I sent my watch in for repair at an independent in 2014 and have not received it back

[OgSnowflake]

hurricane Irma knocked over the local fedex next to his house n he’s waiting for it to be rebuilt to send it off is the only logical guess here.

[MonBK]

Six months ago Rik said he stands behind his work even if it takes 3 years.

Now 4 years later it makes me wonder if it wouldn't be better to take a step forward (towards the work) and get it done?

After all, how long can you stand behind your work?

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Six months ago Rik said he stands behind his work even if it takes 3 years.

Now 4 years later it makes me wonder if it wouldn't be better to take a step forward (towards the work) and get it done?

After all, how long can you stand behind your work?

He did say "stand" behind his work, not necessarily actually doing it. So technically he could stand there for a couple more years.


In all seriousness I understand the op's frustration. However it seems that this is that particular case where you have stumped the professor for an answer. Riki seems to have a very good reputation and has explained a list of circumstances that have created the delay. If this watch is that particular it seems it would cause issues no matter where it went. In this case I think we're at the make it or brake it point.
Can you or can you not fix it. If fixing it depends on factors beyond your control and the op is not willing to wait any longer, this falls under cannot fix it, return watch immediately.
Otherwise, if the op can confirm that he consulted other watchmakers and they have expressed a complete opposing view of the complexity and rareness of the situation then I would assume you can only wait or just have the watch returned unrepaired.

[AzPaul]

This thread should be sold to Hollywood. It has it all. Mystery, betrayal, hurricanes, resolution, false ending, more intrigue.

Already looking forward to the sequel.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by rouxeny

Still waiting...

Why not deal with Rik directly instead of going public here on the forum? Or are you expecting him to read your posts here?

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Six months ago Rik said he stands behind his work even if it takes 3 years.

Now 4 years later it makes me wonder if it wouldn't be better to take a step forward (towards the work) and get it done?

After all, how long can you stand behind your work?

[spoilsofwar01]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Hi folks so the cats out of the bag. Andrew is correct about his post the watch is a longines caliber 990-1 first and only one I have seen in 32 years of doing what I do. Initially when watch came in it had some moisture issues causing the stem to be rusted In place so trying to extract these parts they of course broke, so tried to source the parts but found out that longine was in the process of being acquired omega and no parts available, I called every supply house I know and no one even heard of this caliber. At that point I told Andrew it would be some time to source parts or even if they were available. So a year goes by still nothing then six months goes by I was talking with Omega and asked them about longine parts at which point they were still trying to integrate them into their new parts system and would be another six months so at that point I finally got the parts I needed problem was it had been so long and this is one of the most convoluted automatics I have ever seen I frankly forgot how to put it back together and told Andrew that I would need to source a schematic to do so but this info wasn't available for download just fax at that time so I got the fax but it was u fortunately illegible now I'm really stuck. So I put it aside showed it to a few fellow watchmakers who also have never seen one so that option was out when Andrew emailed me it was during hurricane Irma and I had no power for a week my office had been moved into the interior of my house and have to be all set up again I got a heads up about the post got on the phone with Omega which took an hour for them to get me too a downloadable version of the schematic at that point I contacted Andrew and told him what was up. The watch is running but hasn't been shipped back although it timed out well it is having intermittent stopping and starting issues so now that is the issue I have to disassemble reclean and that should take care of so now you know and can stop guessing sometimes in this business things aren't so black and white. So if you want to continue to pile on have at it those that know me know I stand behind my work even if it takes 3 years to do and by the way I'm also not charging for the parts or service because of the time issue although most of it was out of my control. Thanx for your indulgence Rik

Full respect to you Sir

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Why not deal with Rik directly instead of going public here on the forum? Or are you expecting him to read your posts here?

To recap. He went to Rik directly, and Rik didn't communicate for a couple years. In fact, this thread was the trigger that got Rik on the phone. Rik read this thread, apologized, and promised to move things along. Rik's supporters jumped in and said he's a stand up guy and will get things right. Now 6 months later it seems nothing has changed.

Maybe this thread should be moved to the Watchout! forum.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

To recap. He went to Rik directly, and Rik didn't communicate for a couple years. In fact, this thread was the trigger that got Rik on the phone. Rik read this thread and apologized and promised to move things along. Rik's supporters jumped n and said he's a stand up guy and will get things right. Now 6 months later it seems nothing has changed.

Maybe this thread should be moved to the Watchout! forum.

I think Rik has been real busy doing a total remodel on the inside of his house. Bigger priorities take precedent.

[SemperFi]

I can’t believe that this issue is still unresolved.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

I think Rik has been real busy doing a total remodel on the inside of his house. Bigger priorities take precedent.

If this was a one off, maybe so. But there are other threads about tardiness and poor communications.

I get that there can be unforeseen obstacles in working on old watches. But failing to communicate is just very poor business execution. Who would tolerate that kind of performance at their job?

I would say that the OP was Kented, except that even Kent came through and got the watch done.

[wach16]

I just read this thread for the first time and I think it is unacceptable. Obviously, unforeseen circumstances arise, but 4 years and poor communication is crazy.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

If this was a one off, maybe so. But there are other threads about tardiness and poor communications.

I get that there can be unforeseen obstacles in working on old watches. But failing to communicate is just very poor business execution. Who would tolerate that kind of performance at their job?

I would say that the OP was Kented, except that even Kent came through and got the watch done.

Was there another issue with Rik concerning another member of the forum here with one of his watches? Because most of Rik's feedback seems to be very positive from most of the reviews here.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

Was there another issue with Rik concerning another member of the forum here with one of his watches? Because most of Rik's feedback seems to be very positive from most of the reviews here.

There was at least one other thread prior to this one about long delay and no communications.

From the feedback Rik is the best at what he does. No question about quality and craftsmanship. The communications problems and long delays on some projects seem to be the issue. Four years is a long time for a job to hang out there. I’ve seen vintage aircraft restored in less time FWIW.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

There was at least one other thread prior to this one about long delay and no communications.

From the feedback Rik is the best at what he does. No question about quality and craftsmanship. The communications problems and long delays on some projects seem to be the issue. Four years is a long time for a job to hang out there. I’ve seen vintage aircraft restored in less time FWIW.

I agree. Much too long.

[Ballzzz]

Rik, the floor is yours to keep your stellar reputation in tact. As is always preached to me "It takes years to build your reputation, but can be tarnished in minutes".

Good luck to both parties, sometimes things are out of your control but many are not. Open communication even just a hello due to no updates go a long way.

[Rashid.bk]

For years,...unsat, I'm starting to view the op's pov a lot more clearer.

[Emptywrist]

I know absolutely nothing about watches but it seems like the major issue here is lack of communication from what we can read here

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Bigblu10]

So 6 months have past since Rik said the watch would be done and communication has gone dark?

[rouxeny]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

So 6 months have past since Rik said the watch would be done and communication has gone dark?

I have not heard anything from him since shortly after starting this thread. 6 months ago.

[yannis]

Originally Posted by rouxeny

I have not heard anything from him since shortly after starting this thread. 6 months ago.

Hopefully he will notice the revival of the thread within 2018.

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by rouxeny

I have not heard anything from him since shortly after starting this thread. 6 months ago.

This goes way beyond anything that is remotely acceptable.
Without mentioning any names, (tongue firmly in cheek) I know there’s at least one person I will never entrust any of my watches with.
And honestly, I don’t feel like I’m piling on here. The opportunity was there when this first came to light to at least attempt to make amends. Did that happen, no. Just more of the same lack of resolution or communication. Those of you who are supporters can’t possibly make any more excuses or explain things away even if it was the first time something like this happened, which it wasn’t.
I hope for the OP’s sake that he eventually gets his watch back regardless of its condition.

[Floorguy]

Originally Posted by rouxeny

I have not heard anything from him since shortly after starting this thread. 6 months ago.

Have you called him? I’ve never had a problem contacting Rikki...

[77T]

Rik mentioned the movement wouldn’t run correctly after his first overhaul. By now it may still not be working correctly even after a 2nd try.

Is it perhaps a good idea to source an entire movement whether new or used?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by 77T

Rik mentioned the movement wouldn’t run correctly after his first overhaul. By now it may still not be working correctly even after a 2nd try.

Is it perhaps a good idea to source an entire movement whether new or used?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The movement may be so obscure that is may not be obtainable. Worse case scenario the op gets the watch back just for sentimental reasons if it no longer is functional.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

The movement may be so obscure that is may not be obtainable. Worse case scenario the op gets the watch back just for sentimental reasons if it no longer is functional.

True - but worth a try. I just sourced an Omega 550 in working order from over 50 years ago.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by 77T

Rik mentioned the movement wouldn’t run correctly after his first overhaul. By now it may still not be working correctly even after a 2nd try.
Is it perhaps a good idea to source an entire movement whether new or used?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Bigblu10

The movement may be so obscure that is may not be obtainable. Worse case scenario the op gets the watch back just for sentimental reasons if it no longer is functional.

All good reasons for not accomplishing the work. But the lack of communication remains the fundamental problem. An occasional text saying he's still working it would go along way. But going dark is just the wrong way to treat a customer.

How does Rik resolve the comms issue?

[SemperFi]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

All good reasons for not accomplishing the work. But the lack of communication remains the fundamental problem. An occasional text saying he's still working it would go along way. But going dark is just the wrong way to treat a customer.

How does Rik resolve the comms issue?

I’d certainly be interested in what he has to say especially after compounding his initial lack of response with yet another six months of no communication.
Somehow I can’t get his initial, and to this point only, response to this thread out of my mind.
And I quote his very first sentence, “Hi folks, so the cats out of the bag”. Indeed it is.

[swatty]

This Ebay seller seems to have a lot of parts for the calibre in question

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Longines...-/191292534717

[rouxeny]

Originally Posted by Floorguy

Have you called him? I’ve never had a problem contacting Rikki...

I haven’t talked to him on the phone since he called me up the day I created this thread.

I have no doubt that he would answer my call. I just am unconvinced that yet another phone call would lead to my watch coming back, as none of the prior communications with him did.



Google Longines Cal 990.1, there’s a good bit written about it. This description is a bit too breathlessly written, but it gives useful info about the movement.

http://www.vintage-watches-collectio...ibre-990-1984/