Broken Speedmaster

[counterofbeans]

I have a 20-odd year old Speedmaster which has stopped running.

I dropped Joe at Anglesea Watches a line but haven't had a response.

Can anyone recommend an alternative independent watch fixer I can send it to?

Many thanks for any help.

[Deckert]

I have had excellent service from Mark at

https://www.watchrepairuk.com/

He has serviced and repaired several of my watches, including a Seamaster.

[gregs656]

Parts might be an issue now they’re not available outside of the swatch network.

[TheHoof]

STS: https://swisstimeservices.co.uk/

Simon Freese: http://www.simonfreesewatchmakers.com/

[mickyh7]

gregs656 said:

Parts might be an issue now they’re not available outside of the swatch network.

They are available.
The only issue is they are eye-wateringly expensive.
I needed a module for a Seamaster this year
£100 for something no better than what's in loads of cheap watches.
Came in a Omega bag though.
Swatch are very clever.

[anonymous-user]

gregs656 said:

Parts might be an issue now they’re not available outside of the swatch network.

It's only going to get more difficult and more expensive to get servicing/parts on many different brands sadly. Swatch cut off the supply of parts in 2016 and Rolex did the same in 2019.

Watchmakers have limited stockpiles of parts left, and prices are rocketing as supplies dwindle. Brand new genuine Swatch Group/Rolex parts that used to cost £40 or £50 are now selling on Ebay for £200 or more.

Soon the only options will be either aftermarket replacement parts, or actually sending the watch to Omega/Rolex etc. The issue with Rolex particularly is that they don't give a toss for your requests during servicing. If you have a Sub or GMT that is 40 years old and covered in lovely patina and a faded bezel, they will replace parts until it looks almost new, even if you ask them not to polish it or replace the bezel.

[AJB88]

Watchguy.co.uk has been my go to last few times, I like that you can keep track on progress.

[NDA]

counterofbeans said:

I have a 20-odd year old Speedmaster which has stopped running.

I dropped Joe at Anglesea Watches a line but haven't had a response.

Can anyone recommend an alternative independent watch fixer I can send it to?

Many thanks for any help.

These guys in Tring are who I'd use for Omega. They really know their stuff and have done work for me.

https://watchdoctors.co.uk

[Fitz666]

counterofbeans said:

I have a 20-odd year old Speedmaster which has stopped running.

I dropped Joe at Anglesea Watches a line but haven't had a response.

Can anyone recommend an alternative independent watch fixer I can send it to?

Many thanks for any help.

When did you drop it off. I dropped of my Speedmaster last week and was advised not to expect it back before Feb.

[mickyh7]

You all seem to be chatting about great watch repairers.
Lovely.
It's the price that Swatch, (who now own Omega), charge for parts which is the Killer.

[CAPP0]

I don't know whether Rigga on here is still about but he repaired my SMP a couple of years ago, great job done and not silly money, may be worth trying him?

I do have an email address for him which I won't post here for obvious reasons but if anyone wants to be put in touch with him, happy to facilitate that.

[counterofbeans]

CAPP0 said:

I don't know whether Rigga on here is still about but he repaired my SMP a couple of years ago, great job done and not silly money, may be worth trying him?

I do have an email address for him which I won't post here for obvious reasons but if anyone wants to be put in touch with him, happy to facilitate that.

Yes please, if you wouldn't mind.

Thanks also to everyone else who posted suggestions.

[CAPP0]

counterofbeans said:

CAPP0 said:

I don't know whether Rigga on here is still about but he repaired my SMP a couple of years ago, great job done and not silly money, may be worth trying him?

I do have an email address for him which I won't post here for obvious reasons but if anyone wants to be put in touch with him, happy to facilitate that.

Yes please, if you wouldn't mind.

Thanks also to everyone else who posted suggestions.

PM sent.

[Deefor62]

AJB88 said:

Watchguy.co.uk has been my go to last few times, I like that you can keep track on progress.

Another vote here for Watchguy. It’s quite fascinating seeing photos of your watch in 1000’s of tiny pieces on his website. He repaired and serviced an ETA 7750 chrono of mine last year, and I was most impressed with the service. Will definitely use again, and indeed the next watch to be heading there will be a Speedmaster.

[GC8]

Message Joe through his business FB page. He recently serviced my unusual 7750 Speedy for an extremely modest price.

[GC8]

CAPP0 said:

I don't know whether Rigga on here is still about but he repaired my SMP a couple of years ago, great job done and not silly money, may be worth trying him?

I do have an email address for him which I won't post here for obvious reasons but if anyone wants to be put in touch with him, happy to facilitate that.

I’d just post it. Most of Richard’s posting here has been to drum up business for himself.

[AJB88]

Deefor62 said:

Another vote here for Watchguy. It’s quite fascinating seeing photos of your watch in 1000’s of tiny pieces on his website. He repaired and serviced an ETA 7750 chrono of mine last year, and I was most impressed with the service. Will definitely use again, and indeed the next watch to be heading there will be a Speedmaster.

Yep I was checking in most days for photo updates. Makes the experience even better.

[CAPP0]

GC8 said:

CAPP0 said:

I don't know whether Rigga on here is still about but he repaired my SMP a couple of years ago, great job done and not silly money, may be worth trying him?

I do have an email address for him which I won't post here for obvious reasons but if anyone wants to be put in touch with him, happy to facilitate that.

I’d just post it. Most of Richard’s posting here has been to drum up business for himself.

He did ask me not to although he was happy for it to be passed on, which I've done.

[GC8]

Fair enough. I tell anyone who asks whereabouts he works. I suppose that you need to be careful with email addresses, lest they become inundated with spam.

[CAPP0]

GC8 said:

I tell anyone who asks whereabouts he works.

That was something he specifically asked not to be shared (in his response to me) as apparently that has caused him significant issues as people have turned up there while he was at work!