Simon Freese ?
I've a workfriend who's seamaster is in desperate need of a service. He's not concerned about the aesthetic side of things but would like the mechanicals going through.
Does anyone have any recommendations of an independent service provider as he doesn't want the cost of Omega, preferably in the north west but willing to post away.
TIA.
Simon Freese ?
I too am in North West
And would highly recommend Ian Walsh ...
https://www.watchesoflancashire.com
Call him first and have a chat based in Darwen easy from M65
Would happily recommend Duncan, as I am sure many others on here will too.
https://www.genesiswatchmaking.co.uk/
Walkerwek1958 has serviced a few of my watches, incl. an older Speedmaster (and currently has my Seamaster 2254.50). Recommended!
I’ve used Genesis Watchmaking (NW), Simon Freese (SE) and STS Swisstec (SE) and been happy with all three.
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A simple but highly relevant question: what model/age/movement is the watch in question?
If I understand correctly, Omega have different categories for older watches, and they won’t release parts to accredited repairers for watches past a certain age or certain calibres. I think this includes 260/280s, 470/500s and 321 Speedys. Anything pre- 1962 will be in this category. These watches have to go back to Omega UK or possibly to Bienne. I may have got the details wrong but in principle that’s what happens. I also believe that the accredited repairers are not allowed to work on these older vintage watches, all part of their agreement with the mighty Swatch Group.
Those of who don’t aspire to Omega accreditation can work on what we choose to, but if parts are required it’s a case of using second- hand bits or remaining stocks of old parts. Not ideal, and it’ll get harder. Some crowns and handsets are now v. difficult to find, particularly in rose gold!
Duncan should be OK for mid-60s stuff, but the rules may have changed recently.
I’ve used RS Watch repairs who are based near Wythenshawe Hospital for my Railmaster.
I’ve also had great service from Ian Walsh.
Great thanks. I believe it's from 80's or 90's so not very old in watch terms. I'll pass on the recommendations.
What sort of costs are we talking for a service at some of the places mentioned?
Quick update in case it makes a difference, the watch is a 2006 2254.50.00 seamaster chronometer 300m .
Ironically that ties his hands rather for the reasons you stated earlier. He would be fine on modern stuff like we now learn the OP has but if he is accredited there are older calibers he is not authorised to work on. This includes the 321 and the bumpers. In my experience he knocked back a 501 1950s full rotor presumably due to this restriction. Simon Freese deliberately didn't take accreditation so he would be free to work on these older Bienne only calibers AFAIK. STS get round it with their supposedly separate Swisstec wing so they will take on most older stuff, up to a point.