replacing a battery in an Omega watch- help please

[FashionistaMoi]

My battery has gone (2nd one I've had in since buying) . Took it into the local jewellers ( quite up market) where it was bought, but they can't do batteries on the premises any more and wanted to send it off for 3-4 weeks. I really don't want to be without my watch for that amount of time.

Is this the norm? Last time they had someone on site to do repairs and batteries but they have retired.

Would I be able to have it done while I wait somewhere else (but am wary of some one not knowing how to remove the back etc and messing it up.)

They tend to send them off so they can be sealed and comeback waterproof/resistant and to check if it's the battery or if it needs to be serviced, you can take somewhere else where they will just change the battery but it won't be waterproof and it won't cure the problem if it needs servicing, and yes the 3 - 4 week wait is normal, I used to work in jewellers and we sent back all the more luxury branded watches to the service centre rather than do them instore.

How long have you had the watch? I think the batteries were expected to last around 5 year mark. I brought an automatic purely as I couldn't be doing with faff of sending it back every few years.

That's interesting thanks.

I've had it about 10 years so each battery has lasted around 5.

What you say ties in. Last time they said they could send it off so it would still be waterproof but tbh it's only splashproof anyway and I don't get it wet. So then, I chose to have it replaced on the spot by their 'little man' who has now retired.

I may buy a cheaper one for times like this or just use my phone!

I have a (well several spare watches) but I like the Citizen Eco drive ones as they work off light so never need a battery changing. I can't use my phone as I'm so ingrained to wearing a watch I feel lost without it.

Yes this is the norm. I have an Omega Seamaster, just had a new battery and it was away for one week for battery change, stream clean and reseal which cost £55. Also about every third battery change the watch needs to be serviced which was £320 when I last had it done, it came back looking like brand new . I really love my watch and wear it every day, so don't mind the expense.

Perfectly normal.

They send it back to the manufacturer, it’s serviced, cleaned and checked.

Yep. Took my husbands watch in for a new battery, £130! It was away for two weeks.

Having worked at an Omega stockist, I can tell you that Omega changed their rules of who they will send out the spare parts for servicing and battery replacement - you must have the seals replaced when you have a new battery or steam/sweat can get in and ruin the movement. After they changed the rules, only watchmakers with the proper service level agreement and a ton of expensive equipment could carry on doing the battery change which is why your previous place has to now send the watch back to Omega.

If you're in London Selfridges will do it on site, or go to a jewellery shop with an actual jeweller on site.

It's nonsense. Take it to an actual jewellers.

Exact same batteries that Omega use. Resealing. £10.

Your watch doesn't NEED a service unless it's not functioning properly. Don't pay through the nose for no reason.

It's nonsense. Take it to an actual jewellers.

And next time your watch needs service or a repair you will have lost the warranty because they will know it's been done by an unauthorised dealer.

There is actually no way at all for them to tell who changed a battery if you're using a reputable jeweller.

Also you're assuming that people wanting watch repairs would send it back to the manafacturer at the cost of £££££.

I, like many other watch enthusiasts, use my own watchmaker who is far more reasonable. Given that most of my watches are vintage there is no such thing as a 'warranty' anyway.

I have Chanel, Omega, Rolex and Breitling watches... all of them in perfect condition and refurbed by an independent watchmaker. The most expensive service was £200 and the general price for a service is between £50 and £80.

If you’re in London there is someone in the basement of Bond St station that changes batteries on all the expensive watches and reseals them there and then.