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motoikkyu · 18 March 2017, 02:46 AM

I've done business with Central Watch since 1993. They've been in business for a very, very long time. I bought a fair amount of vintage from them over the years. I've had a great deal of service of vintage pieces with them. Recently, they did a major remodel and added a service facility. The aim is to provide better service AND to get premium service prices for that care. So, yes, in a relatively short time, their service fees tripled, that is true. Are there cheaper groups in close proximity providing the same level of service? Definitely. Have those groups been a feature of the NY landscape for as long? Not even close. If you choose to have service done with them, you will absolutely get what you pay for, but you may choose to pay less, elsewhere. I can assure you, they are not "bad guys", just expensive.

sprezzatura · 18 March 2017, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

I've done business with Central Watch since 1993. They've been in business for a very, very long time. I bought a fair amount of vintage from them over the years. I've had a great deal of service of vintage pieces with them. Recently, they did a major remodel and added a service facility. The aim is to provide better service AND to get premium service prices for that care. So, yes, in a relatively short time, their service fees tripled, that is true. Are there cheaper groups in close proximity providing the same level of service? Definitely. Have those groups been a feature of the NY landscape for as long? Not even close. If you choose to have service done with them, you will absolutely get what you pay for, but you may choose to pay less, elsewhere. I can assure you, they are not "bad guys", just expensive.

With all due respect, there is something wrong with their pricing if such cheaper groups potentially include the RSC in New York. At the BH RSC, I was recently quoted $835 plus tax for similar servicing, which included the replacement crown.

madonofrio · 18 March 2017, 04:00 AM

Is Central Watch the counter in the 45th St passageway? How are they charging more than the RSC?

Insured shipping (to LAWW, ABC, or Rik) is just so easy, I don't understand the multiple threads on where to bring for in-person servicing in NYC...

I live in NYC as well, and I've just accepted there are some things we don't do well. Except pizza- this is the only place on earth where you can get decent pizza.

sprezzatura · 18 March 2017, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madonofrio

Is Central Watch the counter in the 45th St passageway? How are they charging more than the RSC?

Insured shipping (to LAWW, ABC, or Rik) is just so easy, I don't understand the multiple threads on where to bring for in-person servicing in NYC...

I live in NYC as well, and I've just accepted there are some things we don't do well. Except pizza- this is the only place on earth where you can get decent pizza.

Right on! And the bagels, of course. Something in the water, as they say!

Needless to say, I walked away from the RSC even at that price. Above all, I just don't get their overzealousness about putting luminova hands on a vintage watch in the name of functionality. . . And, of course, why fix something if it's not broken, right?

motoikkyu · 18 March 2017, 04:28 AM

Central Watch wanted to do a complete overhaul on my Exp II, based on the symptoms I was describing. They quoted $750 at that time. RSC was around $900 at that time, so they were trying for 10-15% under RSC.

I didn't have the money. I took it to Peter. He opened it and diagnosed a broken mainspring. He charged me $175 and apologized, saying the part was expensive. It's run perfectly in the four years since.

It's hard to say what is the "right" price for ANY services in NYC. There tends to always be someone willing to do the same or similar service for less. Peter doesn't pressure test. I think he boils the parts in his kitchen. He has, on occasion, scratched the living daylights out of cases I've just had professionally polished. But he'll do a full service on any automatic watch made in the last 70 years for about $45. I'll keep doing business with him. That's not an idictment of my friends at Central Watch.

NYC has access to many world-class goods and services. I agree with madonofrio, you can't really get decent BBQ in NYC since Tennessee Mountain House closed.

Kingface66 · 18 March 2017, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

NYC has access to many world-class goods and services. I agree with madonofrio, you can't really get decent BBQ in NYC since Tennessee Mountain House closed.

Watches aside, I will say that there is still very good BBQ to be found in New York City. John Brown Smokehouse, Fette Sau, Fletcher's, Mighty Quinn, Delaney BBQ just to name a few.

motoikkyu · 19 March 2017, 01:01 PM

Fette Sau is in Brooklyn. Don't you need like, a passport, or something? Mighty Quinn is fine (glad you didn't mention Dinosaur, although the upstate location is better).

But, if you get to other places: Oklahoma, Texas, the Carolinas, the overall standard is higher for BBQ.

There are acceptable watchmakers at all fee levels in NYC. More money doesn't guarantee better service, in fact, you can pay a lot for really marginal service. It's a beautiful world, you can have service in the City, or send your Rolex away and get it. John Brown Smokehouse is over-rated.

Kingface66 · 20 March 2017, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

Fette Sau is in Brooklyn. Don't you need like, a passport, or something? Mighty Quinn is fine (glad you didn't mention Dinosaur, although the upstate location is better).

But, if you get to other places: Oklahoma, Texas, the Carolinas, the overall standard is higher for BBQ.

There are acceptable watchmakers at all fee levels in NYC. More money doesn't guarantee better service, in fact, you can pay a lot for really marginal service. It's a beautiful world, you can have service in the City, or send your Rolex away and get it. John Brown Smokehouse is over-rated.

Ha! A passport isn't necessary, but once the L train shuts down for reconstruction next year, it's gonna feel like you're traveling to the Far East to get out the Williamsburg and Bushwick. That said, it's worth the trip for now. John Brown, the first time there was fantastic, the second time just fine. Unfortunately, being in the food journalism/publishing world, the amount of rich, meaty foods is finally catching up to, and raising, my cholesterol levels to a "slightly concerning" level (according to my smart-ass doctor)

But I couldn't agree more about your assessment of more money doesn't necessarily equal better service.

zapokee · 20 March 2017, 10:47 AM

Well done. Hope you sprinted rather than walking from the original cowboys.

adrianff7 · 20 March 2017, 11:18 PM

Are all parts used by ABC and LAWW original Rolex?

Enviado de meu GT-I9515L usando Tapatalk

Acascio · 21 March 2017, 01:25 AM

ABC Watchwerks!! Alex is Awesome

seattleal · 21 March 2017, 02:10 AM

Looks great Andy - Happy endings are the best!!

(And next time I'm in NY, how about we take our gilt subs out for bagels and BBQ?)

Kingface66 · 21 March 2017, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seattleal

Looks great Andy - Happy endings are the best!!

(And next time I'm in NY, how about we take our gilt subs out for bagels and BBQ?)

And pizza, Al! Done and done.

18 March 2017, 02:46 AM	#31
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,731	I've done business with Central Watch since 1993. They've been in business for a very, very long time. I bought a fair amount of vintage from them over the years. I've had a great deal of service of vintage pieces with them. Recently, they did a major remodel and added a service facility. The aim is to provide better service AND to get premium service prices for that care. So, yes, in a relatively short time, their service fees tripled, that is true. Are there cheaper groups in close proximity providing the same level of service? Definitely. Have those groups been a feature of the NY landscape for as long? Not even close. If you choose to have service done with them, you will absolutely get what you pay for, but you may choose to pay less, elsewhere. I can assure you, they are not "bad guys", just expensive. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

18 March 2017, 04:00 AM	#33
madonofrio "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Real Name: Mike Location: Philadelphia Watch: 1016 Posts: 88	Is Central Watch the counter in the 45th St passageway? How are they charging more than the RSC? Insured shipping (to LAWW, ABC, or Rik) is just so easy, I don't understand the multiple threads on where to bring for in-person servicing in NYC... I live in NYC as well, and I've just accepted there are some things we don't do well. Except pizza- this is the only place on earth where you can get decent pizza. __________________ 14060 \| 15000

18 March 2017, 04:28 AM	#35
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,731	Central Watch wanted to do a complete overhaul on my Exp II, based on the symptoms I was describing. They quoted $750 at that time. RSC was around $900 at that time, so they were trying for 10-15% under RSC. I didn't have the money. I took it to Peter. He opened it and diagnosed a broken mainspring. He charged me $175 and apologized, saying the part was expensive. It's run perfectly in the four years since. It's hard to say what is the "right" price for ANY services in NYC. There tends to always be someone willing to do the same or similar service for less. Peter doesn't pressure test. I think he boils the parts in his kitchen. He has, on occasion, scratched the living daylights out of cases I've just had professionally polished. But he'll do a full service on any automatic watch made in the last 70 years for about $45. I'll keep doing business with him. That's not an idictment of my friends at Central Watch. NYC has access to many world-class goods and services. I agree with madonofrio, you can't really get decent BBQ in NYC since Tennessee Mountain House closed. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

19 March 2017, 01:01 PM	#37
motoikkyu 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,731	Fette Sau is in Brooklyn. Don't you need like, a passport, or something? Mighty Quinn is fine (glad you didn't mention Dinosaur, although the upstate location is better). But, if you get to other places: Oklahoma, Texas, the Carolinas, the overall standard is higher for BBQ. There are acceptable watchmakers at all fee levels in NYC. More money doesn't guarantee better service, in fact, you can pay a lot for really marginal service. It's a beautiful world, you can have service in the City, or send your Rolex away and get it. John Brown Smokehouse is over-rated. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

20 March 2017, 10:47 AM	#39
zapokee "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Japan Posts: 4,344	Well done. Hope you sprinted rather than walking from the original cowboys.

20 March 2017, 11:18 PM	#40
adrianff7 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Real Name: Adrian Location: Brazil Watch: 1680 Posts: 38	Are all parts used by ABC and LAWW original Rolex? Enviado de meu GT-I9515L usando Tapatalk

21 March 2017, 01:25 AM	#41
Acascio "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Real Name: Al Location: LI, New York Watch: Sub 72 5513 Posts: 92	ABC Watchwerks!! Alex is Awesome

21 March 2017, 02:10 AM	#42
seattleal 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Al Location: Out West Watch: Gilt Subs Posts: 837	Looks great Andy - Happy endings are the best!! (And next time I'm in NY, how about we take our gilt subs out for bagels and BBQ?)

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