Service then store OR store then service?
Discussion
I've got a Omega SMP300 that's in perfect working order - It's 14 years old now and has been worn pretty regularly for the first 8 of them. I'm keeping the watch to give to my son when he's older (he's only currently 2) and I've got a 'free service' voucher from Swatch for a cock up early on in ownership so I'm not sure whether to service it, box it up and chuck it in the loft or wait to service it before I give it to him.
Thoughts from my experienced people?
Thoughts from my experienced people?
Normally I'd suggest storing as is then having it serviced when it's put back in use. Oils dry out and harden quicker in a non-running watch than in one that's working, so a service before laying up for a decade + will need doing again when it's woken up.
But is there any guarantee that they'll honour the voucher in 16 years time? If there's any doubt on that then you'd be better getting it serviced now and simply running the watch every few months for a day or two to keep it happy.
But is there any guarantee that they'll honour the voucher in 16 years time? If there's any doubt on that then you'd be better getting it serviced now and simply running the watch every few months for a day or two to keep it happy.
Agree with Vario.
Regardless of whether you have it done now, it will need doing when it comes out of storage. The big problem with having no (or dried out) oil is that the bearings wear, and that can't happen if the watch ain't running.
Good luck getting them to honour a sixteen year old voucher though.
Regardless of whether you have it done now, it will need doing when it comes out of storage. The big problem with having no (or dried out) oil is that the bearings wear, and that can't happen if the watch ain't running.
Good luck getting them to honour a sixteen year old voucher though.
Variomatic said:
Normally I'd suggest storing as is then having it serviced when it's put back in use. Oils dry out and harden quicker in a non-running watch than in one that's working, so a service before laying up for a decade + will need doing again when it's woken up.
But is there any guarantee that they'll honour the voucher in 16 years time? If there's any doubt on that then you'd be better getting it serviced now and simply running the watch every few months for a day or two to keep it happy.
Thanks. I know what you mean about honouring the voucher although I've just checked and it's pretty unambiguous, with no expiry date on it so I can't imagine they'd refuse it. But is there any guarantee that they'll honour the voucher in 16 years time? If there's any doubt on that then you'd be better getting it serviced now and simply running the watch every few months for a day or two to keep it happy.
I think I'll put it away then, with the voucher, and get it done just before I give it to him. Thanks V.
mikeveal said:
Agree with Vario.
Regardless of whether you have it done now, it will need doing when it comes out of storage. The big problem with having no (or dried out) oil is that the bearings wear, and that can't happen if the watch ain't running.
Good luck getting them to honour a sixteen year old voucher though.
Seems logical and has made my mind up. Regardless of whether you have it done now, it will need doing when it comes out of storage. The big problem with having no (or dried out) oil is that the bearings wear, and that can't happen if the watch ain't running.
Good luck getting them to honour a sixteen year old voucher though.
I've got nothing to lose by trying the voucher in 14 years or whatever as it'll be a wasted service if I use it now anyway.
I reckon they will be ok with it, they had to replace the movement in the watch originally and as an apology, issued the voucher. I've got all the paperwork to back it up.
Thanks.
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