Does anyone have a contact number for Mr Chan at the Admiral Vernon Arcade, or his manager Dennis I believe? I left my Speedy there for a simple fix before the Covid lockdown. They did ring me a few weeks ago to say they were closed but wanted to know if anyone had a contact in case I could send a courier to get mine back?
Damn hope you straighten it out. I have a friendly relationship with my watchmaker so I sometimes stop in to BS for a few minutes. I actually brought a watch to his shop the other day just out of habit. In my defense I had just worked 4 overnight shifts but it was still pretty stupid
Your more likely to get the number if you go on the military watch resource website. I know a few of them meet up at Portabello road most Saturdays.
Ye I dont really have a relationship with him but he has an excellent reputation in London and they did ring me a couple of weeks ago to say they were shut. I prefer to trust people than think everyone is dodgy and combined with his reputation I hope I don't need to worry about it going missing. I would just happily pay a courier to pick it up if its fixed. What do you think? Am I being naive?
ok great advice thanks very much. As I said I trust the watch community, its just with Lockdown it would be nice to have it to wear every day.
Oregon watchmakers have been forbidden from doing business by our brilliant governor. You can buy weed, but not service a watch in near isolation. Interesting times. I have one of my favorites at the shop, but I know it’s in good hands.
I’d change the title and post to be more specific. E.g. it’s London and Portobello Road that you’re referring too etc. It might help, fingers crossed you track him down and all is well.
I have lived 5 Mins away from Portobello Rd for 20+ years, and have never given going into the Arcade or the Market for anything Watch related... In normal times I could have sorted this problem out...
Appreciate the offer though. Basically if they have taken the watches off site then it could be a really simple solution for them to courier to me. I don't mind waiting a few more weeks just would quite like an update.
Are you serious? Seems like this sort of work can be done mail order without anyone coming into personal contact at all. Shops might be closed but I suspect most do this work at home as well as at their shop if they even have one. I've wondered about the possibility of the virus remaining viable for days on some surfaces and whether overnight delivery of a package might allow it to spread. Apparently postal workers are coming down with it now.
Seriously. My watchmaker is still operating as 95% of his business is by mail anyway. Only new thing is that newly arrived packages are sprayed with bleach solution and left in another room for 3 days. But when you have a 4 month turn around time, another 3 days is trivial
You might try asking Chris Clark at Sonning Vintage Watches. Tell him I sent you. +44 (0) 7917 100927 or email [email protected].
Neil thanks so much! I have just spoken to Chris, he asked after you. He said he would forward an email but said they will likely be in touch when everything is ready. Definitely put my mind at rest so thanks again. Have a great weekend all.
Thought I would close off this thread and update I have my watch back. A long 3 months with the lockdown but Mr Chan has done a superb job. Not the easiest to get hold of but he certainly is fully worth using.