Watch Repair store - afraid of replica

[GatorMike]

So I called a local old time Mom and Pop watch repair, to see if they would 'pressure test' (their words on their website) my watch for water resistance. The owner is a displaced New Yorker, so I figured there was a chance that he had seen his share of replicas.

Their first question - Is it a dive watch? No, it isn't, but I want to see if its water resistant anyway, for shower and shallow swimming.

Oh, Ok, then, what kind of watch is it? - Its a replica, was a gift, has sentimental value, and I won't hold them responsible if there is any problems with the test.

Immediate answer - Oh, we can't do it. - Why not? - Since its a replica, it can't stand up to the pressure of the test.

Buh bye.

You would think someone asked them to sell an illegal substance. :thinking:

 

[cybee]

Maybe they have never seen a "quality" replica, only the Canal St. junk, in which case they would be correct in staying clear of those.

 

[GatorMike]

Maybe, but the fact that they wouldn't even consider it makes me think that they aren't aware that there ARE quality replicas. Maybe these folks were TOO old.

 

[cybee]

Ya probably not aware of any. If they are close by you take it in to them and let them see it in person. Reps are still taboo to many or even most watchmakers. Something about illegality, I dunno.

Try one of the board watchmakers, they do good work. Just out of curiosity, which model do you want tested?

 

[TESLA760]

I'm in the same boat. Is there a board watchmaker in the US that offers to do these ?

 

[MrYesterday]

Something about illegality

I think a lot of it comes down to respect for the gen companies, or fear of them as well.

I'm in the same boat. Is there a board watchmaker in the US that offers to do these ?

Do you mean a watchsmith? If so, there are several watchsmiths in our Watchsmiths/Modders section.

 

[Q5?]

My local place won't touch Rolex reps but will gladly work on my Omega reps. 0.o

 

[sebzbox]

I went to pressure test my rep avenger blacksteel at a nice mall jewelery store in montreal, I gave it to the lady in charge and when she saw the watch she went to get some white gloves to handle it and also she went to get the dry pressure tester on the counter to pressure test it in front of me... and when I asked the price she said it's free but come to see us next time you want a new watch! it was a mont-blanc, rado, hamilton AD.

I felt a little bad, but hey it wasn't a breitling AD and she probably never touched a gen breilting in her life.

 

[GatorMike]

Try one of the board watchmakers, they do good work. Just out of curiosity, which model do you want tested?

I'd like to check the PAM088 and maybe one or two of some low end automatics from an auction site.

 

[MMA]

I had a guy here in Brisbane who used to do all my low end gens/quartz etc. he was a member of of the master watch smith association (or something like that). he had no problem talking about reps but wouldn't touch them - his reason was that if he damaged a hand because they are much flimsier than a gen, for example he wouldn't be able to replace the part.

Fair enough really.

 

[trailboss99]

Hi ya MMA, a brissie boy 'ay? Good to see, where in Brisvegas are you mate?

Col

 

[MMA]

hehe Col, you already know me. This is Dan. North side.

 

[trailboss99]

Crap, sorry mate. It's hard to keep track sometimes



Col

 

[If you see Kay]

btw what,s involved in a pressure test anyways?

 

[trailboss99]

Simplest way is to give the link to the instructions for the WatchBitz pressure tester: http://www.watchbitz.com.au/documents/Water_Pressure_Tester-Instructions.pdf That will give you the idea, any further questions, ask.


Col

 

[shandroid]

My go-to-guy is happy to work on my reps, and is even curious about them. I've asked if he's happy for me to send guys from the forums to him and he is happy to chat to anyone saying that he'll help if he can, but if they're low quality reps he wouldn't bother touching them. He does great work, and has always backed up his work, which is important to me as I'm a perfectionist....

I just picked up my Franken SA after having it completely stripped, chemically cleaned, seals replaced and a full polish... Looks very spiffy now!

At the end of the day, if a business wants to turn customers away for any reason, that's their prerogative.... No harm in asking though