Commenting Watch Repairers

[triton]

boss, you doing survey now ah?

But overall wat the experience like beside the price and long waiting time? the feel of satisfaction? Is the job well done?

[damienloh]

My sub now hospitalised for 2 weeks.

[watchpassionist]

it was my opinion that my watch did not need any spare parts because all that was required was a press - something that i didn't have. plus, the watch was PVD'd (normal PVD) and i didn't want to press it myself so as to not scratch it in case i slipped up.

however i was told some new part(s) was necessary to fix my bezel... this is not a special gmt2ceramic bezel but a bezel for a few hundred dollar dive watch. i included the click spring that also fell out... i don't know what else needed to go in, but i am sure if it was a stainless steel watch, i could have pressed it back on myself.

the bill was not itemized, so i assume while they mean "part" i was probably paying for "labor"...



most uncomplicated watches, without part replacements or polishing, are actually serviceable and adjustable within a day.

it takes 15-30 minutes (max, for a rookie watch smith) to strip a movement. maybe another 15 minutes to dismantle the case. another 15-20 mnutes to clean all the parts with a machine, another 15-30 minutes to dry the parts out.

even if you air dry the parts, it will at most take 24 hours since shops all have air-conditioning...

then it's another few hours to assemble and oil the movement, and reassemble the movement and case.

timing can be adjusted within 15 minutes with a vibrograph/timer. double that if the customer requests for multiple position accuracy. double that again if it's a rookie with a micro-stella tool.

so if you went to an independent watch maker and he's free on the day he is assembling your watch, it will probably just take a few days to get the job done.

however most of these shops have to tend to walk-ins... so... it's quite a disruptive process.

at the official Svc Ctr, there are protocols to go through and probably a giant back log of watches waiting to be serviced (eg, before CNY period). but some times people get lucky... or a watch gets put at the right place at the right time...

i know of a VIP's branded perpetual calendar that took just 48 hours to turnaround - full overhaul, polished and timed to 5 positions.

i'd always say at this point... you pays yer money and you takes yer chances!

after reading your post i agree with your scenario. The problem lies not in your part, is just that they do not do repair immediately on your watch. The technician there is only for strap changes, check the problems of watches, change batteries, give quotations. We won't know wat is the exact parts that your watch need for the long waiting time so could not comment on that.
But overall wat the experience like beside the price and long waiting time? the feel of satisfaction? Is the job well done?

[taxico]

Your watch needs a spare parts? how much is the price they charge? how long?

it was my opinion that my watch did not need any spare parts because all that was required was a press - something that i didn't have. plus, the watch was PVD'd (normal PVD) and i didn't want to press it myself so as to not scratch it in case i slipped up.

however i was told some new part(s) was necessary to fix my bezel... this is not a special gmt2ceramic bezel but a bezel for a few hundred dollar dive watch. i included the click spring that also fell out... i don't know what else needed to go in, but i am sure if it was a stainless steel watch, i could have pressed it back on myself.

the bill was not itemized, so i assume while they mean "part" i was probably paying for "labor"...

Servicing any watches be it pams, rolexs, pateks, aps, iwcs all takes an averages of 2 months now so no matter how we hate it, we just have to live with it at their mercy.

most uncomplicated watches, without part replacements or polishing, are actually serviceable and adjustable within a day.

it takes 15-30 minutes (max, for a rookie watch smith) to strip a movement. maybe another 15 minutes to dismantle the case. another 15-20 mnutes to clean all the parts with a machine, another 15-30 minutes to dry the parts out.

even if you air dry the parts, it will at most take 24 hours since shops all have air-conditioning...

then it's another few hours to assemble and oil the movement, and reassemble the movement and case.

timing can be adjusted within 15 minutes with a vibrograph/timer. double that if the customer requests for multiple position accuracy. double that again if it's a rookie with a micro-stella tool.

so if you went to an independent watch maker and he's free on the day he is assembling your watch, it will probably just take a few days to get the job done.

however most of these shops have to tend to walk-ins... so... it's quite a disruptive process.

at the official Svc Ctr, there are protocols to go through and probably a giant back log of watches waiting to be serviced (eg, before CNY period). but some times people get lucky... or a watch gets put at the right place at the right time...

i know of a VIP's branded perpetual calendar that took just 48 hours to turnaround - full overhaul, polished and timed to 5 positions.

i'd always say at this point... you pays yer money and you takes yer chances!

[watchpassionist]

ya never go during lunch hour there, very busy. Usually after 2pm they were be less crowds and u can feel more comfortable browsing the items and watches for sale there.
I have been JW many times, alw the waiting period is too much for me too. But the feelings after collecting back your watch and seeing it in good working shape, all the anger will dissappear.

For additional info...
RSC now adays charge high for repairing n servicing. Even verifications fees cost $107 now.
Send my Rolex redsub to verify and they say need minimal 3 days to check the s/no. Initially i'm a little agitated but then think is also for my good that they thoroughly go thru all details to verify my watch. 3 days later after receiving the verification receipt immediately i felt relieved. It was just 3 days to have peace of mind forever

[taxico]

Were you not told the price and waiting time, prior to leaving the watch with them?

it wasn't entirely their fault - i didn't want to wait for too long because i had just come back from a long (motor) bike ride and i was quite smelly - other customers may not feel comfortable with me in my riding gear.

the staff was quite busy, so when it was my "turn" i asked if they could fix it. "yes? okay, then let me know when it's ready," and i left.

as it was a minor job, i didn't think it would cost the price they charged me... afterall, JW is not RSC!

[seiko.citizen]

i thought that parts in many movements would be somewhat similar and that they would have bought the common parts in bulk; and the more "exotic" parts would be brought in on an as needed basis.

[watchpassionist]

i like uncle style. i dont think he cares if the watch parts will rust or not. to them maybe can remove rust. so no issue.

i think 2 months for a local watch repairer is too long. maybe compared to authorised agent, 2 months is fast as authorised agent is 6 months. so it is more about managing expectation.

why 2 months still not ready? i dont think they will ship just part(s) for one watch each time. not economical viable.

I ever asked these authorised agents why 21st century already n still so slow..... they said parts are send not by plane cos too ex , by shipping only. And yes u are right bro Triton, they only ship together 1 big lot.

[triton]

i like uncle style. i dont think he cares if the watch parts will rust or not. to them maybe can remove rust. so no issue.

i think 2 months for a local watch repairer is too long. maybe compared to authorised agent, 2 months is fast as authorised agent is 6 months. so it is more about managing expectation.

why 2 months still not ready? i dont think they will ship just part(s) for one watch each time. not economical viable.

My hse nearby markets does 'minor' service within 3 days inclusive of polishing and when i ask them got water and timing check the uncle said they check the watch timing against their clock hanging on the wall .....as for water check he said if during rain my watch shows sign of water ingestion then send back ......OMG....LOL

Servicing any watches be it pams, rolexs, pateks, aps, iwcs all takes an averages of 2 months now so no matter how we hate it, we just have to live with it at their mercy.

As for personal touches i believes if u hv visit the shops before then they will more likely to approach u as friend friend. I can walk in to any hourglass or sincere and i get peanut services, reasons cos they dunno me as i dun buy new watches for a long time.
If i were to go to preown shops in Singapore i will for sure get that special touches as i'm regular here there n everywhere.

Be optimistic bro, one of my AP is still with the agent and waiting for spare parts. Is already 2 months plus. Cannot imagine a spare transport from switzerland to singapore takes months and this is the authorised centre so if 3rd parties then expected too to be long waitmg time.

[watchpassionist]

i last went to JW for a very minor service on an independent (not expensive) watch brand.

i could have fixed the watch myself but didn't feel confident that i could do it without scratching the PVD off...

i was charged a ridiculous sum for putting the bezel back on the watch, plus it took weeks for them to do that.

me wasn't happy at all...! whatever the case may be, the owner seems quite qualified, but sometimes when businesses get big, certain personal touches disappear.

bro.....sad to hear that, i share your anxiousness to get your loved watches fix asap....

Your watch needs a spare parts? how much is the price they charge? how long?

I alw tht a watch service is full service with oiling of parts followed by water resistance check, timing check. A reputable shop will never do a 'minor service' . My hse nearby markets does 'minor' service within 3 days inclusive of polishing and when i ask them got water and timing check the uncle said they check the watch timing against their clock hanging on the wall .....as for water check he said if during rain my watch shows sign of water ingestion then send back ......OMG....LOL

Servicing any watches be it pams, rolexs, pateks, aps, iwcs all takes an averages of 2 months now so no matter how we hate it, we just have to live with it at their mercy.

As for personal touches i believes if u hv visit the shops before then they will more likely to approach u as friend friend. I can walk in to any hourglass or sincere and i get peanut services, reasons cos they dunno me as i dun buy new watches for a long time.
If i were to go to preown shops in Singapore i will for sure get that special touches as i'm regular here there n everywhere.

Be optimistic bro, one of my AP is still with the agent and waiting for spare parts. Is already 2 months plus. Cannot imagine a spare transport from switzerland to singapore takes months and this is the authorised centre so if 3rd parties then expected too to be long waitmg time.

[pegasi]

i last went to JW for a very minor service on an independent (not expensive) watch brand.

i could have fixed the watch myself but didn't feel confident that i could do it without scratching the PVD off...

i was charged a ridiculous sum for putting the bezel back on the watch, plus it took weeks for them to do that.

me wasn't happy at all...! whatever the case may be, the owner seems quite qualified, but sometimes when businesses get big, certain personal touches disappear.

Were you not told the price and waiting time, prior to leaving the watch with them?

[taxico]

i last went to JW for a very minor service on an independent (not expensive) watch brand.

i could have fixed the watch myself but didn't feel confident that i could do it without scratching the PVD off...

i was charged a ridiculous sum for putting the bezel back on the watch, plus it took weeks for them to do that.

me wasn't happy at all...! whatever the case may be, the owner seems quite qualified, but sometimes when businesses get big, certain personal touches disappear.

[Oceanklassik]

I am humbled. I am merely trying to help out as much as I could because of the many good and kind people in this forum.

TGIF guys!

[watchpassionist]

Oh com'on, pls. Many here I see can be a moderator. It is whether one wants or not. I am trying and still learning.

True i agree you are a gd moderator, well done. U have upz many old posts that ppl forget to update. cheers.

[feilong108]

Just becoz u r the MOD that makes things interesting in here and always willing to help out with newbies like myself..hahahahaha

The reasons i stated diplomatic bo?

Hehehehe...just kidding lar...becoz u r a nice bloke to talk watches about lar...