Community Stories

Approved watchmaker in Canada?

JimInOz
Posts
16,167
Likes
34,118
Just met one of my fellow cruise passengers who has a couple of watches in need of servicing and he feels that he's getting a raw deal from the store who wants to charge him $750.

Can anyone suggest a reputable watchmaker in western Canada (Alberta) or anywhere else, even Toronto or the east would be OK. @Canuck , any tips?

I know Al is very busy but I'll also pass his details on in case he can fit a job in.

Many thanks if anyone can help.
 
JimInOz
Posts
16,167
Likes
34,118
Now that I've done a good deed, I'm off to have a nice cold beer, temp here in Tournon is 86f/30c.

IMG_2437.JPG
 
kilofinal
Posts
371
Likes
382
I have dealt with Shane Ede of Toronto Watch Repair. Shane is highly recommended and extremely knowledgeable.
torontowatchrepair.ca
 
Archer
Posts
27,330
Likes
69,700
Since this is posted in the open forum, can you tell us what brand the watches are?

$750 may be a complete rip-off, completely reasonable, or very cheap depending on the watch and the scope of work involved...
 
JimInOz
Posts
16,167
Likes
34,118
Archer Archer
Since this is posted in the open forum, can you tell us what brand the watches are?

$750 may be a complete rip-off, completely reasonable, or very cheap depending on the watch and the scope of work involved...

The first one is a vintage Geneve, probably requires a service but not much info beyond that.
I think the second one is a Seamaster chrono, he said he pressed the wrong button and it seemed to lock up.

As we're in southern France and the subject watches are in Alberta I have to rely on his memory.

I just wanted to get some idea of watchmakers he could approach as he is one of the many people on the planet who have no idea about the things that are normal to us WIS types.

Here's a beer I had for you guys last night 😁.

IMG_2446.JPG
 
cicindela
Posts
15,048
Likes
24,012
Seems Iike I've also seen that same look on your face on a certain Scotsman when ever he is in France too. 😉
 
Archer
Posts
27,330
Likes
69,700
JimInOz JimInOz
The first one is a vintage Geneve, probably requires a service but not much info beyond that.
I think the second one is a Seamaster chrono, he said he pressed the wrong button and it seemed to lock up.

JimInOz JimInOz
Just met one of my fellow cruise passengers who has a couple of watches in need of servicing and he feels that he's getting a raw deal from the store who wants to charge him $750.

Is he suggesting that $750 is a raw deal to service 2 watches? If so, don't bother passing on my information. 😉
 
JimInOz
Posts
16,167
Likes
34,118
Archer Archer
Is he suggesting that $750 is a raw deal to service 2 watches? If so, don't bother passing on my information. 😉

Just the one watch Al (the chrono). As he's uneducated, I just want to point him in the right direction so he doesn't end up getting shafted and a sub-standard job.

I'm basically operating by remote control so all I can do is guide him to the source and let him make $ decisions.
 
oddboy
Posts
9,217
Likes
24,048
I've heard Prime Time in BC is good to work with, though I havent used them myself.
 
rkman11
Posts
1,706
Likes
5,681
Years back I had several good transactions with German Watchmaker in Vancouver.
(That’s the name of his company)
 
Archer
Posts
27,330
Likes
69,700
oddboy oddboy
I've heard Prime Time in BC is good to work with, though I havent used them myself.

Although to my knowledge I've not had a watch in my shop that has been serviced by this establishment, his watches, service, and attitude are not well regarded on the Canadian Watch Collector forums...unfortunately I can't link to the thread as you have to be a member to read it, but there are multiple reports of dissatisfaction with his service...one example:

"WARNING! I have used PrimeTime with very unhappy results. He broke my VC automatic and just dumped it back in my lap :-( "

Proceed with caution...
 
Canuck
Posts
14,116
Likes
40,586
In Vancouver, there is the firm founded by Otto Friedl (now deceased). Last I heard the business is now run by his daughter and son in law. Back in the day, Friedl had the repair franchise for many prominent Swiss Watch firms. Whether that is still the case, I don’t know. Might warrant some research. Or maybe someone can comment.
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

watchyouwant

Lemania 5100/Omega 1045 Service in Canada.....

watchyouwant Watchmaking
nicks
nicks
Posts
14
Views
1K
watchyouwant

Lemania 5100/Omega 1045 Service in Canada.....

watchyouwant Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
studeb
studeb
Posts
2
Views
734
bryanmanio

What shipper provides 5k insurance in Canada?

bryanmanio Open Discussion
X350 XJR
X350 XJR
Posts
16
Views
5K
bryanmanio

Speedy (3572.50) no longer working, looking for service in Canada.

bryanmanio Open Discussion
Cayohuesovespa
Cayohuesovespa
Posts
4
Views
696
J

Omega Boutique in Canada?

jxh57601206 Open Discussion
gemstar
gemstar
Posts
7
Views
2K
R

Looking for a watchmaker for a UG Polerouter 204612 in Toronto, Canada

ryancharles Universal Genève Watches
R
ryancharles
Posts
0
Views
786