List of Reputable Independent Watchmakers

CBM1590 · Sep 23, 2023

After weeks of scouring the internet, sending emails, and calling some independent watchmakers whose websites insist they are Omega professionals, I’m still searching for a reputable company to send my watch for service. Bad reviews, reports of missing watches, no returned emails or phone calls, and reports of ruined timepieces have left me wondering where to go from here.

So…if you have a personal independent watchmaker you use and trust, would you mind listing them for us newer members. We are learning, but we have a long way to go to get close to the knowledge base on this forum. Thanks in advance! CBM

tyrantlizardrex · Sep 23, 2023

Where in the world are you @CBM1590?

There are good folks we can collectively recommend, but you might not want to ship a watch halfway around the globe, if there's someone good just down the street. 😀

CBM1590 · Sep 23, 2023

tyrantlizardrex
Where in the world are you @CBM1590?

There are good folks we can collectively recommend, but you might not want to ship a watch halfway around the globe, if there's someone good just down the street. 😀

Georgia, USA. I’m willing to ship anywhere in the US to the right person. Side note: Nesbit's declined but I would have sent it there based on what I’ve read.

kohster · Sep 23, 2023

That's interesting that Nesbit's declined to service your watch. Can you share more particulars about what you're looking to have done if you're comfortable?

CBM1590 · Sep 23, 2023

kohster
That's interesting that Nesbit's declined to service your watch. Can you share more particulars about what you're looking to have done if you're comfortable?

Early bumper model. I didn’t know enough about the watch to know it was a bumper. Heck, I didn’t know what a bumper was. I described the watch to a very kind gentleman over the phone. They declined because they can’t service a broken bumper. I later figured it out and it has kept time for a week, albeit 1.5-2 mins/24hrs fast. I just want it serviced and cleaned internally. Needs a new crystal installed.

csf · Sep 23, 2023

MANHATTAN TIME SERVICE, obviously in NYC. Google them.

I learned about them from my daughter's boss, who lives in Manhattan. We have sent them several pieces , including a broken 70 year old gold watch I inherited from my grandfather. I think they are three generations of European watchmakers. Everything they did for me has been perfect, and they also have many positive reviews.

Then, while once visiting NYC, I stopped in to see their facilities . . . . basically they work out of a large office space in a high rise building near Times Square . . . high rent. Very professional workspaces and I also saw very several large safes in the back. I felt good about what I saw.

I don't know if they can service your watch, but if they can't it must be very unique.

Good luck

dennis2807 · Sep 23, 2023

C csf
MANHATTAN TIME SERVICE, obviously in NYC. Google them.

I learned about them from my daughter's boss, who lives in Manhattan. We have sent them several pieces , including a broken 70 year old gold watch I inherited from my grandfather. I think they are three generations of European watchmakers. Everything they did for me has been perfect, and they also have many positive reviews.

Then, while once visiting NYC, I stopped in to see their facilities . . . . basically they work out of a large office space in a high rise building near Times Square . . . high rent. Very professional workspaces and I also saw very several large safes in the back. I felt good about what I saw.

I don't know if they can service your watch, but if they can't it must be very unique.

Good luck

csf, I live in New York City, in your opinion would it be better to use Manhattan Time Service or go to an Omega Boutique to have time pieces serviced? What would be the pros and cons of each?

Zman4eva · Sep 23, 2023

You can reach out to Andy Lewis at Ultra Vintage (Ohio). As the name implies they specialize in all types of vintage watches. His email and phone number are on their website. He's very responsive.

https://www.ultra-vintage.com/

csf · Sep 23, 2023

dennis2807
csf, I live in New York City, in your opinion would it be better to use Manhattan Time Service or go to an Omega Boutique to have time pieces serviced? What would be the pros and cons of each?

I am no expert, but Manhattan Time Service successfully services and repairs many newer and vintage Omegas, as per their Google Reviews. Thats why I ultimately went there. Obviously there you are dealing with the actual people performing the service.

I assume in most Boutiques, although they are official Omega dealers, are not the ones working on your watch but rather sending your watch to a corporate facility where they have no control over the actual work performed.

I have also read here the Omega repair facilities often replace more parts then necessary during servicing, driving up costs . . . . sort of like a new car dealership service department.

So if the work is of equal high quality I would pick MTS. If they would service you watch directly at the boutique rather then sending it away that may change my thought process. I'm sure others here will have a more educated response for you. But check out all the reviews of Manhattan Time Service . . . . they have a pretty good record online.

Good luck

dennis2807 · Sep 23, 2023

C csf
I am no expert, but Manhattan Time Service successfully services and repairs many newer and vintage Omegas, as per their Google Reviews. Thats why I ultimately went there. Obviously there you are dealing with the actual people performing the service.

I assume in most Boutiques, although they are official Omega dealers, are not the ones working on your watch but rather sending your watch to a corporate facility where they have no control over the actual work performed.

I have also read here the Omega repair facilities often replace more parts then necessary during servicing, driving up costs . . . . sort of like a new car dealership service department.

So if the work is of equal high quality I would pick MTS. If they would service you watch directly at the boutique rather then sending it away that may change my thought process. I'm sure others here will have a more educated response for you. But check out all the reviews of Manhattan Time Service . . . . they have a pretty good record online.

Good luck

will do! Thanks brother

Wlcutter · Sep 24, 2023

I'll post the name of my good friend Donovan Paradise every chance I get. He services all watches in Kendallville, IN, has an Omega account and has been trained by them as well, is CW21, has a machining background, and serviced Rolexes for years at the biggest Rolex shop in Indianapolis. I've brought him all manner of watches in the last decade and he's always been able to get them perfectly serviced. That he's a great guy is just gravy.

Paradise Time Service

List of Reputable Independent Watchmakers

CBM1590

tyrantlizardrex

CBM1590

kohster

CBM1590

csf

dennis2807

Zman4eva

csf

dennis2807

Wlcutter

Similar threads

Independent watchmakers in UAE without huge service costs?

Recommendation for independent watchmaker in Melbourne, Australia.

Rise of independent watchmaking, from the servicing perspective

Review: Top 10 List of My first 2 Months in OF

Independent watchmaker skilled at servicing quartz?

Independent watchmaker (service) recommendation for North Jersey/NYC?