very wise or RESPONSIBLE at all unless you authorized them.

Your watch may still be "original", but if you aren't satisfied with the work, this certainly will distract you from fully enjoying it. You can always re-refinish or even wear it on a nice strap, if the bracelet doesn't satisfy you. If at some point you decide to have it done again, do your research and be very careful in selecting where.

I empathize with you, and good luck in whatever your decision might be.

Sincerely

A. Roque

: I recently dropped my SMP and knocked a small
: chip out of it. I brought it to a reputable
: watch store to have it polished away, which
: they did. However, they also refinished the
: entire case and bracelet, although it didn't
: really need it, in the quest to make it look
: "new." The watch itself was only
: four months old to begin with and other than
: the scratch, was in excellent condition.
: Although the casework was done fairly well,
: I don't think it matches Omega's original
: work. The enjoyment of the watch now seems
: reduced to me because it doesn't feel
: "original." Am I right to be upset
: about this, or should I just relax since the
: watch will get scuffed up over time anyway?
: Any thoughts?