806 Navitimer. Service and repair.
Discussion
Hi chaps (and possibly a few chapesses!),
A question that gets asked quite often, but I need to pick your brains. And before you ALL pile in with a Joe-lovefest, the answer ISN’T “Joe at Anglesey Clocks and Watches.” Only because that often seems to be the only answer to queries such as this. OK?
I’ve previously had my old Monaco serviced by a chap who came recommended through this forum. His overall service was excellent. He sent out a plastic case and a pre-addressed Jiffy envelope with the courier costs already paid (if memory serves me correctly?) and I felt no qualms about dispatching my watch thus.
I seem to remember that the advice on here was that he’d spent many years working for a larger U.K. operation servicing (mainly) Swiss watches (?) before going it alone. In fact, I seem to remember that much of my correspondence was with his wife (or girlfriend?) who acted as his secretary/accounts dept.
But I ABSOLUTELY cannot remember his name, contact details or even location. I’ve tried a lengthy search of both my own posts here and also used the PH search function, but to no avail. Ditto a Google search for “watch repairs”. But I’d happily use him again. So does my above description ring bells with any of you?
Because my Breitling Navitimer now needs repairing. It’s a late-60’s example with the Venus 178 movement. In addition to a full service, the reset function of the chronograph has broken. So is there a recognised expert to service and repair this fairly ubiquitous movement?
And what is your best advice for dispatching small, easily misplaced but quite valuable packages. I’m not Royal Mail’s biggest fan!
Go!
A question that gets asked quite often, but I need to pick your brains. And before you ALL pile in with a Joe-lovefest, the answer ISN’T “Joe at Anglesey Clocks and Watches.” Only because that often seems to be the only answer to queries such as this. OK?
I’ve previously had my old Monaco serviced by a chap who came recommended through this forum. His overall service was excellent. He sent out a plastic case and a pre-addressed Jiffy envelope with the courier costs already paid (if memory serves me correctly?) and I felt no qualms about dispatching my watch thus.
I seem to remember that the advice on here was that he’d spent many years working for a larger U.K. operation servicing (mainly) Swiss watches (?) before going it alone. In fact, I seem to remember that much of my correspondence was with his wife (or girlfriend?) who acted as his secretary/accounts dept.
But I ABSOLUTELY cannot remember his name, contact details or even location. I’ve tried a lengthy search of both my own posts here and also used the PH search function, but to no avail. Ditto a Google search for “watch repairs”. But I’d happily use him again. So does my above description ring bells with any of you?
Because my Breitling Navitimer now needs repairing. It’s a late-60’s example with the Venus 178 movement. In addition to a full service, the reset function of the chronograph has broken. So is there a recognised expert to service and repair this fairly ubiquitous movement?
And what is your best advice for dispatching small, easily misplaced but quite valuable packages. I’m not Royal Mail’s biggest fan!
Go!
OP- the guy you're describing sounds like Rocco at watchworks in Bristol. His wife takes care of the admin and Rocco the workshop. I've used home for a case restoration on a vintage Omega Seamaster chronograph, the quality of work was excellent.
http://www.watchworks.co.uk/
Another you might consider is Graham Simmonds at superlativetime. A very well regarded watchmaker, one that fellow dealers use to service and restore important vintage pieces.
http://www.superlativetime.com/aboutus.html
There is a blog regarding the service and restoration of a Navitimer 806
https://superlativetimeblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/...
Both very good choices. Hope this helps...
http://www.watchworks.co.uk/
Another you might consider is Graham Simmonds at superlativetime. A very well regarded watchmaker, one that fellow dealers use to service and restore important vintage pieces.
http://www.superlativetime.com/aboutus.html
There is a blog regarding the service and restoration of a Navitimer 806
https://superlativetimeblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/...
Both very good choices. Hope this helps...
Thank you both for your replies. I hadn’t come across SuperlativeTime in my own searches, but with a recommendation from Dom, I’ll have to take notice.
None are the chap I’ve used before though. And I do remember that he had multiple recommendations here, maybe four or five years ago. Anybody else have any suggestions as to who it may have been?
And I’m still eager to hear your best recommendations for safe, secure, but inexpensive postage or courier options.......
None are the chap I’ve used before though. And I do remember that he had multiple recommendations here, maybe four or five years ago. Anybody else have any suggestions as to who it may have been?
And I’m still eager to hear your best recommendations for safe, secure, but inexpensive postage or courier options.......
Dominic H said:
OP- the guy you're describing sounds like Rocco at watchworks in Bristol. His wife takes care of the admin and Rocco the workshop. I've used home for a case restoration on a vintage Omega Seamaster chronograph, the quality of work was excellent.
http://www.watchworks.co.uk/
I thought similar reading the description, and lovely to hear your account of Watchworks Dom - Rocco is my stepfather (the admin wife then obviously being my mum)! http://www.watchworks.co.uk/
Watchworks is Breitling certified, however Rocco currently only undertakes Quartz maintenance services, due to the levels of Rolex service work he’s completing.
I’ve just had a weekend catch up with them both and mentioned the thread, with a couple more possibilities:
Barrett’s of Tavistock? Keiron sold up and went to work elsewhere, but was a similar set up to WW.
Ernest at Swiss Watch Workshop in Exeter, ex Breitling guy in his own place.
In terms of a solid recommendation, Rocco would point you towards Peter Roberts for vintage chrono’s:
http://www.peterrobertswatchmakers.com/repairs/
Peter’s been out of action for a little while, but worth a call to the workshop.
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