JLC repair advice.
Discussion
http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20368/lot/1154/
I own a similar watch to the one in the Bonhams link above. It recently stopped working and I assumed a battery was required. The watch was duly sent off to JLC who have declared that cleaning and re-lubricating is required to ensure good working order.
They wish to releave me of this ownerous taks in exchange for 640 of your finest English pounds.
Does anyone know of any alternatives ?, as much as I wish JLC well in their endeavours, I do feel that my need is greater than theirs at this particular point in time.
Many thanks in advance.
I own a similar watch to the one in the Bonhams link above. It recently stopped working and I assumed a battery was required. The watch was duly sent off to JLC who have declared that cleaning and re-lubricating is required to ensure good working order.
They wish to releave me of this ownerous taks in exchange for 640 of your finest English pounds.
Does anyone know of any alternatives ?, as much as I wish JLC well in their endeavours, I do feel that my need is greater than theirs at this particular point in time.
Many thanks in advance.
I'm afraid i don't know anyone round your area personally (despite rumours, we're not some secret Masonic like order who all know each other 
) and I'd always suggest trying to find someone local because (a) you get to meet them face-to-face, which I firmly believe matters when you're choosing someone for this sort of work, and (b) as with many local services, ultimately it's a case of use 'em or lose 'em!
As mentioned on another thread, the British Horological Institute is a good place to start if you can't get personal recommendations. Like anything else, membership isn't a guarantee of quality in itself (you can find some very dodgy chartered accountants if you look hard enough!) but it's a safer bet than just walking in off the street
) and I'd always suggest trying to find someone local because (a) you get to meet them face-to-face, which I firmly believe matters when you're choosing someone for this sort of work, and (b) as with many local services, ultimately it's a case of use 'em or lose 'em!As mentioned on another thread, the British Horological Institute is a good place to start if you can't get personal recommendations. Like anything else, membership isn't a guarantee of quality in itself (you can find some very dodgy chartered accountants if you look hard enough!) but it's a safer bet than just walking in off the street
I've just had my JLC Master Mariner serviced by Stephen Burrage at Ryte Time and he's done a wonderful job. I gave him a call and discussed what I wanted doing then wrote him a letter which I sent along with the watch. Very reasonable price for the work he did and a lovely chap to deal with.
http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/
Hope that this helps!
http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/
Hope that this helps!
spikeyboy said:
I've just had my JLC Master Mariner serviced by Stephen Burrage at Ryte Time and he's done a wonderful job. I gave him a call and discussed what I wanted doing then wrote him a letter which I sent along with the watch. Very reasonable price for the work he did and a lovely chap to deal with.
http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/
Hope that this helps!
Thanks spikeyboy, but I have resigned myself to the Swiss internal examination by Toblerone prescribed by Messers JLC & Co.http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/
Hope that this helps!
The lack of any spare parts for this model leaves me no choice. To have the watch returned by JLC, sent to an independent, only to return to JLC because of parts issues, would surely bring additional costs and not inconsiderable inconvenience to myself and the aforementioned watch maker.
One does so enjoy precision anal interference by a premium brand. I just hope they are as gentle with me as they are expensive.
Oh well at least you know that in effect your watch will be as good as new. Using man maths it's probably cheap as it might save you buying a new watch! I've got a Reverso Duo which I would like to get serviced but I'm just too scared at the moment!
I hope that it all works out for you.
I hope that it all works out for you.
spikeyboy said:
Oh well at least you know that in effect your watch will be as good as new. Using man maths it's probably cheap as it might save you buying a new watch! I've got a Reverso Duo which I would like to get serviced but I'm just too scared at the moment!
I hope that it all works out for you.
The man maths is working overtime on this one. As the fashion is now for gentlemen to sport a much larger watch, one finds oneself concerned that the JLC is slightly effeminate.I hope that it all works out for you.
The JLC is only 33mm and therefore smaller than some of the lady fashion watches of the day.
Therefore a mere £640 puts Mrs Sultana into a splendid "as new" piece, I get first dibs on the yuletide log, and Messers JLC & Co keep the wolves from the door.
Merry Christmas Mrs Sultana, everyones a winner !
So I was fortunate to find a local independent watchmaker, and said watch is now back from repair from a very efficient chap who saved me the thick end of £500.
Fixed, serviced, and new ostrich strap fitted.
Mrs Sultana might have to wait a week or so as my other watch is now in for the same treatment.
If the currant Mrs S does not take to it ( she has professed an attachment to her existing watch ) then I will entertain offers.
It is a very handsome watch, classic understated JLC.
Fixed, serviced, and new ostrich strap fitted.
Mrs Sultana might have to wait a week or so as my other watch is now in for the same treatment.
If the currant Mrs S does not take to it ( she has professed an attachment to her existing watch ) then I will entertain offers.
It is a very handsome watch, classic understated JLC.
Yes massive vote for the independent watch maker.
JLC wanted £640, the job was completed to my complete satisfaction for 10% of that price.
The chap in question is based near Preston if anyone needs a skilled local repairer.
With regards to the size and possible sale, I am wearing the watch now and can confirm that all plans to part with the watch are firmly cancelled !
JLC wanted £640, the job was completed to my complete satisfaction for 10% of that price.
The chap in question is based near Preston if anyone needs a skilled local repairer.
With regards to the size and possible sale, I am wearing the watch now and can confirm that all plans to part with the watch are firmly cancelled !
Thread revival time I have one of these and the only snag I find is that the battery only lasts about 2 years! My everyday Omega Speedmaster has gone in for service and minor repair so I find myself wearing the JLC for the next few weeks. Question: is it possible to unscrew the back and replace the battery oneself? I know it's probably only £25 for a watchmaker to do this but it's the hassle of driving to him and no doubt leaving the watch with him for a couple of days while he stirs his tea and cogitates. 
Needless to say, I don't trust my local shoe repair place!
p.s. and I have the original JLC ostrich strap in the box, having seen the photo below I may fit that inplace of the black one for a change.
p.p.s. they are in fact 34mm but, yes by modern standards they are small, but very nice indeed!
I have one of these and the only snag I find is that the battery only lasts about 2 years! My everyday Omega Speedmaster has gone in for service and minor repair so I find myself wearing the JLC for the next few weeks. Question: is it possible to unscrew the back and replace the battery oneself? I know it's probably only £25 for a watchmaker to do this but it's the hassle of driving to him and no doubt leaving the watch with him for a couple of days while he stirs his tea and cogitates. Needless to say, I don't trust my local shoe repair place! p.s. and I have the original JLC ostrich strap in the box, having seen the photo below I may fit that inplace of the black one for a change.
p.p.s. they are in fact 34mm but, yes by modern standards they are small, but very nice indeed!
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff