Not sure if you remember that I left a message on your second video about the Omega service. I sent my 72 Flightmaster to Switzerland as well and basically they told me they can't restore my case and case back and the watch is no longer waterproof. They recommended to replace the case. However, since the case is no longer in production, so they just clean the case. However, after I got my watch back, I noticed a chuck of metal was taken off from the left side of the case. I did not argue with the service center since I have no proof of it. Luckily, I was able to find a local watchmaker who did a full case restoration to fill the gap with laser wielding and polish the whole case. He even fixed the issue with waterproofing. The result was just way beyond my expectation. Maybe you can find a local watchmaker to helping you do the same. Once I find interesting is that they actually returned your old parts. I specifically asked for this but the Omega service center said they are not allowed to do that. Anyway, enjoy your watch.
@scottcheng2557 - Hi Scott, yes I remember that your experience was less than stellar! Overall I'm happy with everything except the refusal to refinish the case. Fortunately I don't think there are any chunks on my case deep enough to require welding/filling, and frankly I would be happy with a surface touch-up, if not a full refinishing. I questioned the service center as far as I could on the phone, so maybe someone will see this video and be able to make a second opinion. I'm not inclined to take this to another refinisher to do the work. Maybe this is a sign that I need to up my case refinishing skills! 😁
I just purchased an Omega Flightmaster , circa 1971, and am looking to have the case restored. Who may I ask did you use and would love to see before and after pictures. Thanks
@@andyyoung3233 that is what I heard in the past. Unfortunately, Omega seems to have different ways of doing things by country/region. I specifically asked if I can get my ord parts back when I sent my watch in and it was turned down by the service center.
The dollar amount for service and parts on a quality watch would seem expensive at first thought. However, given interval of time between services (in this case the first service) the amount of parts replaced and the sentimental value, I’d say it is a reasonable expense to assure a properly functioning time piece. Happy to have stumbled upon your channel Mike. Thanks for sharing your time with us 👍
Thanks for this sympathetic and informative report. I fully share your points of view. My personal 10 cents to this: I sent my Omega Speedy 4.5 in 22 as well to Omega, as well asking for refurbishing the case - which never happened. It were not possible as 'too much of a material would get lost' I had been told. I wonder - as the watch never had been serviced before and is in good - very good shape. Thanks god sunrays on the case still look brilliant, even after 40+ years, thereof 20+ years worn by me, 20 years stored in my drawer. However, service came finally a little bit disappointing as well for me. Thanks for sharing!
@@andresteeg Very interesting that your experience was so similar to mine. I have come to reckon that in order to properly refinish the case, some of the deeper dents and scratches on my watch case would have had to be filled with laser welding before we finishing, which understandably is outside of the scope of a basic refinishing. I'm sure I would've been satisfied with the results if they had not filled in all of the deep gouges, but perhaps they have certain standards that they have to hold them themselves to. The bottom line is that by me sharing the video and you sharing your story, other people's expectations will be more realistic. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
I just purchased a 1972 Mark II with the racing dial exactly like yours (my dad had one and it wasn’t left to me..) great video! I was debating the full service too.
Congrats on your new (Vintage) Mark II! It's very cool that your dad had one as well. The winding and setting on mine felt really heavy, and once I looked inside and saw the dried gasket and oil, I knew it was time for the service. I'll bet you want to wear it and enjoy it for a while before handing it over for repair, lol! 😁
I am thankful for this video I sent my mark II in for service and have not gotten any kind of idea on when to expect it back. I think about it everyday but now I know it took you 9 months so at least I have an idea. I wish it would come today but I'm glad it was a good experience!
My Omega Boutique was very good about managing my expectations when I would be getting it back. They originally estimated six months, and let me know as soon as they knew that that date would not be met. Nothing wrong with you being persistent trying to get an updated completion time for your watch… Hang in there, it's great when you get it back!
I've been anticipating this video for quite some time after watching your Vid #1 & #2 in this series of 3. Very enjoyable and very informative - well done and trust that you will enjoy wearing this very cool timepiece well into the future!
Hi Mike, your case can be refinished. I restore cases. The last one completed was a 1968 Speedmaster. More recently restored damage on an IWC Pilot. The issue for Omega is really unclear with regard to refinishing the case. Certainly it would take some time, but there are machines, that are used to refinish cases and case backs. The final finish is done by hand so that accurate bevelled finish and brushed/ matte finish can be achieved. Somewhat labour intensive. Perhaps this is why Omega did elect to pursue. May be an extra cost.
@ps7256 - it sounds like you have restored some pretty cool vintage watch cases! I may just attempt this one myself. I know that omega has special tools, especially when it comes to refinishing the radial brush on the face of the watch bezel. If it was a question of labor or cost I wish they would have just told me so! I've really been enjoying wearing the watch after the servicing, so for now I will leave those marks as a sign of my history. But thanks for your encouragement that it can indeed be repaired! 😁
Hi Mike, In the after service timegrapher readings you had the beat error accidentally set at the default 52 but originally you had it correctly set for 50. This may account for the drastic change in readings.
I enjoyed this video, and your pricing breakdown, but was expecting a finely redone brushing: well at least the dial and movement looks great. I have a Mark III and am considering a service also. It's spot on accurate but the chronograph has a delayed reaction time of several seconds after the button is pushed.
Hi James, wow, several second delay definitely sounds suspicious. I was also expecting the case to be redone… I really hope someone out Omega stumbles upon this video and is willing to give the watch a second go at polishing the case. Alternately, if they can give me a solid reason why it can't be done then at least my expectations will be managed. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😀
Going on this if I had to service all my mechanicals I would be broke haha! As far as I know they do that so that they do not have to guarantee water resistance. With "corrosion" on gasket areas it would be impossible to to do so. I do however not see any so I am not sure what this is about... It came out beautifully though! Sadly I think the $1600 only increased its value to you as an heirloom and testament to your life. 50 years is a long time and each scratch is a story in and of itself. Hope you have a great weekend Mike!
Hi Johan, I agree completely and thanks for the well wishes! Omega service clearly disclaimed that the water resistance is compromised, which I think they do as a matter of course on all vintage watches that don't have a screw down crown. And the cost is a driving reason why I like the idea of learning how to service watches myself! 😁
@@WatchWithMike I agree my friend. Its better to do things for yourself in many aspects of life. Skills are something that can never be taken away and I like helping myself! Yeah I think screw down crown watches that are vintage as well. They just wont take the liability for water incursion. As a rule I don't go swimming with vintage watches and some of them I wont even wear in the rain. Just in case. Have a good one Mike!
Hi Tom! Great question... There are some special techniques to refinish this case to make it period-correct that I can't do with my current tools/skills. Maybe after seeing the video Omega will reconsider? 😁
That are actually pretty decent prices from Omega. I paid $450us for a NOS MK II bracelet from an independent reseller myself. I’d expected Omega to go wild in prices given what they i.e. charge for a Nato strap. Ps. I own 3 speedies. A 105.012-65, and 2 145.014-70 of which one has a milk-chocolate dial. All in mint condition. Thanks for your brilliant videos!
My 1970 Mark II arrived at the Swatch Group on October 13, 2023 and then it was sent to Switzerland with a scheduled completion date of June 26, 2024. Why it’s going to take them eight months to service my watch is beyond comprehension. Never have past services taken more than two months. I just hope that I get it back!
Don't despair! It seems that eight months is the standard time period. It's possible they have very few technicians trained to work on this watch, or they have a select a few that handle vintage watches from this period. But it will make it back to you, I'm sure! 😁
If you know nothing is broken, give it a good wind. After running for 24 hours, you should have a pretty good idea the accuracy of a watch, no matter how long it has been sitting.
Nine months? WOW. Then it should be really reborn. O_o Glad, they managed to fix it. I saw good refurbishments of harder worn watches. So I think, they just cut corners here. That is lousy. But really cool that they fulfilled their promise to send you all the replaced parts. 🕐⚙️🍸
Yes, I am very pleased with all of the work that was done. Having all the parts back is cool, and I might take a closer look at them under the microscope at a future time. It will be interesting to see if they are replaced because they were damaged, or just because it is standard procedure. 😀
The sevice was well worth it's money. How ever like you I'm a little suprised about the fact that they didnt at least cosmetically improved the case. Saying it's impossible is like saying, having your car vallited is not nesesary becaus do to hevy use it can't be restored. How muche garantee has been accorded for the watch? If there's a guarantee involved I'd wait untill it is void and then give the case a proper polish. In the mean time polliwatch. That been sayd, you may have alredy void your warenty do to the fact that you opened the back of the watch. In any case i recommended ordering an original omega rubber gasket to replace the one in your watch because once opend, it's no longer 100% water tite.
@csachevauxsansabri2612 - Omega clearly stated that water resistance could not be restored, and I'm not concerned about opening the case back. The gasket is new and can be re-used. If this was a high pressure diver coming from a factory service then I would have second thoughts about opening it. Like they said, unless your watch has a screw down crown (and screw down pushers if it's a chronograph) then there's no such thing as 100% water tight. That's OK, I don't even like to wash hands while wearing a vintage watch, let alone swim/dive. I have a Casio Duro for those occasions! 😂
Im sure you have enough skill to polish this one yourself. I bet Omega saved a good chunk of your dollar by not finishing it. Its put me off buying Omega if thats how they treat a long time customer. Im hard on my watches, so learning to repair them as a hobby is where I am. Watched you do some great buffs on your other watches, whats so special about this one? Best regards.....
Thanks for your vote of confidence! I am hesitant to do this one myself for a few reasons, the first being that I feel like I paid someone else to do it. Another reason is that there is a very specific radial brushing on the top of the watch, which I'm not sure I could duplicate. If this video gets enough circulation then I might be able to go back to Omega and state a stronger case for having them finish it. We'll see!
Having watched and enjoyed numerous videos from the “Nekkid Watchmaker” I KNOW that case can be restored. Can’t believe Omega wouldn’t do it. Unacceptable.
So Omega recommended you purchase a new bracelet to pair with a 50+ year old case which they claimed is impossible to refinish do to nonexistent corrosion hmm 🤔 sounds like fraud to me.
Hi I've had 2 of my watches serviced by Omega and can say they do a excellent job not cheap but you do get what you pay for and they don't make do with old worn parts because they have everything in stock and are the experts on the movement so why take your watch to anyone else
There seems no logical explanation as to why a steel case cannot be refinished irrespective of any "corrosion". A 50 year old watch should either be a period piece with no cosmetic intervention or a fully refurbished piece that looks like new. This hybrid result would leave me somewhat dissatisfied after months of waiting and $1,500 spent. Great video and a lovely watch btw
What a load of crap, Swiss Time Services UK, I.e. authorized Omega service centre, refinished my exact same watch to perfect condition. Sending to Switzerland is completely overrated!
@@WatchWithMike compared with other models of the Mk2 the value of this watch is appreciating. In addition to my previous comment STS lasered metal on to the case.
Not sure if you remember that I left a message on your second video about the Omega service. I sent my 72 Flightmaster to Switzerland as well and basically they told me they can't restore my case and case back and the watch is no longer waterproof. They recommended to replace the case. However, since the case is no longer in production, so they just clean the case. However, after I got my watch back, I noticed a chuck of metal was taken off from the left side of the case. I did not argue with the service center since I have no proof of it. Luckily, I was able to find a local watchmaker who did a full case restoration to fill the gap with laser wielding and polish the whole case. He even fixed the issue with waterproofing. The result was just way beyond my expectation. Maybe you can find a local watchmaker to helping you do the same. Once I find interesting is that they actually returned your old parts. I specifically asked for this but the Omega service center said they are not allowed to do that. Anyway, enjoy your watch.
@scottcheng2557 - Hi Scott, yes I remember that your experience was less than stellar! Overall I'm happy with everything except the refusal to refinish the case. Fortunately I don't think there are any chunks on my case deep enough to require welding/filling, and frankly I would be happy with a surface touch-up, if not a full refinishing. I questioned the service center as far as I could on the phone, so maybe someone will see this video and be able to make a second opinion. I'm not inclined to take this to another refinisher to do the work. Maybe this is a sign that I need to up my case refinishing skills! 😁
I just purchased an Omega Flightmaster , circa 1971, and am looking to have the case restored. Who may I ask did you use and would love to see before and after pictures. Thanks
They sent all my old parts back even the rubber seals
@@andyyoung3233 that is what I heard in the past. Unfortunately, Omega seems to have different ways of doing things by country/region. I specifically asked if I can get my ord parts back when I sent my watch in and it was turned down by the service center.
@@WatchWithMikewow. You treated that poor watch like you stole it
The dollar amount for service and parts on a quality watch would seem expensive at first thought. However, given interval of time between services (in this case the first service) the amount of parts replaced and the sentimental value, I’d say it is a reasonable expense to assure a properly functioning time piece. Happy to have stumbled upon your channel Mike. Thanks for sharing your time with us 👍
Thank you! That was all perfectly stated. 😁
Thanks for this sympathetic and informative report. I fully share your points of view. My personal 10 cents to this: I sent my Omega Speedy 4.5 in 22 as well to Omega, as well asking for refurbishing the case - which never happened. It were not possible as 'too much of a material would get lost' I had been told. I wonder - as the watch never had been serviced before and is in good - very good shape. Thanks god sunrays on the case still look brilliant, even after 40+ years, thereof 20+ years worn by me, 20 years stored in my drawer. However, service came finally a little bit disappointing as well for me. Thanks for sharing!
@@andresteeg Very interesting that your experience was so similar to mine. I have come to reckon that in order to properly refinish the case, some of the deeper dents and scratches on my watch case would have had to be filled with laser welding before we finishing, which understandably is outside of the scope of a basic refinishing. I'm sure I would've been satisfied with the results if they had not filled in all of the deep gouges, but perhaps they have certain standards that they have to hold them themselves to. The bottom line is that by me sharing the video and you sharing your story, other people's expectations will be more realistic. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
@@WatchWithMike A pleasure. However phantastic time pieces and watches to own. All the best to you.
I just purchased a 1972 Mark II with the racing dial exactly like yours (my dad had one and it wasn’t left to me..) great video! I was debating the full service too.
Congrats on your new (Vintage) Mark II! It's very cool that your dad had one as well. The winding and setting on mine felt really heavy, and once I looked inside and saw the dried gasket and oil, I knew it was time for the service. I'll bet you want to wear it and enjoy it for a while before handing it over for repair, lol! 😁
I am thankful for this video I sent my mark II in for service and have not gotten any kind of idea on when to expect it back. I think about it everyday but now I know it took you 9 months so at least I have an idea. I wish it would come today but I'm glad it was a good experience!
My Omega Boutique was very good about managing my expectations when I would be getting it back. They originally estimated six months, and let me know as soon as they knew that that date would not be met. Nothing wrong with you being persistent trying to get an updated completion time for your watch… Hang in there, it's great when you get it back!
I've been anticipating this video for quite some time after watching your Vid #1 & #2 in this series of 3. Very enjoyable and very informative - well done and trust that you will enjoy wearing this very cool timepiece well into the future!
Thanks so much for the well wishes, and for watching my videos! 😁
Hi Mike, your case can be refinished. I restore cases. The last one completed was a 1968 Speedmaster. More recently restored damage on an IWC Pilot. The issue for Omega is really unclear with regard to refinishing the case. Certainly it would take some time, but there are machines, that are used to refinish cases and case backs. The final finish is done by hand so that accurate bevelled finish and brushed/ matte finish can be achieved. Somewhat labour intensive. Perhaps this is why Omega did elect to pursue. May be an extra cost.
@ps7256 - it sounds like you have restored some pretty cool vintage watch cases! I may just attempt this one myself. I know that omega has special tools, especially when it comes to refinishing the radial brush on the face of the watch bezel. If it was a question of labor or cost I wish they would have just told me so! I've really been enjoying wearing the watch after the servicing, so for now I will leave those marks as a sign of my history. But thanks for your encouragement that it can indeed be repaired! 😁
Thx Mike, enjoy that great piece!
It's such a badass beautiful watch. Forever watch
Thank you!😁
Hi Mike, In the after service timegrapher readings you had the beat error accidentally set at the default 52 but originally you had it correctly set for 50. This may account for the drastic change in readings.
I didn't notice that! 😮
I enjoyed this video, and your pricing breakdown, but was expecting a finely redone brushing: well at least the dial and movement looks great. I have a Mark III and am considering a service also. It's spot on accurate but the chronograph has a delayed reaction time of several seconds after the button is pushed.
Hi James, wow, several second delay definitely sounds suspicious. I was also expecting the case to be redone… I really hope someone out Omega stumbles upon this video and is willing to give the watch a second go at polishing the case. Alternately, if they can give me a solid reason why it can't be done then at least my expectations will be managed. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😀
Thanks for sharing Mike. Nice looking watch. Enjoy it.
Thanks Robert! I appreciate you watching. 😁
Going on this if I had to service all my mechanicals I would be broke haha! As far as I know they do that so that they do not have to guarantee water resistance. With "corrosion" on gasket areas it would be impossible to to do so. I do however not see any so I am not sure what this is about... It came out beautifully though! Sadly I think the $1600 only increased its value to you as an heirloom and testament to your life. 50 years is a long time and each scratch is a story in and of itself. Hope you have a great weekend Mike!
Hi Johan, I agree completely and thanks for the well wishes! Omega service clearly disclaimed that the water resistance is compromised, which I think they do as a matter of course on all vintage watches that don't have a screw down crown. And the cost is a driving reason why I like the idea of learning how to service watches myself! 😁
@@WatchWithMike I agree my friend. Its better to do things for yourself in many aspects of life. Skills are something that can never be taken away and I like helping myself! Yeah I think screw down crown watches that are vintage as well. They just wont take the liability for water incursion. As a rule I don't go swimming with vintage watches and some of them I wont even wear in the rain. Just in case. Have a good one Mike!
Mike, are you going to try to polish the watch case yourself?
Hi Tom! Great question... There are some special techniques to refinish this case to make it period-correct that I can't do with my current tools/skills. Maybe after seeing the video Omega will reconsider? 😁
@@WatchWithMike or you can polish up on your tools/skills…😄
That are actually pretty decent prices from Omega. I paid $450us for a NOS MK II bracelet from an independent reseller myself. I’d expected Omega to go wild in prices given what they i.e. charge for a Nato strap.
Ps. I own 3 speedies. A 105.012-65, and 2 145.014-70 of which one has a milk-chocolate dial. All in mint condition.
Thanks for your brilliant videos!
Oh wow, your collection sounds awesome! Yes, I feel like the Omega prices are reasonable. Notice I did not say affordable! But reasonable… 😂
My 1970 Mark II arrived at the Swatch Group on October 13, 2023 and then it was sent to Switzerland with a scheduled completion date of June 26, 2024. Why it’s going to take them eight months to service my watch is beyond comprehension. Never have past services taken more than two months. I just hope that I get it back!
Don't despair! It seems that eight months is the standard time period. It's possible they have very few technicians trained to work on this watch, or they have a select a few that handle vintage watches from this period. But it will make it back to you, I'm sure! 😁
question, is breaking in time for watches those never been used for months is a myth ? I'm talking about - 30 sec a day face up or down . eta movement
If you know nothing is broken, give it a good wind. After running for 24 hours, you should have a pretty good idea the accuracy of a watch, no matter how long it has been sitting.
Nine months? WOW. Then it should be really reborn. O_o
Glad, they managed to fix it. I saw good refurbishments of harder worn watches. So I think, they just cut corners here. That is lousy. But really cool that they fulfilled their promise to send you all the replaced parts. 🕐⚙️🍸
Yes, I am very pleased with all of the work that was done. Having all the parts back is cool, and I might take a closer look at them under the microscope at a future time. It will be interesting to see if they are replaced because they were damaged, or just because it is standard procedure. 😀
Great info,Mike.Thank you.
You bet! Glad you enjoyed it! 😁
The sevice was well worth it's money. How ever like you I'm a little suprised about the fact that they didnt at least cosmetically improved the case. Saying it's impossible is like saying, having your car vallited is not nesesary becaus do to hevy use it can't be restored. How muche garantee has been accorded for the watch? If there's a guarantee involved I'd wait untill it is void and then give the case a proper polish. In the mean time polliwatch. That been sayd, you may have alredy void your warenty do to the fact that you opened the back of the watch. In any case i recommended ordering an original omega rubber gasket to replace the one in your watch because once opend, it's no longer 100% water tite.
@csachevauxsansabri2612 - Omega clearly stated that water resistance could not be restored, and I'm not concerned about opening the case back. The gasket is new and can be re-used. If this was a high pressure diver coming from a factory service then I would have second thoughts about opening it. Like they said, unless your watch has a screw down crown (and screw down pushers if it's a chronograph) then there's no such thing as 100% water tight. That's OK, I don't even like to wash hands while wearing a vintage watch, let alone swim/dive. I have a Casio Duro for those occasions! 😂
Im sure you have enough skill to polish this one yourself. I bet Omega saved a good chunk of your dollar by not finishing it.
Its put me off buying Omega if thats how they treat a long time customer. Im hard on my watches, so learning to repair them as a hobby is where I am. Watched you do some great buffs on your other watches, whats so special about this one?
Best regards.....
Thanks for your vote of confidence! I am hesitant to do this one myself for a few reasons, the first being that I feel like I paid someone else to do it. Another reason is that there is a very specific radial brushing on the top of the watch, which I'm not sure I could duplicate. If this video gets enough circulation then I might be able to go back to Omega and state a stronger case for having them finish it. We'll see!
Having watched and enjoyed numerous videos from the “Nekkid Watchmaker” I KNOW that case can be restored. Can’t believe Omega wouldn’t do it. Unacceptable.
I agree! I'm not opposed to trying it myself, I just didn't want to have to. Leaving it as it is right now and enjoying it…
This same watch is just like a dream for me. I wish I had the luck to buy it... Great video, I really enjoyed it. Thanks!
Thank you for the nice comments, I appreciate you watching! 😁
So Omega recommended you purchase a new bracelet to pair with a 50+ year old case which they claimed is impossible to refinish do to nonexistent corrosion hmm 🤔 sounds like fraud to me.
The fact that the case was going to be refinished was an influence in my decision to replace the bracelet… Very true.
Wear it in good health Mike
Hi I've had 2 of my watches serviced by Omega and can say they do a excellent job not cheap but you do get what you pay for and they don't make do with old worn parts because they have everything in stock and are the experts on the movement so why take your watch to anyone else
Those are great points! When you go with a factory service, you know the parts are going to be genuine and new!
🤘🤘
Wassup Al! 😁😁😁
I wonder how much a new case would be ?
After all , it's just a milled piece of steel .
Gosh, I don't know... Not cheap, and definitely not included in the basic service! 😁
Unusual that they refused to polish it
I agree! It even surprised my rep at the Omega Boutique. Oh well, it has grown on me! 😁
There seems no logical explanation as to why a steel case cannot be refinished irrespective of any "corrosion". A 50 year old watch should either be a period piece with no cosmetic intervention or a fully refurbished piece that looks like new. This hybrid result would leave me somewhat dissatisfied after months of waiting and $1,500 spent. Great video and a lovely watch btw
@byrong1561 - I think you summed up the sentiment very well! Thanks for sharing your thoughts... 😀
i think i love the scratced one sry and they always lie about the watch omega come one !!!!
I got so used to the scratches over the years, but it would be nice to see them gone.
@@WatchWithMike scratches are your history on the watch ... nobody can raplicate those scratches its like a signature ....
@@ElderPinto254 On cars the reverse is true. Nobody wants to leave their signature on a fender! 😂
@@WatchWithMike jordans with signature goes for top dolar🤣
What a load of crap, Swiss Time Services UK, I.e. authorized Omega service centre, refinished my exact same watch to perfect condition. Sending to Switzerland is completely overrated!
Hi Simon, I agree! I'm glad your service and restoration went well. 😄
@@WatchWithMike compared with other models of the Mk2 the value of this watch is appreciating. In addition to my previous comment STS lasered metal on to the case.
@@SimonSWUK1 Wow sounds like they did it right! I guess my service rep was lazy that day...