TeeJay Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 I might be buying a few straps, depending on how some new contracts work out, which would give me a little extra spending money, and thought I might as well get them from Ofrei. I've been through the site before, but never really paid too much heed to the FAQ instructions, and to be honest, didn't like what I read. Comments like "too busy to check inventory" and "Take your problems elsewhere" and "Get your watchman to order the specific part" made me wonder if they're actually worth dealing with at all. That's certainly not an attitude I've come to expect from American businesses, and certainly not one I'd expect from one that is an authorized Omega parts distributer. I know people here use them all the time, so just wanted to check on what they're actually like to do business with. Are their products worth dealing with that kind of attitude, or is it just as easy to look elsewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craytonic Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 I ordered from them once; I knew exactly what I wanted and had no problems placing a phone order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystalcranium Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 They are a decent supply house to deal with if you have your ducks in a row and know what you want. They are not an information service nor do they want to discuss what might work in what case etc. My guess is from most of their postings, they get lots of inquiries from replica upgrading people and they close the door on any of those discussions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 I might be buying a few straps [...] and thought I might as well get them from Ofrei i'm curious -- what straps (for what watches) are you looking to buy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 I concur with crystalcranium, if you know what you want and order on-line, no problem. But I've read about Ziggy's run ins w/ Bob Frei, the owner. You probably want to stay away from Bob! If you have some questions, or aren't sure what you need to order, you might do better with www.julesborel.com/. I've had good results from both of them, but I order on line and know what I'm looking for (most of the time!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rqthrottle Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 (edited) I ordered a bunch of beginners tools from Ofrei online a while ago, and it was a flawless transaction. He actually upgraded for free a few items that were out of stock. Regards, Edited May 11, 2007 by rqthrottle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted May 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 i'm curious -- what straps (for what watches) are you looking to buy? Two of these: One for my 2531.80 project watch, and one for an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronometer 2503.50 I'm planning on getting. I'm also planning on getting one of these: For an Omega Seamaster 2254.50 (which I'm also planning on getting) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltatahoe Posted May 11, 2007 Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 nice. fwiw, i've shopped around a bit, and i haven't found better genuine omega rubber strap prices than ofrei's... deltatahoe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted May 11, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2007 nice. fwiw, i've shopped around a bit, and i haven't found better genuine omega rubber strap prices than ofrei's... deltatahoe The prices are definitely good, I was just a tad concerned about the attitude displayed in the FAQ... By choice, I really want to order this strap for the Aqua Terra: But, the site says that they won't export them outside the US as it's an Exotic Animal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 I order pretty frequently from Ofrei and never had any real problems with Bob or anyone else in the company. But Bob Frei can be a bit unpredictable sometimes. I have had one very nice off-topic telephone conversation with Bob (he knew one of my relatives) and a couple of not so pleasant conversations (I do not think Bob is naturally a 'people person'). I have also received a couple of very strange emails from Bob where he ranted about his problems and things that had nothing to do with me. But as others have stated, as long as you know your part numbers and quantities and order by phone, you should be alright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdavis Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 In my experience, Ofrei people have been courteous and helpful. In fact, Bob even emailed me with his cell phone number if I needed any assistance from him. The advice to know what you are looking for is to be taken seriously. It is unfair to think that they have the time to figure out what you will need to solve a given problem and then search inventory and parts numbers. Be courteous and not demanding and they will return the same to you. You don't want to hear "no soup for you" As an alternative, you will find the Jules Borel web site is easier to navigate than Ofrei and their service is impeccable. They are good people! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krustybrand Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 I placed a sizable order with them last April ('06). Last I spoke to them, they were waiting for 2 of the items to arrive. I repeatedly told them to ship partial. Nothing ever arrived and they never contacted me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eNative Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 I visited their store a few months back. Not many knowledgeable people working the counter. Had to wait 20 minutes for someone to answer a bezel question. I would only go back if i knew exactly what i needed. ~E Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted May 12, 2007 Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 It's not just The Zigmeister who has had run-ins with Bob. There are numerous stories. He's flipped out on me once. I think, as one member once put it, Bob Frei is somewhat deranged..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted May 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2007 Thanks for all the replies, folks. Given the comments, I think I'll only go to ofrei when I need the rubber strap and buckle I linked to above. (and in a change of plan, it will be going on an Omega Speedmaster X-33 rather than the 2254.50 SMP) As for the other brown straps I was planning on getting, I actually found a shop in town today that sold a cheap Limit watch for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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