Hello All, does anyone recommend a watch maker in London that can service old Omega automatics? In my case it is an old late 1960s seamaster (pictured as my avatar). I have been using a particular company that I won't name (not Omega, but apparently certified by them) and they have been terrible, watch hands have fallen off for the first time after service, etc... They also did not break down the cost of service according to parts and labour, so I was left wondering what they actually did to the watch to justify the 400+ pounds that I paid them. I need care to be taken because the watch is a family heirloom. Would you recommend only taking to an Omega boutique, or are there other reputable watch makers in London who can be trusted with this kind of work? Many thanks, JG.
STS = Swiss time services. I use Richard Askham. I serviced a few of my seamasters with him. Value for money and very nice guy. Slightly long turnover though.
Great many thanks to all, not that far from me either as I am in North East London near the Essex border.
I use STS, and also use The Antique Watch Company, a little family business who specialise in Omegas and still hanging on in Clerkenwell..: http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/petespages/index.php They don't open on a Monday!
http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/pet...atic-stainless-steel-circa-1965/prod_479.html http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/pet...onstellation-s/steel-circa-1966/prod_695.html prices appear quite high and they also don't state redials or parts replaced (crowns)
That’s London prices for you. They’re ok, not great. Ive also seen quite a few over polished ones from clerkenwell
I used to balk at at the price of vintage watch servicing until I reflected on what I pay for a car service etc. I don't know the intricacies of a watch service but now I consider them rather good value!
Yup , as the OP asked, I've never bought watches from them, only ever had watches serviced / fixed, and I'm always quite explicit that I don't want dials, crowns, hands changed... Yes, they are little more expensive, but hey, so is your local fishmonger / butcher / greengrocer compared to Amazon or the big retail chains. I'm happy to pay a little more to keep a small family business open, and I get to talk about watches, straps, life etc whenever I'm there, in a way I'll never do with a corporate../
@ajnicholls I personally vouch for Mr. Simon Freese. The ex head watchmaker of STS. I would say a better service, for a cheaper price. He’s just one hour away from London. You can locate him here... http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com
Has anyone used the watch guy? Christian's prices seem to be very transparent and it looks like he often services vintage Omega watches
I personally use The Antique Watch co and have bought a vintage omega from them too. It's a 3 generation family business. The son Jonathan does the servicing work, retired father updates the website (not very well!) http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/
"I have been using a particular company that I won't name (not Omega, but apparently certified by them) and they have been terrible, watch hands have fallen off for the first time after service, etc... They also did not break down the cost of service according to parts and labour, so I was left wondering what they actually did to the watch to justify the 400+ pounds that I paid them" It sounds like they deserve to be named so other forum members don't have similar problems. There's only one thing worse than being overcharged and that is shoddy work.
Hi, I've had 4 Speedys serviced by Christian and a few other watches and have always been VERY satisfied. You can pm me for more detail.
A number of members use them. I have my Connies serviced by the Watchguy. Very satisfied with their service. Just difficult to get a slot for new customers sometimes.