5513 Very best case restoration regardless of price USA

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by illiguy

Correct. Drew and his wife Emily (also a certified watchmaker).

Thanks!

[scooba]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Zimmerman Watch Repair, Los Angeles Watch Works (LAWW), and Rolliworks. That's all I got, and I believe in the right order from when I was looking to do the same. Definitely post several before pics and some after pics. Would love to see the results once you make a decision. Cost is dependent on how much work needs to be done, but an estimate for mine (GMT 1675) from LAWW at one point (2020) was about $750 and that was without laser welding, which I still do think it does need a bit to build up the cratering around the lug holes prior to refinishing.

A fine list and I’d trust any off the ones you mention.

[fizz]

I recently had my 1675 case refinished by Alex Bui of Bui Watch co.

He came recommended by a number of people here on the forums I asked and I eventually chose him after contacting both Rolliworks and Philip Ridley watches.

I will probably create a separate thread to show the result (along with before and after pics) but I'm very impressed by the quality of his craftsmanship, his estimate (I was charged exactly USD 1k, and this included laser welding the lugs) and the turnaround time which was slightlly under 2 months (keeping in mind I shipped the case from DXB to him and in the US and then back here).

I don't have any after pictures yet because though I've received the case back, the movement and dial haven't been mounted since my watchmaker is on vacation.

Once he is back next week, I'll try to get some half decent pictures.

Till then, this is his IG: https://www.instagram.com/buiwatchco/

[springer]

Originally Posted by fizz

I recently had my 1675 case refinished by Alex Bui of Bui Watch co.

He came recommended by a number of people here on the forums I asked and I eventually chose him after contacting both Rolliworks and Philip Ridley watches.

I will probably create a separate thread to show the result (along with before and after pics) but I'm very impressed by the quality of his craftsmanship, his estimate (I was charged exactly USD 1k, and this included laser welding the lugs) and the turnaround time which was slightlly under 2 months (keeping in mind I shipped the case from DXB to him and in the US and then back here).

I don't have any after pictures yet because though I've received the case back, the movement and dial haven't been mounted since my watchmaker is on vacation.

Once he is back next week, I'll try to get some half decent pictures.

Till then, this is his IG: https://www.instagram.com/buiwatchco/

Bui Watches no longer restores individual watches. He is only working on case repairs submitted from established dealers. I have known the owner for a couple years now and he does do outstanding work but sadly, he is not doing individual case repairs any longer.

[Alex The Watch Guy]

I would refrain from using Rolli, they're horrible as stated, I wouldn't use them to polish my Seiko.

[springer]

Originally Posted by Alex The Watch Guy

I would refrain from using Rolli, they're horrible as stated, I wouldn't use them to polish my Seiko.

I have had issues with them also - both on a bracelet as well as a watch.

[jedione65]

I second LAWW but OP doesn’t like dealing with California businesses and doesn’t like waiting. They do quality case work and even for a more vintage look. Also work on higher end watches. Expect to wait 2-3 months and also not cheap but quality matches their reputation. I had my GMT 1675 refinish by them, sadly stolen.

[928ktgold]

LAWW solid work

[flyinghell34]

I'll second, third, and fourth the work that LAWW does.

I bought a nice, but less than stellar, 1675 a few years back that was previously polished and some of the lines were a bit wonky. After years of living with it, I finally gathered the nerve to send it off the LAWW to have the case recut. I can say Edvi and Beau did a phenomenal job and worked some real magic on my watch. They also relumed my miss matched hands as well to perfection.

I could not be more happy with their work and communication throughout the process. I'm not sure what their lead time is today but my watch went to LA, was re-finished, and back to Virginia in under 4 weeks.

Maybe not the cheapest but their work is providing many more years of joy on the wrist and was well worth the cost.

[IgCarr]

LAWW restored and serviced my 16236 and did an excellent job. They also color-matched the hands on my 16800 after RSC changed them out during service. Rolli serviced my vintage Zephyr and there were issues. Those aside, I asked about lug restoration and the response was that, "It will be too expensive." Ok then.

You and your watch will be in good hands with LAWW.

[inadeje]

Update: I reached out to LAWW via email mid last week, but thus far haven’t received any answer. For those of you who have used them, how did you organize the work?

[TuRo]

Not usually a fan of building up cases, mainly because the worn/patinated dial, handset, crown, bezel, insert plexi and bracelet then look a bit non-in-keeping with the super pristine mid-case.

But with a similarity pristine fresh service dial and hands etc illiguy, it looks a fully in keeping handsome re-birth!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Update: I reached out to LAWW via email mid last week, but thus far haven’t received any answer. For those of you who have used them, how did you organize the work?

I would suggest picking up the phone and calling Edvi. In my experience, they don't always respond to email. I don't know what you mean by "organize the work."

[Kingface66]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I would suggest picking up the phone and calling Edvi. In my experience, they don't always respond to email. I don't know what you mean by "organize the work."

Exactly what Dan suggests. I’ve had several jobs done by them and have spoken to Edvi half a dozen times. He’s great.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I would suggest picking up the phone and calling Edvi. In my experience, they don't always respond to email. I don't know what you mean by "organize the work."

Thanks for your reply.

“Organize the work” meant coordination with LAWW the eventual work requirements. You know? - how one would deal with any vendor offering a service related to an item one owns? I had taken numerous photos of the watch which were sent within the email. I didn’t see how they could provide an informed quote without seeing the watch to establish the scope of the work required per their expertise.

If you say they don’t respond to emails then I don’t see how they could do the above. I will resort to calling them as you suggest to make an enquiry verbally, but would find it odd that they can evaluate without seeing the watch, at least in photos? Let me give verbal a shot and report back. Thanks again.

[Dan S]

IIRC, they can give you a rough estimate (i.e. a price range) over the phone (or using photos), but you will need to send them the watch for inspection and a firm quote. This is pretty much standard in my experience.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Dan S

IIRC, they can give you a rough estimate (i.e. a price range) over the phone (or using photos), but you will need to send them the watch for inspection and a firm quote. This is pretty much standard in my experience.

Sounds good, Dan. Thanks again for your help navigating this admittedly first time experience. I will do as you say and reach out to them by phone.