Repair for automatic watch in Boston

[HalfCanvas]

My wife recently purchased a vintage automatic watch that she needs serviced. The movement may also need some minor repair. I'm looking for a reliable shop in or around Boston. Anyone know of any?

 

[acidboy]

What's the brand? Perhaps a local AD is your best bet, or you could try posting at timezone's forum.

 

[horton]

Nothing specific, but you might check out Bromfield street that has (or had) some old-time repair shops for watches etc.

 

[Tomasso]

Paul Duggan is pretty good, they deal in quality pieces.

 

[knittieguy]

Send it The Last Wind-Up in Bozeman, Montana. The guy there is an expert on old automatics and the prices are quite low. You can find his shop on the web.

 

[Buickguy]

It is best to get to know your local horologist before entrusting your vintage timepiece to them.
http://www.henningwatches.com
Some collectors I know say this guy knows his stuff but he isn't cheap.
I do now know if he is in Boston but he is located in Ma.

 

[Cantabrigian]

If I were to send the watch to anyone other than the company's service center, I'd send it to RGM in PA. What brand is the watch?

I don't think there is any real downside to not going in in person. It's not as if they'll be able to give you a quote on the spot anyway.

 

[HalfCanvas]

It's an Omega.

 

[Cantabrigian]

I would send it to the service center in Secaucus. Be advised, the customer service people know disturbingly little about watches so if you have any questions, contact the main service center in Bienne.

I believe that they will be yout best and cheapest bet for perfectly restoring a vintage watch.

I have just about zero interest in vintage pieces so I have no idea how much it will cost but have a feeling that it may be very expensive - certainly if parts have to be made to complete the project.

You can send it in (address on the website) and they will give you a free estimate and ask you if you want to go ahead with it. Shipping costs are all yours.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

I believe that they will be yout best and cheapest bet for perfectly restoring a vintage watch.


While it definitely may be the best option, it won't be the cheapest

RGM might be a bit more, but his prices are just nuts on everything he does.

Jack at Industrial Watch Works in North Carolina is as good as it gets with watch restorations and his prices are very good.

Be prepared to wait for 6-8 weeks or longer for either Omega, RGM or Jack.

 

[norcaltransplant]

Two more suggestions...
You might try contacting European Watch Company, a highend resaler of second hand timepieces in the Boston Area. I'm sure they could refer you to a competent watchmaker/restoration service.

If you dont mind shipping, Superior Watch Service (New York) does good work on vintage and modern timepieces. I've handled a 1950s IWC they did a wonderful job on--it went from not running to accurate within 8 secs per day.

 

[knittieguy]

Originally Posted by HalfCanvas

It's an Omega.

That's exactly what the gentleman at The Last Wind-Up specializes in. I sent him my 1956 Omega seamaster automatic and he repaired it beautifully.

 

[Cantabrigian]

Originally Posted by edmorel

While it definitely may be the best option, it won't be the cheapest

RGM might be a bit more, but his prices are just nuts on everything he does.

You're absolutely right on the price. I was thinking between RGM and Omega. RGM wanted an incomprehensible 300-600 to change a bezel. Omega did it for 199 along with some other needed maintenence that was under warranty.

 

[Don Goldstein]

If you are willing to ship the watch across the country, I recommend Pacific Time Watch Repair in Costa Mesa, CA. I have used them to restore 6 vintage watches (including an Omega) and have been very satisfied by them. Their turnaround is quite quick.

I would only recommend RGM for watches worth at least $2500. They are too expensive otherwise.

I once sent a 1950's Omega to Omega in Switzerland for restoration. Their quote was more than the watch is worth.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by edmorel

Jack at Industrial Watch Works in North Carolina is as good as it gets with watch restorations and his prices are very good.

Be prepared to wait for 6-8 weeks or longer for either Omega, RGM or Jack.

I received last month a couple of watches I sent for service to Jack in the first week of September... Good work, honest prices but be very patient