Kent
04-08-2002, 06:15 PM
If you can't get a recommendation of anyone locally, you may consider mailing your watch out to be worked on. In either case, here are some thoughts on:
Choosing a Repair Person
You should:
If its a local jewerly shop, ask whether the work will be done on the premises, or be sent out. If sent out, where?
Ask for at least three references, and their e-mail address and/or telephone numbers - then contact those people and ask about their satisfaction.
Check to see that there is some sort of guarantee.
Ask if there is a charge for getting an estimate on the repair?
When the watch repairer tells what he/she thinks is wrong, ask if its a common problem and ask exactly what the person will do to corect it.
Discuss whether the repairer thinks that it needs to be cleaned and lubicated as well. Ask whether parts are on hand or will have to be ordered. If it was a common problem, the repairer should have the part(s) on hand.
Ask how long it will take. Is it a long time because of backlog (a possible sign that the person does good work)?
Beware of a very low cost for repair or cleaning. Good watch repairers are very skilled people. Expect to pay a high rate per hour for their time. They also have an investment in parts, tools and in generally running a business.
Check out What You Need To Know About Watch Repair (http://www.midwestcs.com/elgin/help/watch_repair.html) at Wayne Schlitt's Elgin Website.
You might consider The Escapement
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/stdwatch" TARGET=_blank>
http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/escapement_logo_sm.jpg </A>
Click for info.
Kent
Choosing a Repair Person
You should:
If its a local jewerly shop, ask whether the work will be done on the premises, or be sent out. If sent out, where?
Ask for at least three references, and their e-mail address and/or telephone numbers - then contact those people and ask about their satisfaction.
Check to see that there is some sort of guarantee.
Ask if there is a charge for getting an estimate on the repair?
When the watch repairer tells what he/she thinks is wrong, ask if its a common problem and ask exactly what the person will do to corect it.
Discuss whether the repairer thinks that it needs to be cleaned and lubicated as well. Ask whether parts are on hand or will have to be ordered. If it was a common problem, the repairer should have the part(s) on hand.
Ask how long it will take. Is it a long time because of backlog (a possible sign that the person does good work)?
Beware of a very low cost for repair or cleaning. Good watch repairers are very skilled people. Expect to pay a high rate per hour for their time. They also have an investment in parts, tools and in generally running a business.
Check out What You Need To Know About Watch Repair (http://www.midwestcs.com/elgin/help/watch_repair.html) at Wayne Schlitt's Elgin Website.
You might consider The Escapement
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/stdwatch" TARGET=_blank>
http://www.knology.net/~ksinger/escapement_logo_sm.jpg </A>
Click for info.
Kent