London Calling - Watchmakers?
Has anyone had a good or bad experience with a London based watchmaker? I have a couple of pieces which I would like servicing, BUT, I’ve had two bad experiences and would love to find a skilled, reliable watchmaker I can trust..
Poor experiences:
Took 3 months to adjust a set of hands. Very poor communication (to the point I thought I’d been scammed). Whilst repairing the hands, they buggered up the time keeping. I gave up in the end. Many similar complaints about slow service and very poor comms in their reviews..
W1 Watches
Partly related to covid lockdown, but still a disappointing experience. Dropped my father’s 1980s Seiko 7548 off just before lockdown for a simple battery change and o-ring replacement. After lockdown they’d misplaced my watch. It took several visits to get them to find the watch at their off-site safe, and when I eventually got it back, they hadn’t done any of the requested work. They were apologetic, and I didn’t mind the wait due to lockdown, but the fact they’d not touched the watch in all that time was truly disappointing. I can’t speak to their craftsmanship, but they certainly seemed disorganised.
Any suggestions, welcome!
Enjoys; wild places, small details, engineering and design.
Depends what you want to get serviced, but you could try antiquewatchcoltd.com in Clerkenwell. Reviews are good and they've been there for donkey's years, so probably okay.
If you're willing to go little farther out from London, I heartily recommend Master Gareth @GasWorks
For inexpensive watches I'd happily recommend Variety Time Clock & Watch Repairs in Ridley road. He did a good (and inexpensive) job getting my grandfathers JW Benson Trench watch working.
He's a real character too.
I'd probably not take expensive pieces - not that he couldn't do them - just I wouldn't be sure insurance wise etc - as its a very small / old school kind of arrangement.
I'd take expensive pieces to Tic Toc Man in Hatton Garden. I've had a couple of good experiences and know others who have too.
I'll also note I have had good experiences with the Bond Street Cartier and Patek Philippe boutiques, also with the Rolex Service Centre in St. James. So lots of options!
Highly recommend Watch Doctors in Tring, Hertfordshire. Originally recommended to me by another (retired) watchmaker and I have used them personally on several occasions, always found them highly professional. https://watchdoctors.co.uk
I would contact the manufacturer (if still in business) and arrange a servicing/repair.
For inexpensive watches I'd happily recommend Variety Time Clock & Watch Repairs in Ridley road. He did a good (and inexpensive) job getting my grandfathers JW Benson Trench watch working.
He's a real character too.
I'd probably not take expensive pieces - not that he couldn't do them - just I wouldn't be sure insurance wise etc - as its a very small / old school kind of arrangement.
I'd take expensive pieces to Tic Toc Man in Hatton Garden. I've had a couple of good experiences and know others who have too.
I'll also note I have had good experiences with the Bond Street Cartier and Patek Philippe boutiques, also with the Rolex Service Centre in St. James. So lots of options!
I'll add +1 for Rolex in St James. I've had a couple of good experiences there.
Depends what you want to get serviced, but you could try antiquewatchcoltd.com in Clerkenwell. Reviews are good and they've been there for donkey's years, so probably okay.
This place looks great - although sadly they aren't taking on new customers/watches. I might keep an eye on their stock though! 😉 Thanks
For inexpensive watches I'd happily recommend Variety Time Clock & Watch Repairs in Ridley road. He did a good (and inexpensive) job getting my grandfathers JW Benson Trench watch working.
He's a real character too.
I'd probably not take expensive pieces - not that he couldn't do them - just I wouldn't be sure insurance wise etc - as its a very small / old school kind of arrangement.
I'd take expensive pieces to Tic Toc Man in Hatton Garden. I've had a couple of good experiences and know others who have too.
I'll also note I have had good experiences with the Bond Street Cartier and Patek Philippe boutiques, also with the Rolex Service Centre in St. James. So lots of options!
Variety Time is 10 mins walk from me - I might give that a shot! Thanks!