I just had a watch given to me for repair that he had taken it to a “Watchmaker/jeweler/Blacksmith” in his town, he had trouble getting it back from the blacksmith sorry watchmaker, he was told it needed new staff and mainspring COA and he could do it apparently cheap Well he got the watch back months later more knocking than ticking, not wishing to take it back he brought it to me see if I can rescue it.
Well here is the repair attempt, to time it out it first error, he put such a large mainspring in it that its knocking and of course running extremely fast so he started adding small screws destroying the balance arm threads, touch of glue helped and a couple of washer under the mean time screw is a attempt to slow it down, the staff of course is wrong, roller hammered on to approx depth, collect destroyed, the list goes on, case and stem etc are all incorrect so the cost of repair will far exceed any practical attempt to reverse, perhaps the first repair wasn’t so cheap. I get things like this all to often and on occasion some like this that total a good watch.

1

Apparently so, amateur is the key word here.

The guy responsible for this atrocity is someone I definitely don't want working on my watches!

HUH!

The wood screws are a nice touch. He must have been out of split shot.

Apparantly the customer didn't recognize nor appreciate that the "knocking" would alert him to forgetting his watch, the watch falling from his pocket,OR an apparant "watch~jacking" in progress, plus the fact of having one unique little watch on his hands
regards,
bb

Geez Chris, give the guy a break, at least he knew enough to install the "wood screws" in pairs!

That’s the scary thing how many more is he producing and are out there with quick fixes,
100+ years of loving care and service, destroyed in minutes.

Both amusing and horrifying at the same time!!

Perhaps if he had cleaned the 'wool' out of the hairspring, it might have run slower,; and not needed so many adjustment screws! OR did he think that you needed some 'hair' in the hairspring!! Cheers from the Aussie...

That image is truely something. A balance or perhaps a wheel off of the Flintstones family hauler.
That image is a keeper

Roland

Things like this are why I send my watches to you now or David. I have had this happen to me before. In fact, one of the watches you have now I bought in 2006 and have only had it in my possession for 3 weeks in that time. The rest in was out for "repair". Only IHC folk for me from now on. Thanks again.

jg

Were ther any ball peen hammer marks ?
Mike Keirsey

Seeing these pictures and hearing this story, reminded me of the times I've taken my car in for repair; only I was the one who had the same thing done to me as this poor balance wheel, if you know what I mean.

I am new to this site. But have been sort of collecting for a few years. Only have 7 pocketwatches. The topic of repairs is a serious matter for the new collector. I have taken watches to watchmaker, watch repair men and been taken. 2 main problems. 1. short term repairs, these seems to keep time for a week or so then after being put away for 6 months or so does work so well. 2 Taking just about forever, like 6 months plus to get watch back. It would be great if there was a topic for new collectors called something like "Getting your watch repaired" telling how to judge a GOOD repair person. I have noticed that Chris Abell seems to have a good reputation. Any others out there? Thanks.

Mike --

I've had Dave Abbe (another of our IHC185 resident experts) repair/service about a dozen of my watches in the past year -- and I've been very happy with his communication, his price, and the quality of his work.

And I'll bet dollars to donuts there are other IHC185 members who also do fine and reputable work. Recommendations, anyone?

- Damien

Mike and any other New Member, we have on site what is called IHC185 Members Business Directory and all you need do is open that up from the main page and you will see those members that have listed their particular expertise on the site.... such as Chris Abell, Leon Harris and William White....

Now as has been indicated in previous posts here, there are other members that can provide services as well, however, I don't suggest someone that isn't listed in our Business Directory because in the past when I did so I was asked by that individual not to because of various reasons....

What I do suggest to anyone that has a service that can be supplied or utilized by our general membership is apply through our Club Office (Lindell and/or Dr. Debbie) and get your service and contact information added to the Business Directory List....That way all members looking for a specific task to be done has access to the Business Directory and can contact the chosen supplier to make arrangements to have the work done....

There are many topics that have been written that will serve as testimonials for any of our Expert members and the work they have performed for other members, and we do have many Expert Horologists and WatchMakers....

Regards,

Jerry