I recently purchased my first vintage watch, a 1958 Seamaster. Before I put it into regular rotation, I'd like to get a qualified set of eyes on it. Searching the forum, I found references to two watch makers:

1) Randy Ward at Specialty Watch Repair. Member AWCI.
2) Jack Alexyon at International Watch Works

It doesn't seem as either maintain a storefront, and IWW explicitly states drop offs are not allowed. I would prefer to talk to the watch maker face-to-face, but perhaps that's not the norm. Any recommendations on whom to go with?

Second, does membership or certification by an organization such as AWCI have any relevance to finding someone?I searched on their website, and found these folks below near me. Only one has an AWCI certification and surprisingly he's from a local jewelry store.

Alberto J. Gallino
Work: (919) 749-7088-cell
7023 Epping Forest Dr
Raleigh, NC 27613

Zaptime LLC
Gary P. Zape
Work: (336) 355-8463
4441 Six Forks Rd
Raleigh, NC 27609

Bailey's Fine Jewelry
Jeff Murphree, CW21
AWCI Certifications: CW21
Work: (919) 829-7337
415 Daniels St
Raleigh, NC 27605

Bailey's Fine Jewelry
Kyle Johnson
Work: (919) 829-7337
415 Daniels St
Raleigh, NC 27605

Specialty Watch Repair Llc
Randolph Ward
Work: (919) 771-3733
4308 Woodfield Lake Rd
Cary, NC 27518

Herbert W. Hofert, III
Work: (716) 510-5574
275 Mediate Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
United States

 

Did you find a good place to take your watch? I'm looking in Raleigh. Thx
Brian

 

Brian, shoot me a PM, I am in Raleigh and can help.

 

I know this thread is a few years old but I’m wondering if there was a recommendation for watch service in the Raleigh area, I have an older Omega Constellation and a Submariner I’d like to have serviced. Thanks

 

Try the watchmaker at Wentworth & Sloan in CH or The Watch Dr in Greenville.

 

Ok, thank you!

 

Well, it's not Raleigh, but not too far away...Sumpters Jewelry near the Charlotte airport does good work, mainly on Rolex.but that guy will work on about anything. He has a pretty quick turn around,too, which is nice. Also, Claudios Watch repair in Waxhaw. Claudio has an Omega account, so can get what parts he needs. He is not quite as quick as Sumpters and can be hard to get in touch with, so he sure you are ok with "radio silence'. on the plus side when he calls you are running right.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I did find a guy online nearby in Cary called Specialty Watch Repair, LLC. He has good reviews on Yelp and Google by people referencing high end and vintage watches.

 

Anyone used Randolph or Randy Ward in the Raleigh area? Business name is Specialty Watch Repair

 

DO NOT USE

 

I am in Raleigh. Could you elaborate on why you feel that way about Specialty Watch Repair? I have no affiliation, I am just curious as I need an old Seamaster serviced and pressure tested soon.

 

Can you (watch Knut) elaborate on your comment in a PM to me as well please, thanks.