Watch Repair Paradigm.

[Punctilio]

I recklessly left my Rotary automatic on the windowsill for weeks during the hot weather, when I picked
it up and the glass fell out, in one piece, not damaged.

Took it to a high street outlet and was advised the watch would initially be cleaned/serviced [ because the glass was missing for a day or so ] then the damage assessed for repair, this service would cost £36 up front, I didn't really want it serviced nor repaired, I just wanted the glass put back in or a replacement glass.

They will email me the quote for repair and if I accept the £36 will be deducted from
the quote, if I decline to go forward with the repair I lose the £36.

Is this a common ploy and am I alone in thinking it a moneymaking exercise extorted from people
who wish to get their budget priced watch repaired ?

i.e. shop quotes £120 to repair a watch that cost £200,
customer turns it down, shop gets £36 for doing precisely nothing.

[BrokenSkunk]

Try taking it elsewhere.

I always look at a poster's location to see if it's worth recommending my local watchmaker. Yours is blank.

[TarquinMX5]

I took a rare 1960's dive watch to a local 'watch repairer' and he replaced the original glass with one I'd managed to source (eventually) and supplied - "leave it with me for the morning" approach. No other 'upselling' attempted, just a 'yes, no problem' response.

It was approx 3-years ago and I was pleasantly surprised with the £10 charge when I collected it. Sadly, the chap has now retired and the shop has closed.

[r159]

Buy a press for £10 and put it back in yourself…