Hi all, I'm looking for an independent watchmaker to service my mid-90s El Primero Rainbow Flyback in the USA. I will not pay the the factory service ransom cost. Crazy! If there's someone out there with good recommendations from the forum, let me know! Thanks!
I had a modern-ish EP serviced by the factory authorized place once. Can’t remember the cost exactly but it wasn’t outrageous. $750 maybe? If you don’t expect to need parts, any good watchmaker should be able to do it. People who service Rolexes will be particularly familiar with them because of the EP Daytonas. Of course if you need parts, and you might, that can be an issue.
California, but I don't mind shipping anywhere in the country. I just don't want to send it overseas.
In California, an A385 that I purchased in 2020 was serviced by the seller at LA Watchworks. I know they are very familiar with Zenith El Primeros. For full disclosure, while I have had no issues with my service, I have heard of others with a different experience with LAW. As stated by @Dan S above, any experienced watchmaker familiar with Rolex should be able to handle an EP. The issue is just sourcing parts, as Rolex has been cracking down on allowing independents from accessing EP parts through parts accounts. So, they will often have to be sourced through the secondary market, which usually isn’t a big deal. M
As a follow up, I have not heard of anyone on OF truly recommend an absolute “go-to” watchmaker for Zenith EPs, particularly vintage EPs. if other members have recommendations, I would be curious to hear them myself. Best! M
While it is 25 years old, it seems like a simple job. I mean it runs fine, so it's not like I need to send it to a vintage restoration specialist or anything. I just need a routine movement service.
I would try and find someone with a TAG Heuer parts account. The El Primero was extensively used by them as a "Caliber 36". They should be able to service it and source movement parts. The question is whether that is in breach of their account T&C's and if they would be willing to. I do hear that getting a TAG parts account is relatively easy compared to Rolex and Omega; and basically if you have either of those accounts LVMH are pretty much going to approve you. Having said all of that I think Zenith is also owned by LVMH so would think if you have an account for one you could get an account for the other. Would it be cheaper than a factory service? Not sure but hopefully it will point you in the right direction.
Tempvs Fvgit Homepage In Manhattan USA. They handle service and repair of complicated watches as well as the basic. Very reasonable prices and guaranteed work. They have unlimited access to hard to find parts for vintage watches. Contact them and see what they can do to help you out.