Basic watch maintenance: LWS or manufacturer recommended location?

My Luminox (which is currently on it’s second battery in well over ten years) either has a serious problem or the battery is about to die. Should I just take it to my LWS or should I send it to the folks recommended by the company’s web site?

The first time I sent it to the recommend place, but it took ages for them to get it done. I’m willing to wait if the service there is going to be better, but if the local guys are likely to be just as good (St Louis MO area) then I’ll give them my business.

TIA

I would find a local guy with a good reputation.

Unless the watch is covered by warranty - there is no reason to send the watch back to the manufacturer as the issues and parts involved would be pretty standard and accessible by a good local watch-maker

A quartz watch is due for a clean and overhaul after 10 years. Go with a local watch guy if you can find a good one. They are a dying breed. "Factory Authorized" service centers are nothing special and, if the watch goes back to the manufacturer, they'll often insist on fixing everything (even if it isn't broken) which can mean a new crystal, new strap or bracelet, etc.

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Originally Posted by Bkat

A quartz watch is due for a clean and overhaul after 10 years. Go with a local watch guy if you can find a good one. They are a dying breed. "Factory Authorized" service centers are nothing special and, if the watch goes back to the manufacturer, they'll often insist on fixing everything (even if it isn't broken) which can mean a new crystal, new strap or bracelet, etc.

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This was my recent experience with Omega.

I tried making contact with a LWG (north carolina) WRT my cheap autos. No reply at all. I think because Seikos (7s26) are cheaper to replace than service? Now i just alternate wearing them to slow the rate of internal wear (letting each run down for a month).

I sold a gold Movado for scrap, the battery had leaked into the action. no more batts for me ever.

I would like to have a LWG in case I want to "customize" or service these Divers. I'm listening.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WadePatton

I tried making contact with a LWG (north carolina) WRT my cheap autos. No reply at all. I think because Seikos (7s26) are cheaper to replace than service? Now i just alternate wearing them to slow the rate of internal wear (letting each run down for a month).

I sold a gold Movado for scrap, the battery had leaked into the action. no more batts for me ever.

I would like to have a LWG in case I want to "customize" or service these Divers. I'm listening.

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I don't know how many local guys get into modding the skx's, but I've looked around some. These guys North East Watch Works aren't too terribly far from you shipping wise. They have a lot of good reviews.

Thanks guys - I'll look around for a good LWS.

M

Omega totally trashed a vintage "sunburst" automatic watch returned to them for internal work only.
Apparently they handed it to a kid who used it as on-the-job training and did me a "favor" of buffing to mirror gloss.

This amateur rendered watch worthless. Omega claimed they received it polished. Stem fell out of watch two weeks later.
Moral of story: Find a local specialist who has a passion for fine timepieces and knows his/her business!