Hi all: I have what I'm pretty sure is a 1956 Seamaster Calendar, given to me by my father. He bought it ~1957 on a US base in Morocco (more details if that would be helpful?).

This has been a very special piece for me, and I've been wearing it as much as possible. He had it cleaned and repaired in L.A. about 10 years ago, after it sat for 30 years in a drawer... at the time, the winding function had stopped working. When he gave it to me a couple years ago, it worked *but* never held a kinetic "charge" more than 24 hours.

In the last month, the stem will not click into the proper positions to set the time. So far as I know, the calendar function hasn't worked since he first put it away.

I'm hoping this is an easy fix, but I want to make sure I take it to someone I can trust -- would rather someone on the East Coast, in driving distance to DC!

Sorry I only have one photo right now, but I can provide more if they would be useful. I see nothing on the back of the watch, so I don't know if that was replaced at some point?

Thanks for any help you can provide!! I love this watch, and would like to continue wearing it.
Alyssa

PS: Wow, this photo is worse than I thought. I'll try to get a few better ones!!

 

Will send PM with a suggested repair shop in DC. As an FYI, most reputable watchmakers will likely insist on a full service for a watch that has gone 10 years without one. Someone could attempt a piece-meal repair, but it would be hard to give any type of warranty.

 

Hey! Lovely watch, I’ve never seen one before. I’m not trying to be rude but I can’t tell from your post, what are you asking for help on? Identifying the watch with more details or a recommended service shop / watchmaker?

 

Thanks! My i.d. of it is a guess from talking to him about the year and looking through the files; I thought someone might be able to correct me if I'm wrong.

Primarily I'm looking for the best place to take it for repair. I'm closest to Pittsburgh, but can get to DC or to Albany NY pretty easily -- someone just sent me a link to a vintage repair specialist in DC. Talking with Dad last night, he would prefer it wasn't mailed off for repair, though, so I'll need to find somewhere I can physically drop it off.

 

Thanks, Dan! I have no issues with paying for a full service on this, though apparently Dad would rather it didn't happen by mail. I'll be checking into dropping it off there.

(General addition to above: it does say "Seamaster" on the back, as visible in the last image. This watch got A LOT of wear, which is also obvious from that photo.)

 

Family pieces like these are priceless, and it's well worth the price of a full service with necessary repairs to keep it in good order for future generations. From your description, it sounds like the previous service may not have been really complete, since the power reserve was poor and the date function didn't work properly. It will be good to have everything set right.

 

There is a watchmaker in the underground mall at Crystal City near Arlington. I think he will do a full and respectable service to a vintage piece. Although I didn't service a watch with him I did end up buying a Hamilton Khaki Field and had nothing but a great experience.

I can't remember the store name for the life of me, if I find it I'll update you.

 

Thanks! Could it be TimeZone? They seem to have good reviews.

 

Well that's great info! I'm going to be right next to the underground on Saturday. If my kid cooperates I will take some time to go in and look.

 

I just found the shop... sorry for the late reply. It is called Real Jewelers, Inc. They also have great reviews:

https://yelp.to/qTKq/zVRrMNA533

 

Thank you!!

 

Most often, jewelry stores like this don't actually have an in-house watchmaker. They may be able to adjust a bracelet or even change a battery, but not usually anything more than that in the store itself. They will take your watch and send it somewhere unknown to you, and then charge a mark-up. So I would suggest asking them directly whether they have an expert watchmaker in house.

 

It's been a year since I visited the shop I linked, but if I remember correctly the guy that owns that shop is a watchmaker. I had a long conversation with him about vintage/collecting and he was very passionate about the hobby.

I could be wrong but he was very nice and knowledgeable so I have no qualms with recommending his store.

 

That's good to hear. Can't hurt to double-check though, since sometimes retail businesses change hands.