So Friday I met a watchmaker...

[johnliley]

So I started collecting old Hamiltons. My roomate tells me he finds a "watch shop" just 5 minutes up the road here out in the Salt Lake suburbs. Keep in mind I bought this house 5 years ago and shop in that Shopping Plaza. So I need a new crystal on my Hamilton Sea Guard and I drive down to the shop. Small, nice, clean and friendly. The fellow is European and been in the business for 15 years and specializes in Rolex. I asked him where he went to school and he says in his middle european accent, "Ha, School." "I was an apprentice for years.." We talked for an hour and he had a watch on both wrists. Nice guy. He restores cases too. I will let you know how it goes, but from the look of the stuff he restored in his cases this could be a fun find. I have told you guys this story because my girlfriend didn't quite understand what an awesome story this was... LOL

JL

[Speed]

Sounds like you may have a new "go-to-guy"

Good luck.

[watchnut]

I hope you have good luck with him. I ran across a similar guy in Naples, Florida a year or so ago. He was Swiss or something and claimed to have had something to do with the newer oils they are using. I left my vintage GMT with him and went back to Ohio. I wasn't sure I was going to ever get it back. I made quite a few phone calls and finally did. I don't think I was ever in danger of losing it, he was just quite old and a bit disorganized. The watch did run when I got it but I can't say I was overly impressed. I would love to find an independent that did RSC quality work. Would be like finding an honest, competent mechanic for your car. Worth their weight in gold! If you could find both close to home it'd be worth your firstborn.

[moviefreak]

Originally Posted by johnliley

So I started collecting old Hamiltons. My roomate tells me he finds a "watch shop" just 5 minutes up the road here out in the Salt Lake suburbs. Keep in mind I bought this house 5 years ago and shop in that Shopping Plaza. So I need a new crystal on my Hamilton Sea Guard and I drive down to the shop. Small, nice, clean and friendly. The fellow is European and been in the business for 15 years and specializes in Rolex. I asked him where he went to school and he says in his middle european accent, "Ha, School." "I was an apprentice for years.." We talked for an hour and he had a watch on both wrists. Nice guy. He restores cases too. I will let you know how it goes, but from the look of the stuff he restored in his cases this could be a fun find. I have told you guys this story because my girlfriend didn't quite understand what an awesome story this was... LOL

JL

Where is it? I could make a stop...

[Some Pair]

Originally Posted by watchnut

I hope you have good luck with him. I ran across a similar guy in Naples, Florida a year or so ago. He was Swiss or something and claimed to have had something to do with the newer oils they are using. I left my vintage GMT with him and went back to Ohio. I wasn't sure I was going to ever get it back. I made quite a few phone calls and finally did. I don't think I was ever in danger of losing it, he was just quite old and a bit disorganized. The watch did run when I got it but I can't say I was overly impressed. I would love to find an independent that did RSC quality work. Would be like finding an honest, competent mechanic for your car. Worth their weight in gold! If you could find both close to home it'd be worth your firstborn.

His name is Rik and he's known on this forum as "Rikki".
Located up in Seminole,Fl. TRF Tech Expert, Reasonable & Overall Good Guy. Highly Recommend.

Btw, great find on this chap with your Hamilton. As already requested, Let us know how it goes...

[johnliley]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

Where is it? I could make a stop...

Highland Drive south of Willow Creek East side of the Street in the Reams Shopping Plaza. About 80th something south. South side on the right side of Reams. Guyos Time. 10am to 6pm I thought.


JL

[moviefreak]

Originally Posted by johnliley

Highland Drive south of Willow Creek East side of the Street in the Reams Shopping Plaza. About 80th something south. South side on the right side of Reams. Guyos Time. 10am to 6pm I thought.


JL

Thanks.. I will check it out..