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

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

Dooood wut is ur address, I'll mail my speedy to you right away

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

fair enough

 

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.

 

Brilliant

 

Have any of you guys actually bothered to check out the link that the OP posted?

 

I have Dennis. If it was me I might give him a chance after checking references.