Replica service and repair in the UK

[SixDirtyDwarves]

Hi all

I’m just about to receive my first replica after a considerable amount of research and thought.

I’ve read that a lot of the replicas that come straight from the factory are not in the best shape mechanically and could do with a good service and oiling.

I’m based in the UK and wanted to know who I could approach to give my new watch a service? (It’s a Miyota movement) I’m not sure how watchmakers feel about replicas and don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself.

Any recommendations? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks




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[timto1388]

Contact @ado213


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[SixDirtyDwarves]

Contact @ado213


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Thanks!

Anyone else got any advice?


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[Muni]

Get it service after it breaks. Enjoy it in the meantime

 

[SixDirtyDwarves]

Get it service after it breaks. Enjoy it in the meantime

Cool. Will do. But where do I go when and if it breaks?


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[Muni]

Cool. Will do. But where do I go when and if it breaks?


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Go to a trusted local watch Smith - just say I have a replica. Will you be ok to service it?
Don't ask timpson watch- asked before locally and they said no.
Otherwise ask ado213 (pm to get a price)

 

[SixDirtyDwarves]

Go a local watch Smith - just say I have a replica. Will you be ok service it?
Don't ask timpson watch- asked before locally and they said no.
Otherwise ask ado213 (pm to get a price)

I’ve got an excellent watch maker who services my high end gen watches. Just feel too embarrassed to ask him about replicas - he’s old school and he’ll probably not appreciate it.


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[Muni]

I’ve got an excellent watch maker who services my high end gen watches. Just feel too embarrassed to ask him about replicas - he’s old school and he’ll probably not appreciate it.


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The worse he will say is no??
And if wants to make some money will say yes.

 

[Muni]

What 'high end replica' do you have? Maybe you can do a side by side review for us.

 

[d4m.test]

As an FYI, ado has a backlog of stuff for the next 9-10 days so just be aware (as I asked him to do something for me too) but otherwise I vouch for him 100%.

There's a guide on these forums if you do a quick search for it that explains how to approach your local watchsmith(s) on trying to ask to get your watch serviced.

It's usually a good idea to get them serviced right away if it's an asian clone to begin with rather than wait for something to break as suggested by Muni imo.

EDIT: read that you have a Miyota movement. These are used in some high end watches iirc. so if asked, can just say either it was a gift etc. or just say the original movement broke down and the seller/yourself put this Miyota movement in as you were told/you read that it's cheaper to service etc. and/or you need the money from the original movement. More about how you say what you than what you actually say to a certain degree - as they say (excuse the pun) communication is like 2/3rds body language, tone, conviction etc.

 

[bobandshawn]

New movement is cheaper than a service. Learn to do some of your own work if you plan on making this a hobby. At least learn to pull the movement and then you never have to tell a legit watchmaker that it's from a "rep".

B

 

[SixDirtyDwarves]

New movement is cheaper than a service. Learn to do some of your own work if you plan on making this a hobby. At least learn to pull the movement and then you never have to tell a legit watchmaker that it's from a "rep".

B

Would love to learn. Any tips on best place to learn the basics?


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[SixDirtyDwarves]

As an FYI, ado has a backlog of stuff for the next 9-10 days so just be aware (as I asked him to do something for me too) but otherwise I vouch for him 100%.

Thanks so much for the advice. Will definitely seek ado out.



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[d4m.test]

New movement is cheaper than a service.

Doesn't this depend on where you live and the extent of what's required e.g. replacement parts?

A service recently that was only for fine tuning and cleaning cost me £40 but to get a new movement has been from around £140 to £200 onwards whether it's Asian clone or glen Swiss ETA for my Rollies (if we disregard things like cal3135, or other original gen movements for the specific watch in question with regards to new movement)

 

[bobandshawn]

Service is all over the place. I've seen quotes of $120 just for clean/lube/adjust. Given that a brand new ETA is $160, I would just swap the movement (unless you know someone who is reasonable and accessible). Obviously new clones are around $70 and 21J are around $30...

B

 

[SixDirtyDwarves]

I’d prefer to try to look after the original Miyota movement than let it die and replace it. The rep I bought (Patek Calatrava) wasn’t the cheapest as it had the Miyota installed and if looked after, the Miyota should give years of good service. I’m also hoping to reduce the rotor noise. So I’m willing to spend a little more to get the best out of the movement.


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