Service recommendation for Zenith Deluca (Mk 1) ?

[mattb46]

Dear All

I have a Zenith Deluca Mk1 El Primero which is my pride and joy (I only own 2 watches!). It needs a full service and Id be very grateful for any recommendations as I dont want to make a mistake re who I choose. A bit of research has identified the following potential options:

Ryte Time (Steve Burrage)

http://www.rytetimewatchrepairs.co.uk/

Premier Watch Repairs-Mike Dimery

http://www.premierwatchrepairs.com/contact.html

Ive been quoted £200 by Steve and £300 (could be more though and I wont know until the watch is received and an estimate provided) by Mike.

I dont know why (maybe its the simplicity of his website) but I associate Steve with lower end watches and whilst I appreciate that my deluca is hardly a Patek, I am slightly worried about sending it to him.

Can anyone chip in with any advice, experiences, comments or alternatives?

Thanks very much

[Quinny]

Steve repaired my IWC Aquatimer and my mates Rolex Pepsi GMT..... No problems at all... The rolex in particular was well broken judging by the bits rattling around inside when I shook it

Both watches came back running just fine..... in both cases I asked for repair only, no case refinishing etc....

[daveenty]

I know that one of the above is good (Steve) no experience of the other sorry.

I bought an El Primero ages ago from someone on here and had it serviced by Christian the WatchGuy who came recommended via the Watchuseek forum. Can't remember the cost, but do remember him emailing me regularly keeping me up to speed.

He then linked me to my watch on his blog and what he'd done to it. I was quite impressed.

[andy_s]

http://www.watchworks.co.uk/about-us.html - Rocco is excellent, but maybe not the cheapest.

http://thewatchspotblog.com/?tag=zenith - Richard knows his onions for sure.


Excellent watch by the way, one of the classic Zeniths, up there with the A277, Cairelli and dare I say A384/5/6...

[mattb46]

Thanks v much Andy

I think it was you who kindly put me onto mine; a guy in the US called Scott. My only regret is that it didn't come with its original deluca bracelet and they are now as rare as hens teeth.

[andy_s]

mattb46 said:

Thanks v much Andy

I think it was you who kindly put me onto mine; a guy in the US called Scott. My only regret is that it didn't come with its original deluca bracelet and they are now as rare as hens teeth.

My pleasure - glad you like it!

A good place to ask/WTB may be on http://omegaforums.net/forums/zenith-watches.33/ where there are a few good Italian collectors, which is probably where you'd get one from; or if not, then at least you'd get better advised... Places like Orology Passion too. The bracelet is supposed to be gorgeous too, 22 to 16 taper!