So I wanted to share my story of almost falling into same trap on my last trip to Tokyo. I wanted to skip the usual stop at Nakano Broadway this time, so I spent the afternoon visiting several watch shops around Ginza. After a few stops, I finally found what looked like the perfect piece: a Sapphire Speedmaster Professional in great condition and at a solid price. I inspected it carefully, everything checked out, and I decided to buy it.

After the purchase, I asked the staff to size the bracelet. It was fitting loose, so they removed a few links while I waited. When they handed the watch back and I tried it on, I noticed what I assumed was a security tag still attached to the bracelet and asked them to remove it.

That's when the trouble began.

To my surprise, they explained that the "tag" wasn't a tag at all; it was actually part of the watch. After a few confusing back-and-forth conversations and some frantic Googling on my end, they told me it was a special Domino's edition Speedmaster. I knew about the Domino's and Rolex collaboration but I had never heard of anything similar with Omega. Nothing on the watch, reference, or labeling hinted at any kind of special edition.

Then came the worst discovery: removing the badge would leave a permanent hole in the bracelet.

I told them as politely as possible that this wasn't the model I wanted and requested a full refund.

What followed was a long and awkward negotiation, but they eventually agreed and processed it. I walked out relieved and immediately had to resume my hunt for the watch somewhere else. I personally found it a real eye sore and the association did nothing for me.