Omega Boutique

I enjoy the service and received when I went in there to get the band on my seamaster swapped out. The swatch group stores seem to be very cordial in contrast to the other watch boutiques in the galleria.

The name is F, James F. That has a nice ring to it even though I’m really not an international spy instead a ranch owner from Driftwood, TX. But me being a product of the 70’s and 80’s citing some kinship to the James Bond character in the movies had to have last year an Omega Seamaster circa the 90’s Pierce Brosnan area watch.
Forget me ever paying Galleria new prices, instead less than half of the original retail which is more my style. Still, I can walk into the Omega Boutique like a boss. The staff friendly and attentive to my needs. I was able to try on a lovely Seamaster Planet Ocean chrono with 3 carats of diamonds for the small price of 24K.
They cater to the wife as well. Her eyes leaning towards a jaw dropping 200k+ number covered in diamonds from bezel to bracelet. The staff reminds me of an old adage that one of my first retail bosses told me. Lead with the best; you never know despite appearance what anyone is worth.
Now, based on my review go buy your significant other something wild and crazy from this store. Or, I will touch a button on my watch and blow up your damn space station, volcano, flying command center, yacht, bunker, underwater fortress, island, or car your hiding in!

I’ve purchased a couple watches over the last year and a half, each experience being professional, courteous, and above all: satisfying.
About a month ago, I received an email from Nick Lesic at the Fashion Valley Boutique asking if I’d like to participate in an Omega sponsored marketing event. He told me they were looking for something in the marketing schedule which I might appreciate and enjoy.
What did they come up with? An all expenses paid trip to Houston, for myself and a guest, for a behind the scenes visit at the Johnson Space Center with emphasis on the long history of Omega Speedmaster Professional at NASA for support of the manned space missions.
Being an engineer and a Speedmaster fan, how could I refuse, even if it meant taking off a couple days in the middle of the week.
How was it? Incredible! All arrangements were made for us by Omega’s Kelly Peck. Now I know how the other half travels. We were chauffeured to the airport by private limousine, flown first class to Houston on United Airlines, chauffeured to the Houstonian, a 5 star hotel. Once there we were met by Omega’s regional manager Jenn and the local boutique manager: Heather McBride who entertained us, and the other handful of clients from around the country, in the Houstonian’s comfortable lounge with cocktails and appetizers. In our room, an Omega swag bag was waiting for us which contained some great items.
Later that evening, we were joined by Roland Coy-​Burt, the West Coast District Training Manager. I met Roy on a previous occasion at the San Diego Boutique when they were hosting a golf inspired event with special guest: Greg Norman.
We were all piled into a luxury van and shuttled to Tony’s restaurant where we were hosted in a private room. Joining us was David Cisco, a NASA Apollo Alumni who was a Lunar Module Spacecraft Technician and recipient of many honors including a «Snoopy» award whose recipients can only be nominated by the astronauts.
David probed us to determine what we were most interested in seeing and provided us with an overview of what we could expect (which was pretty much all you could ask). He had a special treat in store for us: a unique tour and examination of the specially modified 747 aircraft which was used to shuttle the Space Shuttles back and forth across the country.
David’s discussion was followed by a presentation by Roland: of the long history of the Omega Speedmaster at NASA.
All the while, we enjoyed a fabulous 4 course meal.
Then it was back to the Hotel for a good night’s rest so that we could get an early start at Johnson Space Center.
In the morning, an excellent breakfast was provided in the Houstonian’s main restaurant.
We were then shuttled to the Johnson Space Center where we were met by Dave and supplied with our actual «VIP» badges which would be necessary since we would be visiting areas normally off-​limits to visitors. Some of the highlights included the normal museum containing many of the actual space travel artifacts and vehicles.

We visited the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory where actual astronauts were undergoing training exercises a a massive pool containing Space Station sized structures.
We visited the previously mentioned 747, undergoing preparation for a new display, on the flight-​line, hosted by the responsible NASA project architect.
We visited the historic control room used for the moon landing and subsequent moon missions.
When we broke for lunch, I expected a museum cafeteria affair. Not for an Omega event. We were led to a private lounge area where we were treated to a first class Texas BBQ feast. During our meal, the NASA facility director dropped by to greet us and relate how important the Omega/​NASA relationship was.
After some free time to visit the museum we were then shuttled to the Houston Omega Boutique. I know what you’re thinking, because I was too: It’s payback time. I fully expected to experience a strong sales push.
Was I ever wrong. There were refreshments, plenty of staff to talk and show Omega, but no sales pitch or pressure.
We left for the airport in our chauffeured limousines, departing from the Boutique like old friends.
Perhaps this is as it should be since it felt like they and our fellow «VIPs» were old friends.
When we touched down in San Diego, a limousine was waiting for us. You know, the guy waiting in the baggage area, holding up the card with your name on it.
An unforgettable even. My thanks to Nick and Danielle at the Fashion Valley Boutique for making this experience possible for us.
If there was ever an example of the value beyond the product itself, when dealing with a luxury products boutique, this was it. I can’t assume this is the norm but it was certainly felt as if this was just par for the course at Omega.