Earlier today I called up Robin Martin (http://www.robinmartin.co.uk/) to get a quote to service my watch. The quote was £250-£350, which was more than I expected. The guy who I spoke to said they dismantle the movement and clean it using an Elmasolvex (see video below).

My questions are:
1. Is the quote reasonable, especially considering the cleaning isn't done by hand?
2. And if not, does anyone have any suggestions where I might go instead (I live close to Southampton, Hampshire)?

Thanks!

 

I'll leave the pricing discussion to others, but cleaning entirely by hand is not really done anymore, at least not by any professional watchmaker I know...

I have no direct experience with that machine, but it is quite expensive (like "buying a small car" kind of money) and I expect it does a good job just like any other modern cleaning machine does. There is always a small amount of hand work involved in cleaning a watch properly (pegging jewels, etc.) but complete hand cleaning, in a container using a brush, as it used to be done is quite inferior to what is done in a modern cleaning machine.

Cheers, Al

 

Thanks Al. Appreciate the explanation.

Any volunteers on what is an acceptable price to pay for a service?

 

What watch are we looking at ?

 

It's a 1964 Seamaster Deville 166.020 cal 560.

 

Seems a bit expensive for a three hander unless a lot of parts are needed.

 

Yes seems expensive, straight service I would have thought itro £160 GBP

 

Hi
As you're in the UK too, have a look at watchguy.co.uk. Christian has his prices published and you can see his work as he lists what he does with photos.
He has worked on three Omegas for me and does a great job.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. Most helpful.