Maintenance for your beloved watch. Introducing Omega overhauls.

This article explains the overhaul process for the Swiss luxury watch brand Omega. It provides a detailed introduction to the necessity of an overhaul, as well as the process and fees involved in Omega's "Complete Maintenance Service." If you're unsure whether to request an overhaul, please use this article as a reference.

What is an overhaul?

　An overhaul is like a "health check for your watch." This term is used not only in the watch industry but also in general for mechanical products such as cars and motorcycles.

　Although overhaul is sometimes thought of as the same as repair, they are actually different. An overhaul is merely a form of maintenance, and is carried out to prevent breakdowns or to detect them early.

　Overhauls are performed by official watch manufacturers, but also by unofficial watch repair shops. While unofficial shops have the advantage of being more affordable and easier to bring your watch to, they also have the disadvantage of not using genuine parts and being handled by watchmakers with less knowledge and skill.

　On the other hand, authorized dealers charge more than unauthorized dealers, but they generally use genuine parts. Also, because they are handled by watchmakers who specialize in that brand, the quality of the workmanship is high and you can be assured of an excellent level of reliability.

　Some people think that it would be fine to wait until a malfunction is discovered before having it repaired, but depending on the nature of the malfunction, there is a risk that your beloved watch may become irreversible. In the end, it is essential to continue using your watch for a long time in good health.

About Omega overhauls

　Overhaul intervals vary by brand, but Omega recommends annual water resistance tests and overhauls every 5 to 8 years.

　Let's check out the costs and warranty period for overhauls performed by Omega.

Complete Maintenance Service

　Omega calls its maintenance service the "Complete Maintenance Service," which includes overhauling the watch, including the movement, replacing and cleaning worn parts, and restoring the beauty of each part and case.

Price

　Now, let's take a look at the prices you're interested in.

　At Omega, prices vary depending on the type of movement and materials. If you're not sure which category your watch falls into, you can easily determine the price by using the price calculator on the Omega official website. However, please note that the estimated price may differ in some cases.

*Non-precious metal materials: steel, titanium, ceramic, ceramic crown
*Precious metal material: Silver, gold, platinum, palladium crown

Omega warranty period

　Currently, the warranty period for all watches purchased after July 1, 2018, regardless of movement or model, has been extended to five years. However, for watches purchased before that date, it is important to note that the warranty period varies depending on the movement.

Omega Complete Maintenance Service Contents

　From here, we will explain in detail the contents and process of Omega's complete maintenance service.

　The overhaul process typically takes approximately three to four weeks, although some models may take up to three months as the work is carried out in Switzerland, where Omega is headquartered.

　However, the above overhaul period is only a guideline. It is best to estimate a longer time frame, as you won't know the exact details until you open the case and check the condition inside.

Disassembling the case

　First, remove all the parts and disassemble the watch. Remove the strap and open the case. Remove everything that can be removed, such as the crystal that covers the hands and dial, and the bezel, and then disassemble the watch.

Cleaning the movement

　The heart of the watch, the movement, is also carefully disassembled. After all parts are disassembled, they are cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner.

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Replacing worn parts

　Each cleaned movement part is carefully inspected for its condition. Any worn or rusty parts are replaced with genuine Omega parts. For movements that do not have a serial number, excluding limited edition models, the entire movement may be upgraded to the latest model.

Movement assembly and oiling

　Once all the cleaned and problem-free parts are gathered, the movement is reassembled. At the same time, lubricating oil is applied to prevent wear between the parts, ensuring the movement functions accurately and lasts longer.

Movement adjustment and function check

　The movement, the lifeblood of a watch, is not finished yet. The assembled movement undergoes a functional inspection. Adjustments are made repeatedly to perfect its functionality, ensuring that it meets OMEGA's quality standards.

Cleaning and polishing the case and bracelet

　The case and strap that house the movement are also cleaned and polished to restore their appearance to like-new condition.

Reassembling the case and restoring water resistance

　Once the cleaning and polishing is complete, the case is reassembled and the gasket used to ensure waterproofing is replaced, restoring the waterproof function.

Final Inspection

　Once each part has been assembled and returned to its original state, a final inspection takes place. The watch is checked against Omega's quality standards, including not only its functionality but also its appearance. Then it is returned to its owner.

Omega watches should be maintained by Omega

　Not just Omega, but all other brands' overhaul fees are not cheap, and they take a long time, lasting from one to three months.

　However, there can be a big difference in the lifespan and accuracy of a watch between one that has been regularly overhauled and one that has not. By having your watch overhauled regularly, you will develop a stronger attachment to your watch and deepen your bond with it.