List of vintage watch repairers

[Clay]

How about FOUR CROWNS WATCH SERVICE in LA....Excellent....Former Rolex of Beverly Hills employees...

[maritimewatches]

Shant runs Four Crowns in Los Angeles (which is already on your list). I would add him under Four Crowns.

Frank

[liptonnr]

Dear mods can we make this thread sticky! I I'll need it sometime in the future! Plus it can be responded to easily! Thanks

[Mike1066]

San Diego/Southern California

D's TIME SERVICE
Owner - Tom Doan (CW21 Certified)
861 Sixth Ave #219 San Diego, CA 92101
Tel. (619) 696-9464 // dstsvc@gmail.com
www.dstimeservice.com


Tom is THE BEST!!!! He helped me "rescue" a 3.2 mil SN 1680 Sub with incorrect White dail into the BEAUTIFUL Red Sub with correct Rolex Luminova replacement dial I have today. He is AWESOME!!

[cruvon]

Thanks Alcan,Clay, maritimewatches, Mike1066, updated list! Any other countries guys?

USA

East


RSC: Rolex Watch USA Inc.Rolex Building
665 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10022
212-758-7700


Ernest Tope CMW21
http://watchrestoration.com/Experience.htm
Watch Service - service@watchrestoration.com
(813) 802-4884
Masterpiece Watch Restoration LLC
PO Box 678
Mango, Fl 33550-0678



Rik E. Dietel CW21
http://timecareinc.com/
rikki.234@hotmail.com
727-215-8870
Time Care Inc.
P.O.Box 7489
Seminole, Florida. 33775

watchrepair.net
1499 Palmetto Park Rd.
Boca Raton, FL 33486
(888)876-9282
(561)368-1211
Jeff@watchrepair.net



Dominique Wieland
PO Box 403
Spring Lake, Mi 49456
(800) 237-6398
http://dominiquewieland.com



West


RSC
Contact: Giovanni
210 Post Street, Suite 704-705
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 982-9830



Four Crowns
Contact: Shant Der Boghosian *Owned by former Rolex of Beverly Hills employees
608 South Hill Street
Suite 1001 (10th Floor)
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-488-3381 office



Dalton Toledo
ABC Watch Works
635 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 489-1816


D's TIME SERVICE
Owner - Tom Doan (CW21 Certified)
861 Sixth Ave #219 San Diego, CA 92101
Tel. (619) 696-9464 // dstsvc@gmail.com
www.dstimeservice.com


Mid West


Universal Watch Repair
555 South Old Woodward Avenue
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248)723-5550
http://www.universalwatch.net/


Fine Swiss Watch Repair
Owner: Kent Mikolite
55 E Washington St, Ste 736
(between Wabash Ave & Dearborn St)
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 658-0602

Central

Bob Ridley
http://www.watchmakers.com/
Email - bobridley@watchmakers.com
(817) 276-1400 - Phone
(817) 275-2466 - Fax

Chamosa Watch Repair
Owner: Manuel Chamosa
14785 Preston Road # 150
Dallas, TX 75254-7886
(972)404-9177


Australia

Sydney

RSC Australia
???? Contact?

MAX SCHWEIZER
SWISS WATCH SERVICE
Suite 313
375 George Street Sydney
Phone 9290 1469

CARL PARKER
PARKER TIME
Shop 1,
32 ferry Street,
Hunters Hill.
Phone 9816 1401

Expert Watch Repair
Suite 306, Level 3. 250 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
p: (02) 9261 2229 f: (02) 9283 3405
http://www.watchrepair.com.au


Melbourne

Ferntree Gully Watch and Clock
117-119 Station Street, Ferntree Gully VIC 3156
PH: +61 3 9758 7740
http://http://www.ftgwatch.com.au/
Ask For Phil Gore

Canterbury Clocks & Watches
209 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126
PH: +61 3 9830 1370
http://http://www.canterburycw.com.au/watches.html
Ask For Rory Macdonald



UK
???

Canada

Rolex Canada Ltd.
Rolex Building
50 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 3B7
416-968-1100

Damiani Jewllers
15 Jevlan Dr.
Woodbridge, Ont.
905-850-4653

Chonger
Authorized Rolex Service Center
Location is at HWY 400 and #7
Ont.

NB: While this list serves to collate all vintage watch repairers forumers have possibly dealt with (from fellow forumers comments in the various threads) in one place, it in no way is a measure of the quality/originality of the work they might perform. Please conduct your own due diligence before you send in your beloved watch in for repair by asking questions on the forum, posting pictures, getting references, etc. Also please notify us of any concerns and if the forumers agree I can take them off this list.

[cruvon]

Bump for more, USA, Australia and Canada only? There surely can't be only 3 countries in the world;) having recommended Rolex repairers!

[cruvon]

Bump for more!

I do hear quite a bit about some great repairers right here on the forum who contribute their knowledge to the forum so is great to support them too. If they are not already in the list, please recommend and provide their contact if have got your watch serviced by them and are happy so can add to the list!

[DiamondJack]

UK was looking a little light, so here's two.....

Steve Hale
Watch Restoration
33 St. George St.
London
W1S 2FL

Tel: 00 44 207 495 3439

http://www.watchrestoration.co.uk


William Rice
Woodmansey
Beverley
Hull
East Yorkshire

Tel: 00 44 1482 873425

http://www.williamricewatches.com

[jnmarshall]

Just FYI... I see "RSC"'s listed. So far three out three attempts to have a watches looked at the Dallas RSC they gave it back to me after 5 minutes and said parts are not available. They don't even attempt to open them. Don't really know what the criteria is for vintage and what the criteria is for the RSC's.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by jnmarshall

Just FYI... I see "RSC"'s listed. So far three out three attempts to have a watches looked at the Dallas RSC they gave it back to me after 5 minutes and said parts are not available. They don't even attempt to open them. Don't really know what the criteria is for vintage and what the criteria is for the RSC's.

Agreed, RSC service centers in Dallas and New York should not be on this list...not for vintage...

[Mauiguy]

Corrected spelling and suite #:

Alex Kohut, Dalton Toledo
ABC Watchwerks
635 S. Hill St., Suite 807
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel (213) 489-1816

Originally Posted by Alcan

update:

Dalton Toledo
ABC Watchworks
635 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 489-1816

[Rikki]

Just a thought shouldn't the watchmakers have a certification of some kind or be the actual watchmakers on the list by name.Just curious. Rikki

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by DiamondJack

UK was looking a little light, so here's two.....

Steve Hale
Watch Restoration
33 St. George St.
London
W1S 2FL

Tel: 00 44 207 495 3439

http://www.watchrestoration.co.uk


William Rice
Woodmansey
Beverley
Hull
East Yorkshire

Tel: 00 44 1482 873425

http://www.williamricewatches.com

Originally Posted by Mauiguy

Corrected spelling and suite #:

Alex Kohut, Dalton Toledo
ABC Watchwerks
635 S. Hill St., Suite 807
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Tel (213) 489-1816

Thanks for the update DiamondJack, Mauiguy, will add to list!

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by jnmarshall

Just FYI... I see "RSC"'s listed. So far three out three attempts to have a watches looked at the Dallas RSC they gave it back to me after 5 minutes and said parts are not available. They don't even attempt to open them. Don't really know what the criteria is for vintage and what the criteria is for the RSC's.

Originally Posted by azguy

Agreed, RSC service centers in Dallas and New York should not be on this list...not for vintage...

Thanks for the update guys, will take them of the list if they no longer service vintages!

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Just a thought shouldn't the watchmakers have a certification of some kind or be the actual watchmakers on the list by name.Just curious. Rikki

Hi Rikki, thanks, this list is intended to be a recommendaton list from members here who have possibly previously serviced a vintage watch froma watchmaker they recommend or heard good things about a watch repairer or a company servicing vintage watches.

When servicing my vintage watches, I personally have never looked up the certifications of any watchmaker I have serviced a watch with because I didn't know any better, just gone by word of mouth about the quality of a watchmakers work. I am not at all knowledgeable about watchmaker certifications, could you please educate us on that and what we should look for and the protection that provides our vintages and us as customers?

I would be happy to put in certifications behind the watchmakers name if that is provided so that the forumers can decide for themselves after we know what they mean and know what a watchmaker has to go through to get them to further appreciate their significance:).

[Rikki]

Well the latest certification in the US is the CW21 by the American Watch and Clock Institute and has in the last 2 years become a benchmark for watch repair proficientcy. Only about 26 to 35 percent of the watchmakers who have taken have passed it, it is a 4 day test with 5 parts or disciplines. I myself didn't pass the first time because I was cocky but had to take 2 parts over not the whole thing and passed in 2010. The studying and prep classes for the course have made me a better watchmaker and I'm glad I took the 2 years of study to test myself. Also only CW21 watchmakers are considered for Rolex parts accounts and other manufacturers seem to be headed in that direction. It has also openned doors previously shut, so all in all a worthwhile endeavor. The time away from work for classes and testing cost me in excess of 25 large but it has made me better. So any of you watch guys make the effort it can only benefit you in the future. Rikki

[rolexsport]

hi y'all, so what is the difference between cmw21 and cw21? thanx


Ernest Tope CMW21
http://watchrestoration.com/Experience.htm
Watch Service - service@watchrestoration.com
(813) 802-4884
Masterpiece Watch Restoration LLC
PO Box 678
Mango, Fl 33550-0678



Rik E. Dietel CW21
http://timecareinc.com/
rikki.234@hotmail.com
727-215-8870
Time Care Inc.
P.O.Box 7489
Seminole, Florida. 33775

[Rikki]

A CW is Certified Watchmaker and a CMW is a Certified Master Watchmaker. Certifications have been around for a long time this is the newest. Those that had a previous CMW were semi grandfathered in and only had to take 2 parts of the test I took because their CMW from before was more complicated. The AWCI hasn't as of yet put together a completely new CMW21, but they are working on it and as soon as it is ready I will test for that as well, of course after more classes and study. Also to keep your CW or CMW21 you have to take continueing ed courses and accrue between 5 and 7 credits to keep your license current every 5 years. Pretty much like doctors nurses opticians and so forth. Hope that clears it up a bit. Rikki

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Rikki

Well the latest certification in the US is the CW21 by the American Watch and Clock Institute and has in the last 2 years become a benchmark for watch repair proficientcy. Only about 26 to 35 percent of the watchmakers who have taken have passed it, it is a 4 day test with 5 parts or disciplines. I myself didn't pass the first time because I was cocky but had to take 2 parts over not the whole thing and passed in 2010. The studying and prep classes for the course have made me a better watchmaker and I'm glad I took the 2 years of study to test myself. Also only CW21 watchmakers are considered for Rolex parts accounts and other manufacturers seem to be headed in that direction. It has also openned doors previously shut, so all in all a worthwhile endeavor. The time away from work for classes and testing cost me in excess of 25 large but it has made me better. So any of you watch guys make the effort it can only benefit you in the future. Rikki

Originally Posted by Rikki

A CW is Certified Watchmaker and a CMW is a Certified Master Watchmaker. Certifications have been around for a long time this is the newest. Those that had a previous CMW were semi grandfathered in and only had to take 2 parts of the test I took because their CMW from before was more complicated. The AWCI hasn't as of yet put together a completely new CMW21, but they are working on it and as soon as it is ready I will test for that as well, of course after more classes and study. Also to keep your CW or CMW21 you have to take continueing ed courses and accrue between 5 and 7 credits to keep your license current every 5 years. Pretty much like doctors nurses opticians and so forth. Hope that clears it up a bit. Rikki

Thanks for the info Rikki, surely looks like a tough exam, will highlight the certifications in the list and make a special footnote. What are the pre requisites to take it, for example number of years experience, etc.? Also would be interesting to know what the different subjects the exam covers. Also what's the duration of the Certified Master Watchmaker exam?

[Rikki]

The 5 disciplines are 4 hour essay written test, 7750 Chronograph, eta automatic, eta quartz, and lathe work cut out a balance fit new one poise and properly center hairspring and oil. The only timed part is the written you have 3 1/2 days to complete the rest. They can induce up to 100 errors in the watches for you to diagnose and repair as well as clean oil adjust and case up. There is no CMW 21 test as of yet just 2 parts of the full test written and the chronograph and I believe you get 2 days to complete. You have to have 3 to 5 years experience to take the test. People coming out of wostep taking the test pass rate is slightly higher maybe 45 percent. So much has changed in the last 5 years alone materials oils quantities that you really have to take the prerequsite courses in order to pass the test. That's about all I got. Best thing I have done for myself and my business. Rikki

[rolexsport]

great info...

[CaveDiver]

Originally Posted by Rikki

A CW is Certified Watchmaker and a CMW is a Certified Master Watchmaker. Certifications have been around for a long time this is the newest. Those that had a previous CMW were semi grandfathered in and only had to take 2 parts of the test I took because their CMW from before was more complicated. The AWCI hasn't as of yet put together a completely new CMW21, but they are working on it and as soon as it is ready I will test for that as well, of course after more classes and study. Also to keep your CW or CMW21 you have to take continueing ed courses and accrue between 5 and 7 credits to keep your license current every 5 years. Pretty much like doctors nurses opticians and so forth. Hope that clears it up a bit. Rikki

Hi RIk,
Are there any restrictions on how a watchmaker advertises the certifications? For example, can a watchmaker that is certified cw21 or cmw21 have a staff of non certified watchmakers that do the majority of the services while the certified watchmaker mostly does the management part of the business?  I figure that is how Rolex operates. 
Thanks

[Rikki]

I believe the Rolex service center in Dallas has approximately 40 or so certified watchmakers and about 60 or so watch techs who do most of the grunt work and the certified guys do the final adjusting. I do everything soup to nuts. I believe that Rolex requires anyone who does mechanical work as an Independant be certified not so sure about detailing and case work. My actual title is Rik Dietel CW21 and can use my certification as I see fit for advertising or whatever. There are many stores or workshops where the owner is not even a watchmaker and subs the work out like most of the jewelry stores on the planet. Some of the subs are certified some are not it's up to the consumer to ask and because certifications started to be swept under the rug in the early 80's so jewelry stores didn't have to pay a watchmaker to change batteries lobbyied by the big jewelry store chains education for watchmakers went down the tubes. Now that more mechanical high grade watches are being produced than at anytime in history the need for qualified watchmakers is needed more than ever. If any of you out there have a genuine interest in becoming a watchmaker there's no better time, the amount of work out there is generational,and I mean really generational. Okay enough of the soapbox you'all have a nice evenning. Rikki

[bobbipiazza]

In 2007, Rolex wrote:

"In light of industry developments we..now require that all spare parts accounts maintain a membership in the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute (AWCI)....AWCI is currently the only resource for obtaining the new industry-supported Watchmaker Certification, which will become mandatory for all existing Rolex spare parts accounts within the next three years."

Since January 2011, AWCI certification is required in order to be eligible for a spare parts accounts. Further requirements exist, involving on-site inspection and equipment specifications. Watchmakers must maintain premium qualifications and shop standards in order to be eligible for a spare parts account. Without this account, a watchmaker cannot purchase genuine Rolex parts directly from Rolex.

It is our understanding (in agreement with Rik) that an independent watchmaker with a Rolex account must have approval by Rolex (verified certifications) in order to perform mechanical services to a Rolex watch.

[Rikki]

What he said. Rikki all of what I have been through.

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Rikki

The 5 disciplines are 4 hour essay written test, 7750 Chronograph, eta automatic, eta quartz, and lathe work cut out a balance fit new one poise and properly center hairspring and oil. The only timed part is the written you have 3 1/2 days to complete the rest. They can induce up to 100 errors in the watches for you to diagnose and repair as well as clean oil adjust and case up. There is no CMW 21 test as of yet just 2 parts of the full test written and the chronograph and I believe you get 2 days to complete. You have to have 3 to 5 years experience to take the test. People coming out of wostep taking the test pass rate is slightly higher maybe 45 percent. So much has changed in the last 5 years alone materials oils quantities that you really have to take the prerequsite courses in order to pass the test. That's about all I got. Best thing I have done for myself and my business. Rikki

Originally Posted by bobbipiazza

In 2007, Rolex wrote:

"In light of industry developments we..now require that all spare parts accounts maintain a membership in the American Watchmakers - Clockmakers Institute (AWCI)....AWCI is currently the only resource for obtaining the new industry-supported Watchmaker Certification, which will become mandatory for all existing Rolex spare parts accounts within the next three years."

Since January 2011, AWCI certification is required in order to be eligible for a spare parts accounts. Further requirements exist, involving on-site inspection and equipment specifications. Watchmakers must maintain premium qualifications and shop standards in order to be eligible for a spare parts account. Without this account, a watchmaker cannot purchase genuine Rolex parts directly from Rolex.

It is our understanding (in agreement with Rik) that an independent watchmaker with a Rolex account must have approval by Rolex (verified certifications) in order to perform mechanical services to a Rolex watch.

Thanks for the certification update Rikki and Bob Ridley, valuable learnings about certifications and some things to make note of in my watchmaker List update. Just thinking aloud, I wouldn't fly a plane without having certified technicians evaluate it's condition or them having a valid parts account ,so I see no reason why a watchmaker shouldn't have them in a changing world. So good on you'll for undergoing these certifications!

Btw are there any certifications that especially cater to vintage watches and their restoration (do any of the above mentioned certifications include that?), that would be the icing to the cake since though you'll know how to, many watchmakers out there have no clue about how a vintage watch needs to be handled!

[Rikki]

That all comes with experience and trial and error hopefully more trial than error hehe. You see vintage to me and Bob are the watches we cut our teeth on. We both have serviced more vintage than probably the next 20 guys put together just because we have been around longer. We lost a local watchmaker and friend some months back and he was working full days at 84 years old imagine what he has seen and the advancement and changes in technolgy. I believe Wostep in switzerland has a highend vintage course where they give you 10 projects to complete in 9 months it's pretty intense you're making parts drawing them out lots of machining work. Well that's all for now Rikki

[bobbipiazza]

Originally Posted by cruvon

Thanks for the certification update Rikki and Bob Ridley, valuable learnings about certifications and some things to make note of in my watchmaker List update. Just thinking aloud, I wouldn't fly a plane without having certified technicians evaluate it's condition or them having a valid parts account ,so I see no reason why a watchmaker shouldn't have them in a changing world. So good on you'll for undergoing these certifications!

Btw are there any certifications that especially cater to vintage watches and their restoration (do any of the above mentioned certifications include that?), that would be the icing to the cake since though you'll know how to, many watchmakers out there have no clue about how a vintage watch needs to be handled!

Bob's perspective is that "most U.S. watchmaker curriculum focuses on current/modern watches (expected within a market-driven industry). This benefits vintage repair, given thoughtful and well-considered application of some newer techniques. Overall, though, vintage repair/restoration is as unique a niche as vintage collecting - both require passion for the watches, patient acquisition of the knowledge, and pursuit of the elusive. "

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Rikki

That all comes with experience and trial and error hopefully more trial than error hehe. You see vintage to me and Bob are the watches we cut our teeth on. We both have serviced more vintage than probably the next 20 guys put together just because we have been around longer. We lost a local watchmaker and friend some months back and he was working full days at 84 years old imagine what he has seen and the advancement and changes in technolgy. I believe Wostep in switzerland has a highend vintage course where they give you 10 projects to complete in 9 months it's pretty intense you're making parts drawing them out lots of machining work. Well that's all for now Rikki

Glad that there are still a few who respect and know how to handle vintages.
Sorry to hear about your friend Rikki, can only imagine the wealth of knowledge he was.
That WOSTEP course sounds pretty cool!

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by bobbipiazza

Bob's perspective is that "most U.S. watchmaker curriculum focuses on current/modern watches (expected within a market-driven industry). This benefits vintage repair, given thoughtful and well-considered application of some newer techniques. Overall, though, vintage repair/restoration is as unique a niche as vintage collecting - both require passion for the watches, patient acquisition of the knowledge, and pursuit of the elusive. "

Well said Barbara/Bob, thanks for the insight!