As per the title I’m keen to know if anyone is aware of anyone doing good vintage bracelet repair in the UK. Thinking particularly of vintage Omega flat links as I have a 1035 incoming on a seamaster that appears stretched with some gaps on the reverse of the links.

Ideally I’d like to restore this to wearable standard.

I’ll contact Michael if required but I know there’s a good chance I’ll get hit with import charges on my own watch on the way back.

Thanks

 

The way it's supposed to work, you mark the customs form "For Repair" and you won't be charged any duties either direction.

I did that when I sent a Decca phonograph cartridge to John Wright some decades ago. Also same with a Parker pen sent to the factory in France for warranty just recently.

 

if it comes to it I’ll have to try that but I’ve had items marked ‘for return’ in the past and UK customs don’t care. Its automated for many carriers and they charge you anyway.

 

I hope there is an appeals process!

 

Not one I’ve successfully navigated.

 

Has anyone had a flat link restored by STS?

 

Simon Freese fixed one of my 7077s.

 

No idea why but it never occurred to me Simon might do it.
Thanks @Franco

 

Where is he located and how much does it cost aprox?

 

http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/

 

Simon doesn’t do bracelet restorations any more.

 

For flat link bracelet repairs, particularly if you are trying to address bracelet "stretch", and get the links nice and tight again, you need replacement flat link springs, which are hard to come by. You can't get them from Omega. One or two people do (or have) made them. You can try www.urvintage.se they may not be listed on the website but Roger does make them you just need to be patient if he doesn't have any in stock. I'm restoring a shagged out 1039 right now.

 

Id be interested in a thread detailing your experience restoring your 1039 @repoman.

 

Although you might be lucky, I'm not sure that this is technically correct for re-importing/re-exporting as far as the UK is concerned currently.

There are special procedures that will reduce VAT and duties such as Inward Processing, Outward Processing, Temporary Admission etc but I believe that all of these need you to apply for permission in advance (there are lots of forms to fill and hoops to jump through) and not just add a note to a package that you are sending.

 

I have done about 5 bracelets back and forth to Michael using the above mentioned “Watch Parts for Repair” technique and had no problems.

 

I have used Seth in the past to repair a 93150 Rolex bracelet and was very pleased with the result. Not the fastest turnaround though but he is UK based.

https://www.thewatchdealer.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=100