Watch repairer damaging the watch he was meant to service.
Hi all, looking for a bit of advice.
My Seiko SARB 033 was losing a bit of time, so back in July I decided to put it into a local independent watchmaker for a movement service.
3 months later I got the call that my watch was ready so I promptly when to pick it up. Upon collection I first noticed a big bit of fluff on the dial, not great. I then saw that the tip of the second hand had been bent!
I explained my observations to the watchmaker who conceded they yes he had accidentally let fluff get into the dial and that he must have slightly bent the second hand when brushing it (don’t really know why it needed to be brushed). He said that he would attempt to repair the hand or order a replacement.
6 weeks later I phoned the shop for an update. I was told that he was struggling to get a replacement hand and was still waiting to see if he could get one from America (timescale indefinite). I asked what he proposed if he could not source one to which he replied, “I could stick on a plain hand”. I obviously told him that this was unacceptable and said that if could not get the appropriate hand I would be looking for not only a refund on the service but also compensation for the damage to the watch. He helpfully replied “well you’ll not be getting that”.
At the end of the day I entrusted him with my watch and he has damaged a part that he can’t replace.
I was looking for some advice on where I stand with this? Any help would be gratefully received.
I haven’t named the watchmaker. However if I fail to get a satisfactory resolution then I’ll let you all know.
Thanks.
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