With the recent pandemic and the resulting shutdown of most Swiss Watch companies, most of us independent watch repairers have been overwhelmed with work. This has given us a great opportunity to show what we can do when called on. We are cheaper, our turnaround is usually much quicker, we are in the same country and we can pay personal attention to, send photos of and answer questions personally regarding the watches currently being attended to.
We therefore engage fully with our clients and should there be a problem, it can be quickly dealt with.
Since many Swiss based Watch Companies would prefer not to take on any repair work, perhaps now is the time for us to shine through as the first choice for discerning collectors and other watch enthusiasts and for them to take advantage of our many services.
I hope so!
I haven't needed a watch repair recently but I'm the past I've had trouble looking for a reliable watch repairer to provide me with the service I need at a good price. That's where I think this forum has been very useful in providing me the information on independent watch makers and repairers. Is there any other list of recommended watch craftsmen out there?
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Is there a sticky thread for independents for people to refer to?
i think its great news and a trend that i hope continues despite the concerted efforts of many brands trying to stifle independent watchmakers with the refusal to supply parts etc.
Well said Brendan
For me personally , I would not be sending my watches to any Authorised dealers/ manufactures , to ruin the original watches that Ive spent a long time to hunt for
Great sentiment Brendan.
Incidentally, I have a beautiful all original silver pocket watch from 1876, by J. Reid & bros. It needs a little work, so...
Unless it’s a warranty repair I would far rather use an independent repairer.
Always independents for me.
A proper watchmaker can fabricate parts for vintage watches too.
Cheers,
Neil.
To resurrect this thread are there any recommendations for independent watch repair from forum members? I have a Hamilton chrono in need of service/repair.
I am asking a genuine question - If I go to you, will you guarantee to fit genuine Rolex parts. If the answer is no, then to me it is a deal breaker.Originally Posted by Webwatchmaker
my watchmaker Ian Walsh is very good ( used him all all my builds, servicing, repairs for past seven years ) he’s also been very busy taking on work During Covid due to the larger companies shutting down. Link;
https://watchesoflancashire.com/
I thought watch repairers were more rare these days and the ones who were working were snowed under with work and had waiting lists before the lockdown.
I know the one i use had non stop work before the virus
.olli. of this forum is excellent.
Here is a link to his website.
With the exception of something a bit specialised like an oil filled Sinn (who have a fairly decent reputation for vfm and not mullering your timepiece), I'll always support a trusted independent over the corporate money machines.
Some useful recommendations and contacts in this thread, thanks.
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
I would never hesitate to recommend Duncan, worth the wait and some.
Missed this originally but well said Brendan.
Good question, anyone?
If it is sticky it shouldn't be difficult to find.
I use Christopher Poel in Stratford-upon-Avon. He's worked on both watches and clocks for me before.
I picked up some watches from Olli yesterday, he's done an excellent job as usual and fixed a very troublesome watch for me.
"A man of little significance"
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