Is it okay to ask.....

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There is value in having a good relationship with a B&M shop. It's good to have a place you can trust for service and repairs.
 
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There is value in having a good relationship with a B&M shop. It's good to have a place you can trust for service and repairs.
I can see that for new watches. But I've never seen the benefit of using a B&M shop for service or repairs of vintage watches. In my experience the best watch repair people work for themselves.
 
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I don't think there's much of an advantage to building a relationship with a B&M shop or dealer. You don't need a relationship to buy from them, that's what they do.

And honestly, collectors are sitting on the best watches. If you're willing to pay dealer pricing and you see a member post a watch you like, contact them by PM and call dibs or even ask if an offer would be ok. A strong offer can sometimes pull a watch out of a collector's hands. I'd much rather have relationships with other collectors than with dealers.
Indeed, I have sold several that way and declined several offers as well. The beauty of this forum.
 
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I can see that for new watches. But I've never seen the benefit of using a B&M shop for service or repairs of vintage watches. In my experience the best watch repair people work for themselves.
Could not agree more Dan - and I’d only use a watchmaker to service any watch who has been personally recommended - not because I’d built up a relationship with their front of house.
 
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What constitutes a B&M shop? One that sells vintage watches and services? A repair place whose main business is repair? In the case of the latter I’d generally say they are overpriced for both service and sales. For the former I’m much more comfortable using a shop with multiple watchmakers, history and a solid reputation. It would be great if we all had access to a local Archer or Freese. That is unfortunately not the case.