Thanks to this forum I now own my first vintage Omega but all of my local “watchmakers” are really battery changes. I have found one on the Internet that is mentioned in the forums and also sale adverts. Their website seems to have a lot of work but it seems one mans hero is another mans villain. Would anyone be willing to point me in the direction of someone they use in the UK? I have a 1940’s Longines I would like serviced but it belonged to my father in law so for sentimental reasons would like it cared for. Thanks all.
Simon Freese who used to work for STS but has now set up on his own. http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/
I have also used and would recommend Richard Askham (thewatchspotblog), he did a great job on servicing a Zenith automatic and Nivada depthmaster for me.
Steve at Rytetime in Leicestershire is very reasonably priced has serviced some of my “lesser Omegas” over the past 7 yrs or so - great work done, no afiliation, just a happy punter
He isn't working day to day now and only doing odd bits for regulars. He sold his day to day business on to another party whose name escapes me so be aware that if you use Ryte Time you may not get Steve any more.
I've had excellent experience with STS (including Simon Freese) and Geoff Allnutt in Midhurst (http://www.littlecogs.com/). It depends on where you are in the UK. Whoever you choose I would always recommend taking the watch in yourself and chatting about what you want done and what the watchmaker recommends. It gives you a chance to see the setup, the facilities and spares they have and get a feel for the people you are dealing with.
Ive always used a guy called Joel (TicToc Man) in Hatton garden. He used to work for Cartier and has been the go to man for me and everyone else in and around Hatton garden for decades. He is trustworthy and good but increasingly popular so hasn’t got the quick turnaround time he had years back
Just got my watches serviced at watchguy, highly recommended https://omegaforums.net/threads/zenith-back-from-service-at-watchguy-uk.79701/#post-1018187
I’ve used Cyril Jennings at the watch service centre in Leyland he is very good in my experience (on vintage Omega watches) and is also accredited for Longines
Another vote for @ChrisN at https://cjnwatch.co.uk/ who is also a forum member. His attention to detail has far exceeded what I have experienced with some other watchmakers.