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Looking for an affordable Speedy service – has anyone heard of this guy?

ffej4
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Hi everyone,

I know it's not exactly commendable to find the cheapest watchmaker around, but I was hoping to get my Speedy serviced sometime within the next six months for around $300. To my knowledge, no parts will have to be replaced, so I am talking about a very bare-bones service, and perhaps a very light case polish.

I've found this gentleman's site, and I was wondering if anyone on the forums has heard anything good about him or – better yet – has had a watch serviced by him: http://www.thewatchtech.com/index.php

He says his going rate for the 1861 is $225, and any parts that need to be replaced will cost extra (obviously).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know many of you are not in favor of "cheap" services, but at this point, $300 is all I will really be able to afford. I suppose I could save some more and shoot for a $400 max. Let's just see what you knowledgeable folks advise.

Thanks, and cheers!

Jeff
 
Taddyangle
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I took my watch to an omega AD, he did an outstanding job. 2+ years later only gains 1-2 seconds a day. I think I paid $550 back then.

Certainly check references, as it does seem to good to be true.

I suspect going rate today is $550-650.
 
ffej4
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Taddyangle Taddyangle
I took my watch to an omega AD, he did an outstanding job. 2+ years later only gains 1-2 seconds a day. I think I paid $550 back then.

Certainly check references, as it does seem to good to be true.

I suspect going rate today is $550-650.

That's what I'm thinking. This guy says it's a hobby and he's not certified, so that could be partly why he's so cheap.

But still, I imagine servicing a chronograph takes 4+ dedicated hours of very focused work, or longer.

I'll continue to chat back and forth with him. I asked him a number of questions in my last email, so we will see what he says.
 
ffej4
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bristnj bristnj
If you're in the US, I've used Richard Awiza - RA Time (www.ratime.com) and Chris Abell (www.abellwatchmakers.com). Both would do a nice job and are professional & certified watchmakers. The service would likely be under $300 I believe. Good luck.

I will look into them! Thank you very much for name dropping these gentlemen. I don't think my watch NEEDS a service, but peace of mind would be worth it, since the history of it is unknown.

Cheers!
 
Moppel
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ffej4 ffej4
This guy says it's a hobby and he's not certified, so that could be partly why he's so cheap.

Are you sure you want to give your Speedy in someone's hand who says "it's a hobby and he's not certified"?
I know that Omega charges a lot for servicing a watch. But to my experience it is money well spent.
I understand if someone can't afford it. But then I would try to put some bucks away every month and give my money&watch to a certified watchmaker. And since your watch does not need to be serviced right now you might be able to save enough.

And to know that your beauty was treated & serviced from a pro is probably worth the money.
 
dsio
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$225 is abnormally low for a chronograph service, any watchmaker with decent ability will be asking more than that
 
STANDY
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Send it to me, I will try to open it with a pair of scissors, spray it with WD40 ,wear it swimming for a week and buff it whilst doing the car.

Serviced, waterproof testing and polish $50 ::stirthepot::
 
JimInOz
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No no, send it to me.

I just changed a battery on a quartz watch and now I've got a new set of screwdrivers from India, I'm just bustin' to do a chronograph!
 
dennisthemenace
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I can't recommend him personally but I bought a 69' speedy that had just been serviced by him, and I can honestly say it kept better time than any of my Omega chronometers. I know of one watch collector who would never use anyone else.
 
ffej4
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JimInOz JimInOz
No no, send it to me.

I just changed a battery on a quartz watch and now I've got a new set of screwdrivers from India, I'm just bustin' to do a chronograph!

Dooood wut is ur address, I'll mail my speedy to you right away 😉
 
Taddyangle
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Survey man, keep us posted. Still would be very apprehensive about sending a speedy without knowing how many and how often he serviced them specifically. I would feel much more comfortable sending in an older non omega watch (ie cheaper watch) to test him first.
 
ffej4
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Taddyangle Taddyangle
Survey man, keep us posted. Still would be very apprehensive about sending a speedy without knowing how many and how often he serviced them specifically. I would feel much more comfortable sending in an older non omega watch (ie cheaper watch) to test him first.

If I do end up going with him, it will be after I talk to some references. But, if it goes well, I will definitely let you guys know!
 
Nobel Prize
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A dollar saved today is sometimes 2 dollars wasted tomorrow.

Get professional to do a professional job. I would Stop trying to get a bargain deal out of everything. Sometimes it's just better to be coherent with your taste.
 
Taddyangle
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Nobel Prize Nobel Prize
Get professional to do a professional job. I would Stop trying to get a bargain deal out of everything. Sometimes it's just better to be coherent with your taste.

He could be a professional, this has yet to be determined.

I suspect survey man has more time than money. No problem spending time looking for value, if you have it.
 
UncleBuck
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If you can't afford to do it right..........Will you be able to afford to do it over?


Not being mean-spirited, just an old saying that popped into my head.
 
KIMBER
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I have Dennis. If it was me I might give him a chance after checking references.
 
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