The Tag Heuer has gone… but you have met a truly honest man, and today…that's a gift. Cheers from Chile and waiting for your new review !!!

Interesting story. I sent my Monaco Gulf to Tag to do a full service, the watch just suddenly stopped working so had to be repaired. The watch was in mint unused condition and after 3 months with Tag I received in back and the case was completely bashed up, scratched etc, even had chunks out of the lugs and off the corners of the case. It had the correct caseback with serial number. It was quite unbelieveable. My only theory is they mixed my watch case up with another in the workshop. Luckily I had taken detailed date stamped photos of the watch before sending it to Tag. So glad I did as at first Tag said I would need to pay to recase the watch. They soon changed their mind when I sent the photo's to them. Moral is always take detailed photo's before sending in for a service etc.

It’s not always sunshine and roses in the hobby, and I for one always appreciate when you share the cloudy days and weeds that are sure to come along. This one has a lemons to lemonade ending, and I can’t wait to see what Omega caught your eye and tested your resolve!

Hey Pete, sorry about the trouble, but huge kudos to the gentleman who sold you his Tag for being so honest and having such high integrity 👍 And you could not exercise some self control and ended up buying another Omega right away 😂Well, that's awesome and well deserved my friend. Dying to see what you got! Enjoy it and have a wonderful week brother. All the best.

Production quality is excellent. This channel will go far

Revisiting this this channel after about a year, I must say this quality of the channel has improved dramatically, keep up the good work mate.

Major respect to the seller of the watch! Very surprised that this scratch did not show up under different conditions before. What a shame.

Tag Heuer should just fix it free if charge for your seller, regardless of the guarantee situation and assuming there are no signs of anything untoward on the watch. I had my Omega serviced a couple of years back and recently all the screws fell out of the case back, despite the only occasional use of the watch and careful storage. Omega did not quibble for a moment and just took it back, checked it and fixed it free of charge. I hope that is the outcome in this case 👍

Regrettably this happens even with 'new' watches. I've had a Longines from their online store and another from a famous Webzine that was a Rado, the first had a scratch on the bracelet under the plastic, and the second had a metal fleck on the dial. That was the last time I bought online for more than a few hundred dollars, otherwise I was getting to the point of not wanting to even look too closely after buying new watches for fear of disappointment. I've got a loupe that I take into the watch shop now before we seal the deal.

I bought a Glycine Combat Sub, did a quick look over in the store for alignment and was happy. Got it home, unwrapped it, and then saw a sizable nick on the lug that was covered by plastic... Easy swap though, so no harm done! Lesson learned, can't assume it'll be perfect even when purchasing from a brick and mortar.

Love your contents, just so real and no fluff. I want to see that Omega, in the market for one and curious to see what pigued your interest this time.

Oh no Pete 🙈 I’m absolutely gutted for you as I know how much you love that Monaco and for exactly the same reasons as me. Don’t give up on it mate get that one back or another one and you won’t regret it. Thanks for sharing, painful as it was 👍💙😊

Happened to me twice with the same watch- an Avi-8. Got it with rust on the top of the dial. I sent it back to them. Got a new one, opened it and behold! Two scratches on one of the lugs.. so disappointing. I got a refund, the watch is mine, it did cost me shipping plus customs 70$. The hole experience with their costumer service was not so positive, unfortunately. It happened to me also with a purchase from Long Island Watches- best customer service ever!!!! They are so honest and fair! I wish every brand would have that kind of service and attitude.

Oh mate, that's such a shame. It's such a beautiful piece. Fair play to the seller for giving you your money back. Hopefully you can pick another one up later.

I also had a similar experience... with a nearly 30 yo Sector no Limits 1000 diving team, the crystal was heavily scratched, he used it for diving so I wasn't surprised but I wasn't aware of it😬 plus it was my 18yo birthday present 😅 so I'm very attached to this timepiece. Problem is, even as a watchmaker (apprentice at the time) I don't know how to repair a sapphire lol and you can't use a standard one to replace the original 😬 it's specific to this model and the brand doesn't exist anymore (in fact yes they exist but now they produce made in china, so good luck to have parts) Fortunately, an original crystal pops up on ebay like a week after and the seller paid it for me (what a gentleman) Now the watch looks brand new!

Hi Peter, as an avid follower of your channel I admire that your reviews are honest and clearly come from the heart. Some time ago just as I was considering a Monaco for myself I saw your review that ultimately held me back from a purchase among other concerns with the Monaco. First, even though they are only 39mm they wear so large even for my 62mm wide wrist. My friend a few months ago I was still feeling an itch for a Monaco so I searched on Chrono 24. To my pleasant I found a Monaco that sounded perfect for me. It is the black dialed Monaco cs2111 that was a reissue in 1998. It is only 38mm so it fits like a glove, it is all black so that it can be a dress watch and the price was well under $3000. I feel like I found a real nugget to the point that my Omegas, Tudors, GSs, etc are getting a long rest. Plus it came serviced with box and papers. I hope that perhaps some day you reconsider and find your Monaco. Best wishes😊

What an absolute star that seller was,how very trusting of him.

I don’t think this kind of shoddy service is isolated to TAG Heuer - I had a disastrous experience with Omega’s service centre. Took them 5 attempts and 13 months to correctly service my quartz (!) Seamaster. Utterly laughable. I only use quality independents now…

"Can I hold off? Can I hold off?" 😆 Classic! Hope you enjoy that great new Omega. Already can't wait to see your review.

I was cracking up when you said, “I bought this,” and showed the box! 😂Burnin’ a hole in your pocket! Look forward to seeing that piece. Sorry about the Tag…it was a beauty. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to repurchase.

Cheers to the original owner who refunded your money... there still are good people out there. Looking forward to you Omega review.

I was looking at a brand new one of these this morning. Nice watch.

You can see the scratch without the sunlight, the seller must have known and thought I need to get rid.

The TAG out of the door, thr Omega in instead, can't wait to see what you got! 😄

A good cautionary reminder for us all to be sure and triple-check grey market pieces. Also, it'd be good to know specifically what *are* the likely causes of a dry movement (aside from a diet devoid of fruits and veggies)?

Worked out as well as one might hope in such a situation. It's what always stops me from the savings available in the pre-owned market, but, can happen with a new buy, as well, no matter the price. Lol, nice to see your didn't wait on spending the refund. That's sometimes the way of it, and congrats on the Omega!

I laughed out loud when you bought the omega 😂 I don’t think I could have waited either

Absolute bummer Peter! 😞 Hopefully everything will work out mate.🤞🏻

Good video, Good information , I had a situation where i purchase a chrono graph watch off of ebay, and one of the Pusher came off, i put in a claim well with in 30 days i believe. I end losing the dispute, I ending up have the watch repaired my self, once the repair was done, I just sold it. I did take a lose, but life goes on.

These errors hapen everywhere. I had my Breitling Chronomat serviced and had to return it 5 times with issues. One of the issues was the same as your TAG, they have made a scratch on the dial.

Happy ending!! But start saving to buy that Tag Heuer Monaco back!! That watch is a complete beauty!!!

Sorry to hear Peter. Put the SLA on, I'm sure you will feel better! Blessings. Edit: Peter!!! .. congrats on the Omega.

Can't believe you caved and bought a new watch 🤣 excited to see what it is though

Crazy that the service pros at Tag Heuer didn't care to check the clearance before turning the crown. I am an ameture watch modder and every time I place a hand, I check and adjust the clearance to ensure they're parallel to the dial! Lucky for you that the seller owned up and refunded. I imagine it is much rare to have such an experience. Sometimes, people would sell the watch because they know what the issue is and may not disclose it. Kudos to the seller!

That's too bad about the Monaco watch Pete. It's a gorgeous watch. And now you got me all jazzed up about your new Omega purchase! Was hoping we could get a peek.🤣 I guess I'll just have to wait until next time? I do kinda hope you go back and get the Tag too...

Pete just hooked everyone up with the OMEGA….so looking forward to check what he got 😂

This is why so many Watch KZfaq channels advise people to not service watches until they stop working.

Dude, so sorry to hear this. You must be crushed. Glad the previous owner was a gent. Sorry to hear Tag has fallen so fsr.

What a shame. Such a beautiful watch. One l hope to eventually acquire, maybe...

Maybe someone should do a video ranking service departments from different watch brands. I think this is where "lesser" brands will tend to fall short.

Ah Peter, I see this now. Bought a Gulf Edition Monaco in 2019. Worked perfectly, looked beautiful and was delighted with it. Had it serviced in 2022 and asked for the strap to be replaced. Got the watch back 3 months later. And they installed the incorrect strap for the Gulf Edition, not the navy blue with orange stitching but all black with black stitching. Anyway that was quickly rectified by them and a new strap sent out. But my issue is now the Monaco is not keeping time accurately at all and is intermittently stopping. So, it is going back to Tag ASAP to be looked at. This video doesn't give me much confidence in their maintenance/repair dept.

That's awful that Tag could F up a Monaco so badly. That said props to the seller for refunding you and dealing with the issue. That's the kind of person I'd gladly do business with again if the opportunity arose. Don't blame you for buying that Omega though if you had a chance to get something you really wanted

You really have to be on top of these watch problems. I was at an AD looking at an Omega Speedmaster. The ceramic bezel had a visible crack at 12 o'clock. When I pointed this out to the sales clerks they did not seem that shocked. Imagine anyone who had bought the watch would then have to go through sending the watch back and chance other problems.

I remember watching your original video about the Tag and how pleased you were with it. Glad the seller was a “Gent”. Similar but not directly related story. I purchased a Longines Spirit Chrono new from an AD here in UK in March. After only a few weeks the Chronograph failed, clearly faulty. I returned it to the AD and insisted that they replace it. I really was getting nowhere fast with the AD (we’re talking 5/6 weeks) and had had enough. I contacted some of the reviewers I know who have You Tube channels as well as contacting Longines direct and a replacement watch followed quickly. My point being, it shouldn’t be this way with AD’s!

As a professional watchmaker here, this is not surprise it's needs a overhaul service and not a standard service. As you said the movement is running dry, that's mean the synthetic lubrication has evaporated completely, no lubrication left behind in the watch, usually synthetic lubrication has evaporate after seven years, once that happen, it no longer protects the parts inside the watch, the watch can run perfectly and keeping great time and until it stop due to heavily worn and damaged, that means parts needs to replace, this is a very expensive overhaul service. This is very common for many Rolex and omega as well. Through out the history of watchmaking, we went from natural oil to synthetic oil. Meanwhile synthetic oil is great because of lifespan of 7 years, great velocity in it as well but it's dangerous to the watch once it's starts to evaporate, you have no real telling when it's needs a full service, this is why it's very important to have a service record but on other hand you have natural oil and they are great but lifespan last around 5 years before oil gummed and become sticky and will stop the watch completely or losing time accuracy, and this is great because it will prevent wear and tear and it tells you it need for a standard service. which is will a lot cheaper than overhaul service. Two rules I will give you Rule 1 When you buy modern or vintage watches and it doesn't have record history of service, send your watch service guy to find out. Just because the watch is running great and timekeeping great, that's doesn't mean lubrication is exist inside the watch. Rule 2 Always stick to rule 1 if you want to avoid expensive overhaul service. Hope this helps.

it's one of the few modern ones that is good. you are an Omega man!

Cheers to your seller, well done everybody. Since I am on the fence for a Monaco (but Calibre 11) and love Omega I cant wait for your next video. From the white box it must be a red faux leather box inside, indicating something from the used market around mid of 2000's?

Props to the seller! Unfortunate, a very cool watch.

Tag Heuer, ladies and gentlemen.

I'm really glad it all worked out Peter. It's unfortunate you had to let the Tag go but thankfully you were dealing with a gentleman. Your will power on the other hand, mmm, not so great 🤣. Looking forward to seeing the new addition.

Many watch manufacturers have the same issue when it comes time to send your watch in for a service. But given how much they charge to service a watch, figured the experience would be better.

I have the same Monaco watch with the new movement. It's awesome get the new version 😀

I’ll always remember this watch as the walter white watch, the scene where he’s looking at it while people are being assasinated is just iconic

I watched a video review of a gentleman who purchased a brand new silver Tudor BB58 who noticed issues with the watch not keeping accurate time so he sent it back for repair. Long story short, it came back damaged. It had various tool marks all over the watch. Presumably because it’s a softer, silver material and they were probably using the tooling for the SS model. Seems these repair facilities from multiple brands are sloppy.

My experience…. Many years ago after repair service My Tag watch came back 6 month later without serial number on the back case. Happened here in Western Australia. I found this issue when I was on my holiday in Seoul Korea. So I visited Tag AD in Seoul KOREA they fixed the issue (replaced the back case with the serial number) only took “3 days” for the whole process. Tag need to improve their service. I heard that main was sent to SouthEast Asia for the service.

Bloody shame, but total respect to the buyer. You will own it again...hopefully for a lot longer next time!

Wow that sucks !! You loved that watch

I heard from a very reputable watch repairer in Sydney CBD that watch winders are no good and cause excessive usage of parts inside the piece.

Be very careful sending newly bought watches when sending them back for their guarantee service. When I bought my IWC Mk XV new from a prestigious dealership, the watch was working perfectly, however it was sent interstate to be 'guarantee serviced'. It arrived back and it ran badly, kept very poor time and on complaining about this I was told that the watch was checked and it needed an overhaul costing @ $800! I complained about this, but to no avail. After several attempt to get it fixed locally it was eventually found that the watch when opened up had fragments of crystal inside which was not original. The watch when open and that includes the Faraday Cage inside, the glass fragment must have been introduced then. The watch was repaired locally and is still keeping good time.I mentioned this to my hand specialist as he had just bought a new IWC Portuguese watch and he now uses the repairer in the Adelaide Arcade to check out and service it as required. So, caveat emptor at all times.

You had better not be too long with the Omega showing, Pete, as that is a real teaser - I can't wait to see what it is you picked up.

Unfortunate, but, hey, at least u were lucky enough to buy from a seller who has some class and manned up to taking care of a sold product that had a defect/damage. I've only had a couple of instances, watch related, where the seller did their best to take care of my dissatisfaction and either remedied the situation or refunded me and allowed me to keep a couple of items he had sent during the time to resolve a QC isse which he ultimately could not resolve as some compensation for my time and trouble with the purchased item that had issues.

Old mate sold you that watch is a legend. One of us should buy that watch back from him if you don’t mate.

Off topic…what rubber watch strap did you have on the Monaco? It looks nice!

This is the reason why I never buy second hands. If its a watch thats currently in production, I just wheel and deal with the AD buy new. The potential headaches are not worth the savings!

I have let serviced 2 watches in my life. Don't wanna tell the brands. In both occasions scratches were made 1x caseback, 1x dial. Both fixed after mentioning. Lesson learned: inspect and take pictures of your watch before sending it for service. Service of a lot of brands is done by a local authorized watchmaker and not at the factory. So be suspicious after a service...

I just watched this video and it reminded me of my experience with Tag service. I asked my local Tag dealer to send in my Link Quartz chronograph for a battery replacement. They sent it to the official Tag service center. They later contacted me that the watch needed a complete service. I agreed to the service. When I received it back from the service it was losing a couple minutes per day and one of the chronograph dials was not resetting to zero. I contacted Tag directly and they asked me to send it directly to the service center. When I received it after the second service everything looked good. But a few months later I was having the same problem with the chronograph dial. I sent it back for another service. I have it now and it is working fine except for the fact that the date turns over around 2330 hours. I can live with it but I is disappointing that after a Tag authorized service the watch was not perfect. I purchased the watch in 2002 and i never had any problems with the watch until it was serviced by the Tag authorized service center.

So many problems with watches in the second hand market if not bought correctly. Can't be considered an isolated incident. Unfortunately it's not uncommon with any brand when used and abused. Better buying from official partners.

Honesty is a rare thing these days.

Such a nice watch

My TAG was also butchered by TAG service centre. It put me off the brand because of that experience.

Sad reflection on TAG's service. I sent my Breitling back for service. After a year the automatic works stopped winding the watch. Sad.

Hi Peter, as a fellow Aussie. Where do you recommend I buy pre-owned watches? Also, what sellers on eBay do you recommend?

The seller shouldnt have to pay for a scratch that was put their by the service department.Raise a case with Tag to fix it!

I bought my first Tag Heuer a Red Bull special edition on Aug 1st 2022. Aug 16th after only wearing it a couple hours it just stopped working. I had to unscrew the crown and jump start it again by pulling it all the way out. That's unacceptable for a new watch.

Well not surprised. I would stay away from tag and omega. Worst experiences ever and bought from the boutiques. Normally I buy online and if I change my mind or there is something wrong, I just send it back. But to deal with actual retail stores is a nightmare sometimes esp when you get a buyer remorse

Unfortunately I had a similar experience. Tag Huer aftermarket service is appalling. My Tag watch after 2 years packed in. Returned it back to Tag and they said I needed a replacement movement!!?? Tag wanted to charge me for new movement because the warranty was two weeks over the expiry date. I argued that the movement was not fit for purpose and they reluctantly fixed it for free. When I got it back I immediately sold it and would never go near Tag watches again. Enough said!

Dam shame Peter such a lovely watch but all said you can’t go wrong with Omega If you want a retro race watch check out the one Accurist do in the blue. Less than £120

many years ago tag watches were very ordinary low cost watches. The marketting boys got involved and a huge price hike was on the cards for the same watches with plenty of celebs sporting them same watch same movement but new high price and they aea now selling well

Feel bad for the seller but glad you werent stuck with the bill, I once got burnt on a used seiko which was a valuable learning experience not to use gumtree!

this really shouldn't happen after a full service from TAG Heuer...my feeling is that TAG's glory days are over...I've also had bad experiences with a TAG Heuer Carrera. I bought a brand new model, but when I got home I noticed that there were dust particles on the dial. So I sent it to TAG's service center and it came back but the glass wasn't fitted properly on the watch. So I had to send it back a second time. Then another story was that I ordered a TAG Heuer Autavia Isograph... but after two weeks they told me they no longer produce the Isograph technology - but it was a brand new line... I've never had an Isograph since seen. .seems it had some manufacturing issues. So for me: I'm no longer interested in the brand

You've got it bad Pete. 😁

A timely lesson for all, and my heart goes out for the original owner. Tag should do the right thing by this person. There is no 2 ways about it.

I had to send my tag heuer back twice because the service was useless. It hadn't been serviced in some years and the date was sticking a bit when changing it manually. Came back not fixed. I had to send it off again. I think it was 7 weeks in total. Ever since lvmh bought tag heuer service has been going downhill. Went from people who specialise in tag heuer to a big service centre that looks after multiple brands. I'll never buy another tag heuer. I'd rather buy a Seiko, if they can't fix your watch they'll give you a discount on a new one.

Yep TAG service scratched the dial of my Carrera. No where near this bad though. Just a small mark on the corner of one of the sub dials. They also pinched the original tritium hands and replaced them with new luminova ones. Now they actually glow which is handy but they put small kinks on the edges where they must have picked them up with the tweezers. Didn’t send me the old ones back either.

A very nice gentlemen to refund your money. An absolute shame that went past QC from Tag Service. Congrats on the Omega, also what is in your SOTC now?

it's like buying a used sports car....never know what the original owner did with it before he or she sold it to you.

Watch on a winder running will wear the watch out. 💯

That is why, because of my OCD, I prefer to stay with quartz so that I do not have to send it in for a service or repair. Nowadays people are just not careful enough anymore and I for one have a huge issue with that kind of "sloppy I don't care" culture.

I had a limited edition Ball i picked up brand new from an AD and it had to go to service 3 times. The tritium tube on the second hand kept hitting the crystal and the power reserve. There wasn't enough clearance under the crystal for all hands to overlap. Long story short thet took out the tritium tube on the seconds hand and filled it with lume.

Hi Peter sorry about the watch, surprised you didn't notice it or the seller ? I've purchased all my watches preowned on eBay and never had a problem. I am careful of whom I buy from though. At least the seller was good about it. How many watches you got now , enough to fill a museum, lol.

Two hands… never seen that before

Hey Peter, Im from Australia too. Have you ever tried to purchase an exotic leather strap before? For example Ostrich Leather? I've read that apparently it might be taken by customs. Any difficulties?

Sounds like a good bloke, sorry to hear it will cost him for the new dial ☹️. It isn't unusual service centres ruining watches. Rolex service centre took my watch in, and told me the hands and dial were marked, I pointed out that they were the only people to work on it from new, so if there were marks, they made them. His face was a picture, but they also bodged the case polishing and the rotor fell off after three years..........

I had my Monaco serviced by tag and got it back and the date wheel was not lined up, it did not keep time and the chronograph hand fell off - I was not happy and contacted the MD of tag UK and they sent me a brand new one , so strayed as bad service and ended up being good - it’s due a service again and I am going to leave it after my experience

Buying new is also risky. Got a Seiko Turtle 4 years ago from a licensed dealer in Brisbane. Stopped working on the first day! Took it back, they replaced it then and there. Replacement watch a week later and the rotating bezel seized up. Sent it back, waited two weeks and got it back. Loses about two minutes a day! They started treating me like I was the problem not the watch. Told them to shove it and the watch sits in its box never getting any use now. Never buy a Seiko!!!!!

Tag needs to remove all reference of the Tag branding from their watches; that includes anything on the back of the watch, on the movement etc.

That’s a shame for the guy who purchased it and never noticed. Tag Heuer ripped him off and they knew it. No way this escaped their final inspection considering they are looking for dust that could get under the crystal during reassembly. The highlight here though is that there are decent people, like the seller that gave you a full refund and didn’t give you a hard time. Good on him as that had to be a hard pill to swallow.

I do not personally have very high opinions of Tag to begin with, but this certainly does not help my image of them. Imo, their watches are grossly over priced to begin with. Which means I’d likely be less forgiving of a mistake like this coming directly from Tag’s own service. Glad the guy you bought from was reasonable and took responsibility for it. Maybe I’m unreasonable, but if I were him I’d expect Tag to take care of it whether the guarantee had run out or not since it was shoddy work from the get go.

With modern lubricants I wouldn't expect a movement to require a service for ten years

I stopped using watch winders and never had a problem. I try to wear my watches monthly. You can’t miss with an Omega.