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AceTimer Review by R2D4

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
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I have tried a couple of different eBay vendors for watch winders and they only last about a year then the motors blow, then the dealer ignores you. I got fed up with that and decided to buy a premium winder. There are many sources for Orbita and the other premium names but I decided to hold off until I did some more investigating. I was on the bay looking again with the thought do I give another a shot or go with an Orbita. I came across AceTimer and found out he had an actual warehouse, phone and business hours. I pondered on it for about a month.

So I went to LA for a GTG and while I was there I stopped by AceTimer. I wanted to see the actual Watch Winder for purchase. I met up there with a gentleman by the name of Anthony Chau who kindly showed me a brand new 8 banger with storage for 10 additional. My initial impression was very good. I opened it up and gave it a visual inspection and then followed it up with a physical. ;D I inspected the pillows, turntables and upholstery. The turntables had a bit of play but the construction allows for this so it probably won't be an issue. Then he plugged it in. OMG, I can't hear it! 8) I was sold but I did not want to get it there and then, I wanted to make sure this was the right thing to do.

About a month later I decided to do it! So I picked out the one I wanted and made an offer. I got a swift response and purchased it. I ordered it on a Monday, paid right after and it was shipped on Wednesday and I received it in Minnesota the following Tuesday. All this happened without Anthony knowing who I was. In fact I told Anthony I would do a review but I did not tell him until after he shipped it. I wanted to be as unbiased as possible. So, no special deals were made! No preferential treatment was given. I am not getting kick backs for this review. Here you go.

The package arrives with no visible damage. Photos with Blue Carpet were taken at the office.
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Open carefully to find and inner box (Double boxed!)
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Open carefully and I find another box (Triple boxed!)
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It comes wrapped in a drawstring protective bag!
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All looks pretty good so far.
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Oops what is this a blemish. (Yes it's underneath the clear coat too. No big deal not that visible and fixable.)
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Brought it home and plugged it in.
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Four switches for turns per day. Very clean, labeled and lines up.
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On off switch works easily
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This is going in my newly appointed storage system. Thanks Wifey!
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In conclusion (Pros)
1. Priced Right
2. Quiet
3. Displays watches perfectly
4. Very adjustable on timings 3 settings
5. Packaging is top notch
6. Overall transaction was fast and painless
7. Spare parts are available. Anthony informs me that he has not had to send out any replacement motors for wear! This is good considering this is what usually fails in the others.
8. The watches fit the pillows very nicely for an average persons wrist and you can unsleeve the pillow for a smaller wrist/ bigger watch too.

Cons
1. Some finish flaws on the exterior, not really too much to see without an extremely close visual inspection. In addition the finish is very consistent.
2. There are no drawers, but hey I can order another case with drawers

Overall I give it a 9 out of 10! Others can't even come close!

I hope you enjoyed the review. You can contact AceTimer here: http://www.acetimer.com/
 

ThreadLocker

Banned member, the goat does not approve
Banned
17/12/07
920
0
0
Just checked the site. List price is $210. A very good deal for an 8 winder that is whisper-quiet and has multiple settings. Thanks for the post, R2
 

brtelec

Respected Member
Advisor
16/8/06
4,599
6
0
Phoenix
I have dealt with them before on the recommendation of someone here a while back. Nice winder for the money with out a doubt. Damn R2, sorry to see your watches relegated to a storage cabinet!
 

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
14,908
56
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Brt,

I am good with this. Really. I like to be organized, or at least the thought of being organized gives my warm fuzzies. :D Also, my Son and Daughter have friends over and I just assume keep the collection kind of hidden. Not that I don't trust anyone, i would just assume keep it on the down low.

Your welocme for the review ThreadLocker. It's the least I could do to keep people from waisting money on other crap.
 

Neg

Getting To Know The Place
5/3/08
70
0
0
Is it pretty quiet? My biggest problem with winders has always been the noise. It's been a while since I've checked em out so maybe there getting better.
 

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
14,908
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48
Neg said:
Is it pretty quiet? My biggest problem with winders has always been the noise. It's been a while since I've checked em out so maybe there getting better.

Yes, its very quiet. As I mentioned above, maybe not to well, My first 2 ebay winders had to get out of the bedroom becasue it kept us awake at night. The Acetimer is soo quiet.
 

rapidascent

Getting To Know The Place
18/3/06
59
0
0
Nice review, great pics and thanks. I have an ebay 4 watch winder and it is loud and now a display case only. In fact I stoped using it when the watch raised up and buggered the case lid and plastic view window. thank god it did not damage the watches.

rapidascent
 

Neg

Getting To Know The Place
5/3/08
70
0
0
R2D4 said:
Neg said:
Is it pretty quiet? My biggest problem with winders has always been the noise. It's been a while since I've checked em out so maybe there getting better.

Yes, its very quiet. As I mentioned above, maybe not to well, My first 2 ebay winders had to get out of the bedroom becasue it kept us awake at night. The Acetimer is soo quiet.


That's good to know. I'm gonna reconsider a winder now. Not that hand winding is that big of a deal, but it'd be nice to have my watches all ready to go. Thanks for sharing.
 

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
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Still going strong, thought I would refresh this topic in case anyone is interested. :D
 

Dompizzo

Active Member
13/7/08
239
0
0
since this topic was refreshed R2, thought id say thanks because i bought this winder because of your review and am very happy with it.
 

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
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Dompizzo said:
since this topic was refreshed R2, thought id say thanks because i bought this winder because of your review and am very happy with it.

That is very nice of you Dom. I am glad it still is working for you as well. Hopefully this will help others as well.
 

R2D4

Admin
Advisor
15/4/07
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I moved this from VIP discussion to General Discussion so that all of our members can also benefit from it. 09/04/08

R2
 

guru

Advisor
Advisor
Certified
30/9/06
11,780
1,602
113
Thanks R2D4, I will get this one, it looks nice and runs also with 220V.

Since I have a lot of bigger watches like PAM and HBB's can you tell me if they will fit in the box next to each other and also on the winder?

Really a great box,
 

Dompizzo

Active Member
13/7/08
239
0
0
Guru, the only watch on the winder for me that made it a tight squeeze was the Graham Oversized Chronofighter. But being that it doesnt have a date, i put it on the bottom, not winding. I have my HBB lite right next to my IWC Aquatimer with room to spare. Hope that helps.
 

guru

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Dompizzo said:
Guru, the only watch on the winder for me that made it a tight squeeze was the Graham Oversized Chronofighter. But being that it doesnt have a date, i put it on the bottom, not winding. I have my HBB lite right next to my IWC Aquatimer with room to spare. Hope that helps.

THX, that really helps a lot.
 

swissaddict

Renowned Member
6/3/08
968
3
0
@R2D4 -- I love my acetimer winders as well. Any updated pics with yours filled up?? :D
 

PHicks

Renowned Member
29/8/08
553
2
0
I was looking around for a reasonably priced winder a few weeks ago and had the good fortune to find this review using the 'search' feature. I ordered the 4 watch model with drawer from eBay (direct from aceTimer). Saved a few bucks ($10) going this route plus I had the fun of seeing all the junk units on offer. Should arrive Monday.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I probably wouldn't have bothered with the drawer had I not read some of the comments and given it a bit more thought. R2D4 - Your 'long term evaluation' is appreciated; keep'n'coming.

Peter
 

lan61t

Renowned Member
7/4/08
838
2
0
wow i though the box cost higher than that.

great review and links, thanks