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where's my watch
·Hi OF
Looking for some help is Simon Freese still in Business the reason for asking I have been trying to get in touch with him for a week now by phone and email without much success .
thanks
Simon Freese
Locked
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Larry S
··Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.So sad. Now at 10 pages … This forum used to be a massive fan club and had to be a huge component of his repair business. I wish Mr Freese would address issues raised here.
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M'Bob
·This is quite unfortunate. I’ve had a number of watches done by him, and they were serviced to a very high standard. Yet, when there is page after page of questionable encounters, one has cannot discount that.
Very sad to see someone tarnish their own reputation.
Very sad to see someone tarnish their own reputation.
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ErichKeane
·Makes me wonder where he is still getting customers! If you Google his name, it shows his reputation isn't worth a nickel....
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Evitzee
·Makes me wonder where he is still getting customers! If you Google his name, it shows his reputation isn't worth a nickel....
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where's my watch
·Previous reputation will carry him for awhile, but it seems his business practices the last couple of years are seriously deficient, if not dishonest.
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elephantcage
·Very sad to see this. I've never had this watchmaker service a watch, but from what I read in this thread, he is not just a bad guy who has been misleading patrons. He appears to have had a very strong repuation. My guess is he is getting older and/or having health issues that make it difficult to do his work. I've done my own simple watches for many years, but my eyes and hands are older every day, and I will probably not do any of my watches for much longer. Our mainsprings are all unwinding with each passing day. I would bet Simon's gear train isn't what it once was. It would be scary to not be able to retire due to debts, yet not be able to accomplish the work. I'm not making excuses. It's just a sad thing to witness....for him and for his customers.
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Dan S
·Interestingly, there is at least one person still reporting successful interactions, earlier this year.
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elephantcage
·Just took a look at the happy customer and that thread. Apparently, the gentleman just has much better luck than the other dozens of patrons. Has Simon ever taken a moment to post anything defending or explaining his erratic recent history?
This discussion makes me wonder how many "watchmakers" might have taken to swishing/dipping movements that don't have serious issues. I'm sure most watch owners would not know the difference as long as the watch kept decent time for a month or so. Pop in a new crystal to make it all look wonderful and back in the post to the sender.
This discussion makes me wonder how many "watchmakers" might have taken to swishing/dipping movements that don't have serious issues. I'm sure most watch owners would not know the difference as long as the watch kept decent time for a month or so. Pop in a new crystal to make it all look wonderful and back in the post to the sender.
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ErichKeane
·Just took a look at the happy customer and that thread. Apparently, the gentleman just has much better luck than the other dozens of patrons. Has Simon ever taken a moment to post anything defending or explaining his erratic recent history?
This discussion makes me wonder how many "watchmakers" might have taken to swishing/dipping movements that don't have serious issues. I'm sure most watch owners would not know the difference as long as the watch kept decent time for a month or so. Pop in a new crystal to make it all look wonderful and back in the post to the sender.
TBH, my guess is he still has a problem saying 'I have a full queue' and setting proper expectations. Watchmakers are often really bad at the communication part of their jobs anyway, and he's probably just WAAAY behind and still taking jobs he can't get to for... reasons.
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elephantcage
·Fair point. I wasn't really referring to Freese with regard to swishing (but was curious how he plowed through so many watches so quickly for this one patron) Whatever is happening, he is doing/has done irrevocable harm to his reputation and name already, it would seem.
Edited:
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watchlovr
·What's particularly frustrating is that he seems to have the time to upload posts to instagram of new restoration projects he's working on but doesn't have time to complete existing work or reply to existing customers who have entrusted their watches to him. Once he has your watch it seems ok for you to be treated with total contempt.
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paddymoran
·Saw that today. Around 4 complaints on the post from unhappy customers
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AHW
·As an impartial observer this does seem a very unfortunate situation for both Simon and his customers. So hopefully things can improve.
But what I don’t understand is at what point does this become considered theft? Obviously the watches were willingly handed over, but to deny someone their property back surely crosses a legal line?
But what I don’t understand is at what point does this become considered theft? Obviously the watches were willingly handed over, but to deny someone their property back surely crosses a legal line?
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omega1994
·You’d need to prove an intention to permanently deprive, which is unlikely. It is undoubtedly appropriation of the property belonging to another. But dishonesty is also going to be hard to prove.
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zinterz
·I do see some people who send quite a few watches through Simon who may take precedence over people with one watch only… It does seem really unfortunate. Simon has been top of my list for servicing when I do eventually get a vintage watch (60s Speedy is the plan), but this thread keeps popping up and scaring me…
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AHW
·You’d need to prove an intention to permanently deprive, which is unlikely. It is undoubtedly appropriation of the property belonging to another. But dishonesty is also going to be hard to prove.
Interesting. Is there no time duration on how long someone is allowed to intend to give something back, before it turns to theft? Although I assume this only applies given that the watch was handed over willingly originally. So it more falls into the category of bad service.
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eriksenfredrik
·Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some practical advice on getting my Omega Speedmaster 145.012-68 back from Simon Freese. It has now been with him for almost two years, and I’m increasingly unsure what to do next.
I’m based in Norway. I originally contacted Simon in 2023 following recommendations here, as I wanted the watch serviced sympathetically and kept as original as possible. It had been at Omega in Switzerland, but I arranged for it to be returned before proceeding with Simon.
For clarity, the watch itself was sent in October 2024. I also included an original 1039 bracelet and a loose link, and had separately purchased an original chronograph seconds hand from an OF member, which was sent directly to Simon. He confirmed receiving that hand.
The main dates from my email correspondence are:
I understand that vintage work can take time, and I have tried to be patient. But after almost two years, and several months after being told the work was complete and paying the invoice, I’m at a loss.
For anyone who has been in a similar position and successfully recovered their watch: what actually worked? Is there a reliable way to arrange collection, or someone who could help establish contact? Being outside the UK makes turning up in person less straightforward.
My priority is simply to get my watch and the accompanying bracelet and parts back safely. I would really appreciate practical advice from anyone with recent firsthand experience.
Thanks,
Fredrik
I’m looking for some practical advice on getting my Omega Speedmaster 145.012-68 back from Simon Freese. It has now been with him for almost two years, and I’m increasingly unsure what to do next.
I’m based in Norway. I originally contacted Simon in 2023 following recommendations here, as I wanted the watch serviced sympathetically and kept as original as possible. It had been at Omega in Switzerland, but I arranged for it to be returned before proceeding with Simon.
For clarity, the watch itself was sent in October 2024. I also included an original 1039 bracelet and a loose link, and had separately purchased an original chronograph seconds hand from an OF member, which was sent directly to Simon. He confirmed receiving that hand.
The main dates from my email correspondence are:
- 23 October 2024: Simon confirmed receiving the watch.
- 12 December 2024: He sent an estimate and said he aimed to have it ready within eight weeks. I approved the estimate that same day and also requested photographs.
- Throughout the following period: I followed up repeatedly, with long gaps in communication.
- 2–3 April 2026: I received the service invoice, and his office told me the work was complete and the watch would now go on test. They said shipping or collection could be arranged. I also requested an insurance valuation.
- 18 May 2026: I emailed confirmation that I had paid in full.
- 28 May 2026: His office acknowledged my email about payment and said they would come back to me regarding receipt and collection.
- Late June 2026: I received an apology from his office and was told my message would be passed directly to Simon.
- Since then: I have continued chasing, including on 4 August and 27 September, but still have no confirmed arrangement for getting the watch back.
I understand that vintage work can take time, and I have tried to be patient. But after almost two years, and several months after being told the work was complete and paying the invoice, I’m at a loss.
For anyone who has been in a similar position and successfully recovered their watch: what actually worked? Is there a reliable way to arrange collection, or someone who could help establish contact? Being outside the UK makes turning up in person less straightforward.
My priority is simply to get my watch and the accompanying bracelet and parts back safely. I would really appreciate practical advice from anyone with recent firsthand experience.
Thanks,
Fredrik
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elephantcage
·Makes me angry just reading this. I’m ready to grab my torch and pitchfork and storm that guy’s castle.
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elephantcage
·I don’t have the heart to tell Fredrick how many watches Simon did for that one guy in a much shorter period.
