Has anybody ordered from Thomas Preik recently?

Posts
210
Likes
123
Hi all,

I recently ordered a sapphire back from Thomas Preik (Custom Watch Concepts). It’s been over a week with no shipping update or order confirmation on his end. I tried emailing but got no response.

did he close up shop without updating the website?

thanks
 
Posts
30,523
Likes
36,105
In the past he has closed up and vanished for relatively long periods of time leading to people putting complaint reviews against him online. This was back in like 2014 so I wouldn’t be surprised if it still happens.

I get the feeling that he suffers a similar problem to many independent watchmakers in that he’s a great watchmaker and craftsman but a somewhat poor businessman and manager.
 
Posts
210
Likes
123
In the past he has closed up and vanished for relatively long periods of time leading to people putting complaint reviews against him online. This was back in like 2014 so I wouldn’t be surprised if it still happens.

I get the feeling that he suffers a similar problem to many independent watchmakers in that he’s a great watchmaker and craftsman but a somewhat poor businessman and manager.


Ah that makes more sense. I’ll give him so more time. He definitely makes a great product and there isn’t many other options in that price range.

appreciate the quick response!
 
Posts
210
Likes
123
I sent several emails to Thomas but no response…

I feel badly about going back to PayPal for a refund. I even tried giving his listed number a call. I’m sure he’s a nice guy but not sure what else to do.
 
Posts
30,523
Likes
36,105
I sent several emails to Thomas but no response…

I feel badly about going back to PayPal for a refund. I even tried giving his listed number a call. I’m sure he’s a nice guy but not sure what else to do.
Just paypal refund it, if you don’t have the item after making a significant effort to contact him you deserve your money back.
 
Posts
5,505
Likes
4,786
I always suggest contacting people first and getting a response before sending payment. I can understand people taking a breather once in a while but if money is received that's not acceptable to at least inform the payer you are either too busy or unable to fulfill the order.
 
Posts
5,348
Likes
9,093
I ordered 2 backs Friday. He got back to me the next day. I paid today. Shipment is Tuesday latest..... I use Bankwire , maybe that cuts out the PayPal chargeback crowd ....
 
Posts
526
Likes
1,368
I have mixed feelings.
I was wiriting messages to CWC a few times for a few months - no response. I was looking for a display caseback for my EXPII (newest version), also for my Speedy Tokyo 2020 limited.
Not too much to discuss about EXP, since it's just a standard product of Custom Watch Concepts, but I needed to talk about Tokyo 2020. Even though it looks like a standard previous version Moonwatch case, when I wanted to order the caseback from Spralwinder, they told me it would not fit on Tokyo and there is no alternative for the time being.
I have asked this several times to THomas, have not received any reply for months.
Then suddenly out of the blue - got an e-mail from Mr Preik. He was communicating to me clearly, that EXPII is a standard product, and Tokyo 2020 - he was not conscious about possible incompatibility. So he proposed, without asking, that when I order EXPII casebecack, he would send the Moonwatch one to me free of charge just to check if it fits. Anyway, from the moment he wrote me first e-mail we exchanged probably dozen of them in the space of 1-2 dayes, Firday & Saturday.
I placed an order for EXP II caseback and after just a few days I received TWO pieces - one for the Rolex, one for Omega.
Rolex fits absolutely perfect, and even though their movement is not any piece of art it looks very nice. Omega indeed did not fit perfectly (thread was OK, but there is some problem with thickness and something else), so I wanted to send it back, I am an honest man 😀
I wrote to Thomas asking where I whould send the caseback, also tried to explain the problem asking if he could make custom caseback for TOkyo (with a chance to sell a few more, since noone elese makes them), he's been silent for 3 weeks already.
So, Mr Thomas exists, company also makes the products, but communication sucks, unless you're lucky 😉
From the product point of view, I recommend CWC 100% though.
 
Posts
2,537
Likes
11,479
I also e-mailed him on previous occasions asking about the possibility for a custom caseback for an old Omega. Never heard anything so gave up. But the CWC caseback has been on my Speedy since 2015 and has never had any issue. Looks as good as new still.