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Archer
··Omega Qualified WatchmakerWho's your watchmaker? I'm trying to get different estimates from watchmakers found on the internet, but most of them want me to send it before they can give me any number, I don't want to do that so trying to find a couple options that at least can give an estimate.
Most of my work is shipped in - well virtually all of it now since I don't tend to take in person appointments during the pandemic. I never see the watches before they are sent, just photos.
Even looking inside the case back isn't going to tell you what needs replacing, so the only way to fully know that is to take everything apart, clean all the parts, and then inspect them. Only then will the damage become apparent, and even then sometime things show up once the watch is actually ticking again.
Add to this people often misunderstand the difference between a "quote" and an "estimate"...an estimate is subject to revision, where a quote is a final price.
So watchmakers are faced with three real options:
1 - provide a final quote like the brands do - this would have to be high enough to cover all possible eventualities, so it will be well "padded" and there's a good chance you will pay for more than you get.
2 - provide an estimate that will be revised once the watch has been fully disassembled and inspected - if you refuse the service after the full price is given, this often means you will pay a fee for the process of getting the price.
3 - provide a flat fee for labour to service the movement, and then all parts or extras are on top of that.
Personally, I use #3. It is the fairest to all parties, so I don't have to lose my shirt if there's a massive problem that wasn't apparent, and the customer doesn't have to pay for more than what is actually needed. There is some uncertainty on the final price you will pay, but that is all based on how worn out the movement is.
So if you are going to find someone to give you a price sight unseen, just ask them how they are coming to that price, and understand if it is a final price or not.
Cheers, Al
