The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Tuesday I ordered the Omega Deville Co-axial Chronoscope GMT. It was supposed to arrive Thursday, but didn't. Today for sure. I received a panicked call form my AD this AM advising Omega would NOT send the watch.

As most know Omega increased prIces across the board for 2010. At the same time they eliminated many ADs. As a result, in the US at least, they are putting pressure on the remaining ADs to increase display case access. At most ADs this would obviously result in another brand taking a hit. Omega told my AD this AM they would not ship the watch unless the AD committed to increase display room from 2 to 3 cases. In short, Omega made a power play against the AD by taking me, a customer, and my watch, paid for, HOSTAGE.

I finished a work meeting, called the AD, said "get the coffee going, make it strong, and have 5 advil ready, I'm coming in." Sure enough they did. And the owner - whom I had never met - showed up on his day off to personally explain what Omega was trying to do. He was LIVID. He told me I should tell Omega to shove it and keep their watch. I told him he should tell Omega to shove it. And that's what we both did. The owner (I will not mention the particular AD) called and emailed the Omega rep and insisted all remaining stock be out by 5PM Monday or it would be left on the curb. (this watch/jeweler has been around forever and is not reliant on Omega)

It's obvious what Omega was trying to do - get me pissed at the AD since I was one of their more frequent purchasers. But it back fired. OMEGA - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?

In the end we discussed possible brands to replace the 2 soon to be vacant Omega cases - being self centered I suggested JLC, IWC, or this company whose name on one can pronounce- Breguet (Ha!). In the end we had a lovely time and best of all I left with a Zenith Grande El Primero LE on a really nice matte chocolate croco/deployment. For the same price as the Omega even though the Zenith cost $1400 more. All in all an interesting day. And I've never had an open dial before.

I will never - ever buy an Omega product again. Using a customer as leverage in a power play with a major AD is despicable IMO. And it bespeaks a corporate policy that simply reeks.

I'm at work so some pics later. OMEGA - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!?!?!?!

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SHARKMAN

Can't go wrong w Zenith!! Major congrats!!

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a few Pams...

Wow Sharkman...that is some story. I am shocked that Omega would not have told them this prior to them placing an order for a watch...real classy on their part. Thanks for sharing your horror story. I was actually intereted in a couple of Omega watches, but I am going to have to rethink after reading this.

I'm glad it worked out in your favor at the end!!

Question...

What's the address of the AD so I can go grab those Omegas off of the curb.

Seriously...sorry to hear about that...that su@l$... Just when you were becoming a big Omega supporter they pull this crap. Terrible decision on their part....I won't buy that PO now just to show my support.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

Omega do seem to be getting rather arrogant lately, a stange economy for that too.

Zenith make some incredible watches - I think you ended up with the better product.

I really liked the look of the Chronoscope with the brown dial/dark brown-black sub dials - more so than the Chronomaster. But the Chronomaster is a fine looking dress watch and let's face it - it has an amazing engine. I have the 40th Anniversary (of the 1/10th second chronograph)with the multi stripe down the right side and brushed SS/cream dial. Watching that 36,000 bph chrono second hand is pretty cool. Makes me want to see that Breguet Type XXII even more. 72,000!

Does Omega think they should just push another brand aside? Plus a significant price increase. Evidently Omega has been bickering with this AD and many others- pulling their brand from quite a few- over this very issue - more display space.

I can't ever imagine something like this with BUSA.

It was an odd day indeed. But a reliable AD came through - many I suspect would have shined me on for a few days. It was nice to see an owner with brass ones in action. He didn't even blink. I hope to never see him across a poker table in Vegas!

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SHARKMAN

I'd pick Zenith over Omega any day. Omega continues to play hardball with their dealers, and now the battle is spilling over to their customers?? It's like they haven't realized that there are a zillion other brands out there gradually chipping away at their market share.

///M

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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." --Dave Barry

My AD had a whopping 4 watches in their lonely case in the back of the store.

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UN Maxi Marine Ti
B01, BEB
SOH
Aerospace Ti
Chrono SO
Omega 300 Master Co-Axial Chro
Omega PO Chrono.
AP ROO Diver
Titan Black Rolex DSOD Honeycomb Dial

That's a crazy situation, and a crazy thing for Omega to do - with-holding a watch that a customer has paid for for political reasons! Unbelievable. Well at least they got their just desserts there, and I agree with the others that you definitely got a better watch as a result.

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Great story what a bunch of wa***rs, at least you've scored by the looks of it!

Cheers

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Currently:
Avenger Skyland(Black)
Super Avenger(White)

Moved on:
Montbrillant Legende(Silver)
Panerai 312
SOHC 125th Ann. LE(Silver)
Navitimer World(Pearl)
Panerai 441

Holy shit! That's unthinkable. Really, what were they thinking? Why on earth would you not just give Omega the finger, and buy another watch? ...which is exactly what happened!



Pics!

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[Witty signature here]

And the final act was today. I received this email from my AD rep -

>>>>I thought you would like to know, the boss fired Omega today. He is considering replacing it with IWC. Have a nice evening, Rebecca<<<<


I....W....C....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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SHARKMAN

One quick question...I know Omega was obviously using an Ad's customers as leverage but how did Omega know they were holding "hostage" one of the ad's best customers? Was Omega shipping directly to you? Just curious.

Glad it was all sorted out. You won in the end. I have heard different things through the years that have made me hate Omega honestly.

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SA-Baton White Dial/ProII
Tissot Le Locle

Omega didn't know me from Adam. I ssumed they did in the heat of the moment. I had bought a Speedy and Seamaster but they really don't track purchaser names because they simply use the card for warranty.

But 2 whole cases of IWCs right next to 3 cases of Breitlings has me

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SHARKMAN

Sounds like the AD's decision to switch to IWC is going to be costly for you...