Simon Freese

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I have to say this thread has left me a little worried. My Grandfathers Ck2077 left with him in October 2022 with huge significance. Over this time I have chased and he has said that it will be “only a few weeks more” and in another “ it will be done by the end of the year (2023)”. I have been very understanding as I do know he is busy and the parts needed aren’t easy to come by, however there is very little communication. My last chase he said he was in London sourcing the parts ( around the same time as his new watch debut). I am very worried of the Frankenstein and dodgy dial post on here!… He has offered me to get my watch while he sources the parts and has assured me he has nothing but the best of intentions for me and the watch, however I think that will just be me accepting it will never get done. It will be frustrating after waiting all this time along with driving 3 hours there to pick it up without any work done.

I have also seen that he has had a trying few years for which I am full of sympathy. I was of mind to give him the benefit of the doubt and continue to wait but I don’t want to be like that guy waiting 5 years as it has already been 2 1/2.
A mere sidenote, but there simply aren’t any 2577 movement parts that are hard to source. Those were produced in the millions.
 
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I have to say this thread has left me a little worried. My Grandfathers Ck2077 left with him in October 2022 with huge significance. Over this time I have chased and he has said that it will be “only a few weeks more” and in another “ it will be done by the end of the year (2023)”. I have been very understanding as I do know he is busy and the parts needed aren’t easy to come by, however there is very little communication. My last chase he said he was in London sourcing the parts ( around the same time as his new watch debut). I am very worried of the Frankenstein and dodgy dial post on here!… He has offered me to get my watch while he sources the parts and has assured me he has nothing but the best of intentions for me and the watch, however I think that will just be me accepting it will never get done. It will be frustrating after waiting all this time along with driving 3 hours there to pick it up without any work done.

I have also seen that he has had a trying few years for which I am full of sympathy. I was of mind to give him the benefit of the doubt and continue to wait but I don’t want to be like that guy waiting 5 years as it has already been 2 1/2.

Just get it back. Current form suggests there's a very realistic chance it simply won't get done, or will get done but will have issues. Get it back and send it to another watchmaker.
 
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MtV MtV
A mere sidenote, but there simply aren’t any 2577 movement parts that are hard to source. Those were produced in the millions.
Thank you. You are suggesting that this is not something that should take 2 1/2 years? I was told 4 months ago there were compatibility issues with some parts he tried and he is in touch with a man in London to source more? I have emailed for a further update about two weeks ago and have not had a reply.

I fear given this thread I am at the point of contacting them and driving to pick it up. I wanted to be understanding and patient but this response has caused concern given the watches significance to my family.
 
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MtV MtV
A mere sidenote, but there simply aren’t any 2577 movement parts that are hard to source. Those were produced in the millions.
CK2077 is a cal. 33.3 and some of these parts are pretty tricky to find
 
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CK2077 is a cal. 33.3
Yes I understood the parts are hard to come by and assumed a misunderstanding. I do want to give the benefit of the doubt here. It is just hard given the lack of comms and the significance of the watch.
 
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CK2077 is a cal. 33.3 and some of these parts are pretty tricky to find
My bad, must’ve read that wrong.
 
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I have no skin in the game, and indeed have had positive dealings with Simon Freese when he was at Swiss Time Services/STS. Whatever problems he has both in business and his personal life I hope he manages to deal with them. There ample evidence of inconvenience, frustration and deficient service in this thread and perhaps some explanations (not excuses).

I wish Simon well, both for his sake and for the members who need well respected and competent watchmakers to keep their treasured timepieces ticking. However, there comes a point where optimism and good wishes meet reality. I hope Simon will recover and his reputation will be rebuilt.
 
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I hope Simon will recover and his reputation will be rebuilt.
Once reputation is ruined it will be very difficult to rebuild it...
Did anyone here watch Simon on insta?
He frequently posts promotional "stories" of new releases of the watches he creates - the work on his custom watches might keep him so occupied that he does not have time to do repairs/services?
 
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Once reputation is ruined it will be very difficult to rebuild it...
Did anyone here watch Simon on insta?
He frequently posts promotional "stories" of new releases of the watches he creates - the work on his custom watches might keep him so occupied that he does not have time to do repairs/services?
I did.
I think he needs to make a choice.
Devote his time to being a "Watchmaker", or devote it to being a watch technician (what is generically known as a watchmaker).
I don't think the two professions can exist in harmony.

Edit: Unless the person running two operations is very time skilled and has no significant distractions. I know of another watchmaker who did both, but I don't think he spent much time on promotional tours/appearnces.
Edited:
 
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Thank you. You are suggesting that this is not something that should take 2 1/2 years? I was told 4 months ago there were compatibility issues with some parts he tried and he is in touch with a man in London to source more? I have emailed for a further update about two weeks ago and have not had a reply.

I fear given this thread I am at the point of contacting them and driving to pick it up. I wanted to be understanding and patient but this response has caused concern given the watches significance to my family.

We do it within 4 weeks here in Australia. With Warranty.