Timepieces

[dashDustin]

Hm...getting the hankering. Will be a few months until the money is collected, though.

Digging on the Omega Planet Ocean, black face with orange redish numerals. Figure about $3k. Anything else in that range to consider?



No pilots, no chronographs, no odd-sized lugs.

Date, strong, lume...a watch that can do anything, be dressed up or down.

[billrick]

Hard to beat the Omega. Would you consider pre-owned? Rolex Explorer II meets your criteria.

[Too Tall]

THAT Omega? Drool. Good taste.

[moran]

Hard to beat the Omega. Would you consider pre-owned? Rolex Explorer II meets your criteria.

I have both. Omega is a slightly better looking watch IMO, but the Explorer II is more durable (at least strap wise) and much easier to wind and adjust. Both great watches though, satisfied buyer either way!

[Saab2000]

For all you watch folks... I have a 2001 Breitling B-1 which needs a new battery. I don't know if I will get to the original retailer in Zürich this month or not so I am open to getting it done here in the US.

I needed this done about 5 years ago and looked at Lenkersdorfer at Tysons Corner in DC. I was shocked and dismayed. They wanted hundreds for a new battery and the sales guy and the demeanor of a cell phone store salesman.

I took it to Zurich shortly thereafter where a battery and cleaning set me back about $75 from the original retailer (Les Ambassadeurs) and they even looked for the original bill of sale and called me by name,etc. Not bad for a mere $2000 watch at a store which sells watches costing 10-20 times this on a regular basis. I would go back there in a flash if I knew I were going this month but that is uncertain.

My question is this: where can I get this done reliably here in the US? It should just be a regular battery. Right? Can I even do it myself? I'm happy to pay a watch maker a proper price for this but I am not interested in the mockery I received at a supposedly high level store in DC.

Recommendations from the experts, please!

[chasea]

If this dude can't do it, he can probably tell you who can.

Britton's Antique and Modern Watch Repair
3340 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 323-3700
https://www.facebook.com/watchmaker79

Tell him I sent you.

-Chase

[prcrstn8]

Paul's Watch and Clock Repair

It's a leap of faith to ship your favorite watch (not particularly valuable dollar-wise but I've been wearing it for 45 years) to a stranger 3000 miles away but he was recommended by the vintage Zodiac forum. I've been using him for a couple of years - charges less than half of what my local Zodiac guy raped me for, did stuff that the local guy wouldn't do at any price, guarantees his work, and honors the guarantee. Ships the watch back before he even bothers to bill me. Sent me a refund for my shipping charge once when I had to return it to him shortly after getting it back from him, can you imagine? Tell him (Raimond, Paul's son) that Evan Marks reco'd you and he'll probably kick in free return shipping.

[editmire]

I wear this cool Smiths military-style watch a lot, I think it has perfect legibility, timeless style, and is a superb value, the quality is really fantastic for the price ($400 for the small one, $500 I think for the larger one w/ sapphire crystal).

Time Factors Quality Watches On The Net Since 1996

If you want something more substantial, with a rugged sapphire crystal, this is similar to a $3K IWC pilot for about $600.

Time Factors Quality Watches On The Net Since 1996

I have a lot of watches, and I love watches from more well known brands, like Omega, etc., but these timefactors.com watches are top notch quality for insane prices, because of the direct model w/ no adspend.

[gearguywb]

That Omega is awesome. Check out the Sinn line as well at watchbuys.com

[Too Tall]

For all you watch folks... I have a 2001 Breitling B-1 which needs a new battery. I don't know if I will get to the original retailer in Zürich this month or not so I am open to getting it done here in the US.

I needed this done about 5 years ago and looked at Lenkersdorfer at Tysons Corner in DC. I was shocked and dismayed. They wanted hundreds for a new battery and the sales guy and the demeanor of a cell phone store salesman.

I took it to Zurich shortly thereafter where a battery and cleaning set me back about $75 from the original retailer (Les Ambassadeurs) and they even looked for the original bill of sale and called me by name,etc. Not bad for a mere $2000 watch at a store which sells watches costing 10-20 times this on a regular basis. I would go back there in a flash if I knew I were going this month but that is uncertain.

My question is this: where can I get this done reliably here in the US? It should just be a regular battery. Right? Can I even do it myself? I'm happy to pay a watch maker a proper price for this but I am not interested in the mockery I received at a supposedly high level store in DC.

Recommendations from the experts, please!

I'm no expert but I do know clever Russian watchmakers when I see them!!! There is an old old crusty watch shop located in old town kensington, MD. They never fail me with replacing batteries and service. They did not blink when I asked them to replace batteries in athletes Polar HR monitors and pretty much laughed at paying beau coup bucks for pressure testing. Might give them a call. I do not have an # for them sorry.

[Saab2000]

Thanks for the suggestions! I will investigate each of them!

[chuckjg112]

Just added a Bathys Bentic Ti to the mix and love it
Bathys Hawaii

[dhoff]

How about a NYC Watch shop that can be trusted with something special. I have a 1958 Patek Philipe that belonged to my grandfather. It has been about 11 years since it was cleaned and though it works perfectly, I figure it is time.

I always feel a bit nervous when I drop this off somewhere. I also dont want to pay more than is necessary. Any ideas?

-d

[chasea]

How about a NYC Watch shop that can be trusted with something special. I have a 1958 Patek Philipe that belonged to my grandfather. It has been about 11 years since it was cleaned and though it works perfectly, I figure it is time.

I always feel a bit nervous when I drop this off somewhere. I also dont want to pay more than is necessary. Any ideas?

-d

I'm working for a private concierge firm now. I have a huge database of services we suggest at work. We only give out names of people/ companies we've used before; people we know are reputable and do good work. Let you know something Tuesday?

[bellman]

Hm...getting the hankering. Will be a few months until the money is collected, though.

Digging on the Omega Planet Ocean, black face with orange redish numerals. Figure about $3k. Anything else in that range to consider?



No pilots, no chronographs, no odd-sized lugs.

Date, strong, lume...a watch that can do anything, be dressed up or down.

I really, really wish that I hadn't seen that.

That is exactly what I shop for in a watch.

Thanks.

[dhoff]

Thanks Chasea, I look forward to hearing from you.

[chasea]

Don't call it a comeback. Okay, call it a comeback.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/fa...tion.html?_r=1

[Too Tall]

Don't call it a comeback. Okay, call it a comeback.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/07/fa...tion.html?_r=1

I was reading that at lunchtime over an Verona with 2% thinking "these guys must get their facts from VSalon" ;)

Cr@p, now it will be even harder for me to find the speedmaster I've been looking for.

[cody.wms]

Cr@p, now it will be even harder for me to find the speedmaster I've been looking for.

Toots, you thought about eBaying one? This guy in Japan always has legit stuff apparently (though his auctions end up higher because of his good reputation).

If you end up pawnshopping and seeing some nifty Seamasters, feel free to ping me with the deets.

[joosttx]

Didn't realize that there were so many Omega fans on velocipede. I opened the first Omega boutique in the US in 2006 - Rodeo Drive, and enjoyed the watches. I didn't have to buy one since I had my choice of watch to wear, but after leaving the company, I've since purchased 5 of them. I truly believe they are the best bang for buck in the industry. The finish is truly up to standards with watches 2-3x the price.

For $1k, you can get a ton of used watches, you really can't go wrong with fine time pieces. A used co-axial aqua terra will set you back about $1k, they are great because they are pretty versatile and come in 3 sizes.

My only critque with Omegas or should I say the Sea Master, I own a mid size Sea Master (blue wave face) is that it is heavy compared to the Rolex date adjust I just got as a present. I found it hard the seamaster hard to wear because of the weight where the date adjust i dont even know its on my wrist.