Do you trust your local watchmaker?

[Statuswan]

Hey guys. I have a local watch maker that services my more "basic" old school watches with ETA movements, and he does a pretty good job from what I can tell. But I also have some watches with newer type movements like my Yachtmaster 37 with the 2236 syloxi movement and a Bulgari octo 191 movement with a ceramic ball bearing winding rotor.
My question is, are these modern movements much different in terms of a"clean and oil service". Or are they so different that old school watchmakers shouldn't be touching them? I've asked him before and his reply was "movements are like car engines, they're all relatively the same principle". What do you guys think? Thanks!

[Dan Pierce]

Why not ask your watchmaker?
dP

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Statuswan

Do you trust your local watchmaker?

Yes

[SearChart]

If they don't have the correct tools and have no access to replacement parts then I would not give watches like that to them.

[CharlesN]

I would ONLY want ORIGINAL parts and oils etc in my watches.

Unless he has a specific parts account for the particular brand I would not give him the watch to service.

I take my watches direct to the appropriate service centre or AD.

[Statuswan]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Why not ask your watchmaker?
dP

I have...thus the last line in my original post. I'm just trying to get more of a consensus from people who know more about maintenance across all movements. Is it like getting an oil change for your car and going to the dealership that charges 100% more than any independent mechanic? Or truly necessary based on the complexity of individual movements? Just trying to get a consensus from people with bad or good experiences

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[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Statuswan

I have...thus the last line in my original post. I'm just trying to get more of a consensus from people who know more about maintenance across all movements. Is it like getting an oil change for your car and going to the dealership that charges 100% more than any independent mechanic? Or truly necessary based on the complexity of individual movements? Just trying to get a consensus from people with bad or good experiences

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Didn't scan your post as closely as I should have, my apologies.

My watchmaker has a Rolex parts account and tons of experience. I've trusted him w/ Patek, Rolex, Tudor, as well as any ETA and Seiko. I would have to ask mine about a new movement. The reply from your watchmaker would not give me much confidence unless you know he's been trained on a specific brand or movement.
dP

[MCO1]

I totally trust my watchmaker! He does not have a Rolex or Omega parts account therefore I send them elsewhere for their service. I want the watchmaker to have easy access to OEM parts.

[PMDAY]

If they don't have the correct tools and have no access to replacement parts then I would not give watches like that to them.
This is the right answer

[Juantxo]

I only trust RSC. After countless services to many watches, no complaints - very pleased so far.

[77T]

Originally Posted by SearChart

If they don't have the correct tools and have no access to replacement parts then I would not give watches like that to them.

I think those are 2 key factors.

Also Rolex here in USA groups their training for watchmakers to become certified by type of movement/complications. For example, doing the basic OP/DJ coursework doesn’t get you skilled enough to tackle a Sky-Dweller or YM-II.


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[Statuswan]

Thanks for the replies! Seems like the safe thing to do is go back to the factory service center. I just cringe at the thought of my watches being shipped around across continents in the mail. Just to add my own experience, I did recently send my datejust in for its first service, and it came back with a large scratch on the bracelet (after being polished). It also had a very small blemish on the crystal where it meets the bezel that I know wasn't there before. Unfortunately I didn't notice before leaving the AD which is 100% my own stupidity. Never had issues like that with my local guy.

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[RJRJRJ]

Probably not based on your post. Fortunately my local guy is CW21, Rolex certified/parts acct. and I trust him.