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Speed2Sea
·I don’t have the heart to tell Fredrick how many watches Simon did for that one guy in a much shorter period.
Simon Freese
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AAAKK
·The Freese apologists and their anecdotal bias have become significantly less vocal.
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Charlemagne1333
·Maybe they’re afraid of being on the receiving end of elephant’s pitchfork…
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AHW
·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 have offered to arrange collection, either personally or through a family member, as well as asking about shipping it back to Norway.
- 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
I haven’t dealt with Simon, but two years is completely excessive.
I would email to say that either yourself or someone else will be coming to collect it on x date. Hopefully this provokes a reply.
If still no response then probably someone needs to go to his shop unannounced.
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Davidt
·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 have offered to arrange collection, either personally or through a family member, as well as asking about shipping it back to Norway.
- 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
Just go and get your watch back by whatever means possible. Even if it means flying over and going F2F.
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Spruce
··London sunburst dial fanI’ve never sent a watch to Simon but, a few years back, I bought a watch on OF from another member.
One of my reasons for buying it was that it was mentioned as having been recently serviced by Simon and I asked for, and was given, a copy of Simon's invoice.
The watch has run perfectly since I received it.
One of my reasons for buying it was that it was mentioned as having been recently serviced by Simon and I asked for, and was given, a copy of Simon's invoice.
The watch has run perfectly since I received it.
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elephantcage
·Is it safe to assume Simon services more than Omegas? Given the horror stories I see in this thread, there are likely dozens of other instances similar to those noted here that we are not seeing. He has to be aware of this forum and this thread, and he could explain but chooses not to. Those of you here who have read these posts and know Simon...and are happy with his work, please mention to him what is being posted in this thread. It's very likely he knows already. He is way beyond the benefit of the doubt, in my opinion. I'm stunned by the patience displayed by some of you.
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pascs
·Simon serviced 2 of my Speedmasters back in 2019. It took about 7 months to get them back but that doesnt seem too bad in relation to some peoples recent experiences.
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eriksenfredrik
·Just go and get your watch back by whatever means possible. Even if it means flying over and going F2F.
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Eldridge
·Yes probably the only thing left to do. Anyone know his official address now? I see people write he is moving around. Is Westcliff on Sea still it?
All Limited companies in the UK are registered with companies house,and their details are accessible.
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Dal Cais
·
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ZWD
·Yes probably the only thing left to do. Anyone know his official address now? I see people write he is moving around. Is Westcliff on Sea still it?
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AHW
·Yes information is on the Companies website.
He is also happily acknowledging satisfactory customers on OF.
Something isn’t adding up. How can waiting patiently for 2 years like someone just mentioned not qualify you as a satisfactory customer?
I have no ties to this either way, but I think it would benefit everyone for more clarity on the situation for those who are in contact with Simon and if they can advise as to how people can recover their watches.
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eriksenfredrik
·Yes I agree. I have no issues waiting for a very long time at all. This watch sorely needed love and Omega wanted to relume and make it "up to 2026 standards", but a watch from ´68 should be handled differently in my opinion and that´s what people tell me Simon can and have done. So I really hope I can retrieve it somehow.
