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Recommendations for Independent Watchmakers

Clint061
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HI Guys,

Looking for some guidance here please...
My brother-in-law is based in Virginia and has just been bequeathed his dad's 1969 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch which has the 321 calibre movement.
He says the watch is running a little fast and to my knowledge it has never been serviced. He said he will send to Omega for a service but I've told him not to do this as they will replace many parts with service parts which will significantly devalue the watch given it is original in every respect. I've suggested he take it to an independent watchmaker for a service.
Can anyone provide any recommendations for reliable and trustworthy watchmakers in the Virginia / DC area please?
Many thanks
 
gatorcpa
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You might want to check out Zaf Basha at https://www.classicwatch.com/ in DC.

However, like a lot of businesses these days, I’m not sure if he is currently operating on a walk-in, drop-off basis.
gatorcpa
 
Archer
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
Nesbit's in Seattle is worth sending to.

Just going to point out that as a former Omega service center, they certainly do good work by all accounts, however I have had people tell me that like Omega service centers, they will sometimes require replacement of specific parts that vintage collectors would not necessarily want replaced. I've ended up with watches on my work bench because Nesbitt wanted to replace specific cosmetic parts on watches, that the owner didn't want replaced.

For anyone who wants to keep the watch as original as possible, I would suggest having a detailed conversation with them regarding what they will want to replace before giving them the watch - same goes for any watchmaker actually.

Cheers, Al
 
KAP
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Ok, let me throw this question out here since this thread has been idle a few days and I have a slight different twist. I'm sure you will let me know if I should have posted this under the Rolex section instead.

LA Watch Works (LLWW) has a decent reputation for working on vintage Rolex watches with CW21 watchmakers and access to OEM parts. I just recently had a recommendation for Bob Ridley, CW21, an independent working in Arlington, TX specializing in vintage Rolex (www.watchmakers.com). Do any OF members have experience and feedback on Bob Ridley, LAWWs or others I should consider for movement service of a 1990s Rolex in original condition?

Thanks for your insight.
 
zwjk
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KAP KAP
Ok, let me throw this question out here since this thread has been idle a few days and I have a slight different twist. I'm sure you will let me know if I should have posted this under the Rolex section instead.

LA Watch Works (LLWW) has a decent reputation for working on vintage Rolex watches with CW21 watchmakers and access to OEM parts. I just recently had a recommendation for Bob Ridley, CW21, an independent working in Arlington, TX specializing in vintage Rolex (www.watchmakers.com). Do any OF members have experience and feedback on Bob Ridley, LAWWs or others I should consider for movement service of a 1990s Rolex in original condition?

Thanks for your insight.

I would recommend LA Watch Works out of the two options. I’ve seen some their work, especially sympathetic case work and it is superb.
 
padders
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Just a passing comment. There were only a few 321 movement Speedies produced in 1969, the OP watch could well have been produced earlier. The 861s were seen as early as Feb that year but there may have been some overlap.
 
kaapstadflaneur
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KAP KAP
Ok, let me throw this question out here since this thread has been idle a few days and I have a slight different twist. I'm sure you will let me know if I should have posted this under the Rolex section instead.

LA Watch Works (LLWW) has a decent reputation for working on vintage Rolex watches with CW21 watchmakers and access to OEM parts. I just recently had a recommendation for Bob Ridley, CW21, an independent working in Arlington, TX specializing in vintage Rolex (www.watchmakers.com). Do any OF members have experience and feedback on Bob Ridley, LAWWs or others I should consider for movement service of a 1990s Rolex in original condition?

Thanks for your insight.

I've had several watches serviced at LAWW. Excellent work and customer service, but LAWW's prices are high. In the future, I would only have exceptional or rare pieces serviced at LAWW, and I would use a less expensive option for more run-of-the-mill watches.
 
G-Web
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Archer Archer
Just going to point out that as a former Omega service center, they certainly do good work by all accounts, however I have had people tell me that like Omega service centers, they will sometimes require replacement of specific parts that vintage collectors would not necessarily want replaced. I've ended up with watches on my work bench because Nesbitt wanted to replace specific cosmetic parts on watches, that the owner didn't want replaced.

For anyone who wants to keep the watch as original as possible, I would suggest having a detailed conversation with them regarding what they will want to replace before giving them the watch - same goes for any watchmaker actually.

Cheers, Al

My experience with Nesbit's is very much in line with the input here from @Archer
And to his point, part of the problem was that I neglected to have a detailed conversation with them about the importance of preserving certain vintage aspects of my watch. They are indeed a good shop, but I would advise those sending vintage watches in to be very specific about what you want done.

Cheers,
-GW
 
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