Reputable watch repairs Houston, TX....

[AznGunner]

Hey all,
can anybody recommend a watch repair shop in Houston, TX. I have a Rolex date that doesn't keep good time lately.....any help is appreciated!

[mercury66]

Originally Posted by AznGunner

Hey all,
can anybody recommend a watch repair shop in Houston, TX. I have a Rolex date that doesn't keep good time lately.....any help is appreciated!

You can try The Little Watch Shop: http://www.thelittlewatchshop.com/

Also, Hal Martins (likely more expensive): http://www.halmartins.com/

If you are OK with send the watch away...my last couple of Rolex DJ repairs went to Michael Young: http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

MS

[36ID]

Originally Posted by mercury66

You can try The Little Watch Shop: http://www.thelittlewatchshop.com/

Also, Hal Martins (likely more expensive): http://www.halmartins.com/

If you are OK with send the watch away...my last couple of Rolex DJ repairs went to Michael Young: http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

MS

I think Michael Young is located in Hong Kong. Did you send your watch to Hong Kong for service?

[jhe888]

I've been told that I.W. Marks has a good watchmaker, but I have no personal knowledge.

[Texican]

I have used Pineforest Jewelry on Uvalde with excellant results for a couple older Datejusts..highly recommend them!

[AznGunner]

Thanks for the replies!

[Rogue884]

Deutsch & Deutsch has a brand new service center at their Rolex Boutique in the Galleria. Its certified by Rolex as a service center.

http://deutschjewelers.com/life/

[michaelbullocks]

I am the senior watchmaker at hal martins, Just a FYI, because of our work load we are running about 4-5 weeks on complete service, that is about the norm for us. But quality is a little more important than a quick turnaround
Michael

[Lee J.]

Originally Posted by michaelbullocks

I am the senior watchmaker at hal martins, Just a FYI, because of our work load we are running about 4-5 weeks on complete service, that is about the norm for us. But quality is a little more important than a quick turnaround
Michael

Hi Mike, do you use genuine Rolex parts for service at Hal’s? Thanks,

[JonB]

Does anyone have experience with Houston Gold Exchange?

[goyo]

Hi folks,

Anyone have been in Houston Gold Exchange?

Thanks !

Originally Posted by JonB

Does anyone have experience with Houston Gold Exchange?

[Turn-JB-Up]

I know that he isn't in Houston, but I have heard good things about Bob Ridley in Arlington, TX (Dallas).

http://www.watchmakers.com/index.html

[goyo]

Yup... he is good, yet not in Houston. :);)

Originally Posted by Turn-JB-Up

I know that he isn't in Houston, but I have heard good things about Bob Ridley in Arlington, TX (Dallas).

http://www.watchmakers.com/index.html

[rwolfhaus123]

Had 2 Rolex's rebuilt by Mr. C watch repair near the Bellaire triangle. Both came out fine!

[bridge2light]

I have used Hal Martin good service and reasonable priced....

[JohnBaker3]

Just north of Houston is Broyles Jewelry. I have been using him for the past 2 years.

Alan is very knowledgeable with lots of different movements including Rolex.

If the watch doesn't require a full service, hew will only charge you for what if actually needs. Very honest and very reasonable.

15840 Champion Forest Drive
Spring Texas 77379

281-370-7020

Good luck with your situation.

[Greg G]

A reluctant jeer, but I took my 116610 to Broyle's Jewelry on the recommendation of this member for a service. The watch was reassembled with a worn out bezel click (rotates both ways), and it runs -6 second per day. When asked about the worn out click the repairman stated it was normal, and that a lot of people like it that way. I had brought it to the attention of the shop twice while it was there that it was worn out and needed replacing.

When I said that I couldn't believe he returned watches to customers in that condition he asked me what my problem was. Unbelievable attitude in my opinion.

People can take their watches to them if they want, but I will NEVER let him work on another of my watches ever again. I paid full price,and was patient.

I have no idea if the watch was pressure tested, or if the gaskets and seals were replaced. I had to ask what was done to the watch, and this receipt is the only thing I was given.

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

Just north of Houston is Broyles Jewelry. I have been using him for the past 2 years.

Alan is very knowledgeable with lots of different movements including Rolex.

If the watch doesn't require a full service, hew will only charge you for what if actually needs. Very honest and very reasonable.

15840 Champion Forest Drive
Spring Texas 77379

281-370-7020

Good luck with your situation.

[watchnlaw]

Originally Posted by JohnBaker3

Just north of Houston is Broyles Jewelry. I have been using him for the past 2 years.

Alan is very knowledgeable with lots of different movements including Rolex.

If the watch doesn't require a full service, hew will only charge you for what if actually needs. Very honest and very reasonable.

15840 Champion Forest Drive
Spring Texas 77379

281-370-7020

Good luck with your situation.

Does this sound at all normal to you? If you vouched for the service above, would you feel comfortable following up with the watch shop about this? As another member on the board, I think that would be a very nice gesture considering the OP seemed to rely on your recommendation. I'd really like to see this end on a positive note

[watchnlaw]

You have a few options here. None of which are to keep this watch as is and roll over and accept this sham of a service.

1. The first is to call or visit the store and demand that they replace the bezel. That is garbage and no watch repairman worth his salt would ever send a watch back out like that. The -6 seconds per day is also outside of COSC specs and in my opinion, that is complete garbage too. Rolex regulates their modern movements to within -2/+2 per day. There is no reason this watch smith cannot come close to that. Personally I wouldn't really want to send my watch back to them though because they might screw it up more.

2. Get an attorney or someone from the BBB involved. This is probably your best bet although I would try to work with them to begin with. Maybe they will be understanding and accept it back but it seems like they haven't acted like that before. The BBB inquiry may knock him into line which may solve everything right there. Otherwise you'll likely need to have an attorney draft a demand letter and send it to the watch smith. I'd suggest asking for a refund or a difference between the value of the watch fully serviced and whatever you got back. However, this alternative sucks because you'll be paying probably as much as you get back in attorney's fees. At least the watch smith will be held accountable though.

Finally - and nomatter what. I would be as vocal as I could possibly be about this transaction if the store doesn't make it right. That means posting honest reviews about your experience EVERYWHERE. The store should stand by their service or customers like yourself who are considering them should be well aware of the potential for this to happen to them. If it were me I'd almost feel a duty to other potential customers to warn them of what could happen to their time pieces. The other customers' experiences may vary, but at least they can consider the store's reputation in advance. I am very sorry to hear about this and had something similar happen to me years ago. I chose to send the watch to another watch smith because I did not trust the original repair shop with my watch again. I never received a refund but did make it known what happened to me.

[Greg G]

Worn out bezel click that was re-installed.



Didn't bother to clean under the bezel while it was off. Black junk at the crystal/case joint.



One lug is slightly *rounded* on the edge.

[handsfull]

This means the crystal gasket wasn't replaced either. Horrible job.

[Greg G]

Originally Posted by handsfull

This means the crystal gasket wasn't replaced either. Horrible job.

I'm thinking the watch didn't get a service, just a patch job to get it running again. It's always amazing to me how cheap some people will sell their reputation for. I lost $541, but he will lose far more in the long run.

I wouldn't have even pulled the bezel off, but a couple of guys told me yesterday I couldn't do it. So I removed it and took pics. That's when I saw all the gunk.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by Greg G

I'm thinking the watch didn't get a service, just a patch job to get it running again. It's always amazing to me how cheap some people will sell their reputation for. I lost $541, but he will lose far more in the long run.

I wouldn't have even pulled the bezel off, but a couple of guys told me yesterday I couldn't do it. So I removed it and took pics. That's when I saw all the gunk.

Embarrassing. I'd report this work to the watchmakers registry. This gives a black eye to all who work in the business.

Originally Posted by Greg G

FWIW: I'm ALWAYS skeptical whenever I get a work order slip that has such a bland description of work (like this one). A person who has any pride in their work will list the WORK they actually performed...as to not put their integrity into question.

[Sublover2166]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Embarrassing. I'd report this work to the watchmakers registry. This gives a black eye to all who work in the business.




FWIW: I'm ALWAYS skeptical whenever I get a work order slip that has such a bland description of work (like this one). A person who has any pride in their work will list the WORK they actually performed...as to not put their integrity into question.

These scoundrels should be reported to the B.B.B.
They should not be allowed to touch a Timex, let alone a Rolex.
Thieves!

[Sublover2166]

My gosh, horror stories and pics.
OP, send the watch to Rik in Florida by usps registered mail.
He is one of the best there is with over 30 yrs experience and a Rolex parts acct.
Time Care Inc.

[BNA/LION]

Deutsch & Deutsch They are Fantastic, are friends to TRF sponsoring events and very reputable in the industry!

http://deutschjewelers.com/life/

[andybcrx]

That is really unfortunate. Perhaps file a complaint with Texas AG:

https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd...umer-complaint

Note that complaints filed with AG arepublic record.

[214270Explorer]

Next time use one of the CW21-trained Ridley's.
They are the best for older Rolex.
Bob in Dallas
or his son
Phillip in Arizona