Reputable watchmaker

Daniel · Sep 3, 2021

Hello everyone, my name is Daniel. I'm hoping to receive advice on selecting a repair shop either in my area (Minneapolis, MN) or nationally. I want to be sure whoever touches the watch is trustworthy and competent. Any advice?

The watch in question is an Omega Ranchero, all original and untouched. It runs well and keeps time well. The winding feels a little stiff to me, so I would like to have it serviced.

I have read on this forum that it is best to avoid sending the the watch to Omega, as they tend to sub and polish more than they should, so I'm hoping to find someone to take car of my watch.

Hopefully this is not a duplicate tread, if it is my apologies.

Thank you in advance

SkunkPrince · Sep 3, 2021

@GMOG in New Mexico is well trusted by me and a few others here who have taken advantage of his services.

Daniel · Sep 3, 2021

SkunkPrince
@GMOG in New Mexico is well trusted by me and a few others here who have taken advantage of his services.

Excellent. Thank you very much.

ahsposo · Sep 3, 2021

There's a watchmaker I have used sorta, kinda near you. Here's a link to TM Watch

The website is all about case refinishing but they do service movements, too. If you don't want anything spiffed up, tell them or ask they consult first.

ahsposo · Sep 3, 2021

Hey Daniel!

Howse about you post some pictures of the Ranchero? Not too much to ask I hope...

Daniel · Sep 4, 2021

ahsposo
Hey Daniel!

Howse about you post some pictures of the Ranchero? Not too much to ask I hope...

Hello here are some photos. My newbie eye tells me that most things seem original except for hands perhaps? Appear missing the lume and possibly too new?

I would love to buy an original bracelet for this watch. It came with what I think is a generic.

Daniel · Sep 4, 2021

ahsposo
There's a watchmaker I have used sorta, kinda near you. Here's a link to TM Watch

The website is all about case refinishing but they do service movements, too. If you don't want anything spiffed up, tell them or ask they consult first.

thank you for the tip, i will get in touch with the shop

ahsposo · Sep 4, 2021

That's a lovely watch. Great vintage feel too it.

Some pieces that may have been previously disturbed would seem to be appropriate for further refinishing.

And then on the other hand, maybe not.

gemini4 · Sep 4, 2021

Looks quite correct to me. BOR bracelets were indeed OEM for these babies. More bracelet pics would be nice.

Daniel · Sep 4, 2021

ahsposo
That's a lovely watch. Great vintage feel too it.

Some pieces that may have been previously disturbed would seem to be appropriate for further refinishing.

And then on the other hand, maybe not.

(take my question considering that i'm a newbie). When you see the watch, what areas seem to have been disturbed? Reason for asking is that the watches that I buy I want them to be as original as possible, even at the expense of lack of perfection. I'm ok sourcing an original bracelet, as that is a reversible change, but I'm quite bugged by irreversible changes. Do you see any? I thank you in advance.

Daniel · Sep 4, 2021

gemini4
Looks quite correct to me. BOR bracelets were indeed OEM for these babies. More bracelet pics would be nice.

Some more bracelet photos below, as you can see the only markings on the bracelet are generic "100% Stainless steel", which makes me believe that is indeed a replacement. If feels good in hand, but no markings of any other kind. Also note how it poorly attaches to the case.

Reputable watchmaker

Daniel

SkunkPrince

Daniel

ahsposo

ahsposo

Daniel

Daniel

ahsposo

gemini4

Daniel

Daniel

Similar threads

Any reputable watchmakers swfl?

Reputable watchmakers for repair in Southwest Florida?

Reputable Watchmaker around the St. Louis Area

Need a solid and reputable watchmaker in/close to Houston TX.

Real or fake- Aqua Terra 2503.33.00 -purchased from supposedly reputable online dealer

UK watchmaker