Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced watchmakers (shop or mail order) who could do a service on a circa 2002 Omega Automatic Seamaster. Although it functions flawlessly, I wouldn't feel confident diving with it until the seals are replaced.

Cheers

Don't bother going to the outlet on Bahnhofstr. ZH they can't do much beyond routine there. You CAN leave it in and they send it to the factory.

bumpity bump

I would not dive in it to be honest. Does it have dive computer functions?

But what if I encounter some badies?

fire your yellow laser at them?

The Omegas have a standard work that is common to many brands so you should have an easy time finding someone to do the work for you.

You might try calling Danny at Maurice du Mauriac on Toedistrasse here in Zurich:

http://www.mauricedemauriac.ch/sites/eng/kontakt.html

His watches use the same work as your Omega and he has several watchmakers who could do the job for a reasonable price. I have used his service and been happy with the results...

Exactly, its just a Swatch at the end of the day hence why I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg at an Omega dealer.
Anyway, I hope this guy has sufficient yellow laser juice because I'm going to need that topping up too

My reco is to have the seals checked but not necessarily changed as a matter of course.

Like it or not the standards in a repair shop (even omegas own) arent going to be the same as the original manufacturing process. I used to be in charge of TAG Heuer's UK watch repair dept (as a manager not a watchmaker) and we saw more leaky seals coming back from repair than from manufacture.

Do make sure the crown is firmly and properly screwed it. You cant imagine the number that leak because people left them undone.

Daniel

That's a bit like saying that a skoda is just like an audi because at the end of the day, they are all made by VW. Its true that the ETA movement is same/ similar to that used in other brands of watch, but the construction and movement in a Swatch (which are all quartz movements for a start) has little to do with a Seamaster.

There are two key parts to the service: lubricating the movement, and secondly making sure it is correctly resealed in the case. I would never have a service at the price they charge just to get the lubricants done... if it stops keeping time then send it in... the lubricants will have gunged up.

The sealing is what you are preoccupied by. Just make sure they have the right test equipment, not all repairers have the right kit to properly check a 30bar/300m rated watch.

D

As you have had the watch for about 6 years, it is now time for a scheduled service. The movement will need complete dismantling, cleaning in fluids using ultrasonic systems, reassembling with correct lubricants and possible replacement parts if wear is found,final adjustment for timekeeping using electronic test equipment. The case and bracelet if fitted will be dismantled and ultrasonically cleaned. The case is reassembled with new seals where necessary, tested for water resistance before the movement is refitted and tested again after final sealing up.
These water resistance tests use pressure and vacuum.
Finally the watch will be tested for a number of days to ensure all is well.

This is what your watch requires therefore do not try to have it done on the cheap. The manufactures should give you this kind of service, ask them in writing to acheive the above and also you will get a 2 year guarantee. Good luck.