August 20, 2009, 20:25
Charley ThomasWatchmaker in Phoenix?
Does anyone know of a watchmaker in the Phoenix area that they would recommend for pocket watches – mostly COA and some repairs? I see from numerous posts I would be well served by some IHC members out of state and I have already dealt with an excellent watchmaker in the Midwest but it would be nice if I could avoid the cost, effort and risks associated with shipping.
August 20, 2009, 21:08
Chris AbellHi Charley,
Welcome to the group, can I add one thought, saving in sales tax for out of state work is often the cost of shipping

not to mention USPS picks up at your door so saving the gas & time also.

August 21, 2009, 11:06
Jerry KingQuote:
"I see from numerous posts I would be well served by some IHC members out of state"
UnQuote:
You said it Charley....
We have some of the best in the business....
I'm in California and regularly use Chris for work that is needed on my watches....Never had a problem....and the turnaround is very good....
To answer your question, though, I do not know of any watchmakers in the Phoenix Metroplex and have many friends and business contacts in the area....in fact, I was born in Phoenix....but, I'm sure there are many in the area, just be careful of who you choose....
Regards,
Jerry
August 21, 2009, 20:41
Charley ThomasThank you Jerry! I'm not hearing anything yet about Phoenix so I'd rather go with one of our friends here than anywhere else.
August 21, 2009, 20:57
Charley ThomasThanks also to Chris. I hadn't considered that in-state cost for sales tax. Your web site is very impressive along with many excellent referrals from other members - I think we might be doing business in the future!
August 21, 2009, 23:26
Jerry KingCharley, that is entirely your decision and everyone here will respect your decision....you will get no flak here my friend....
If you have a friend that can do the job for you, by all means stick with him....or her which ever the case may be....
Just a side note, sometimes a member will post photos of their watch before having it worked on and then when it is received back, post more photo's as an 'after' post....this is sometimes very interesting....
Good Luck,
Regards,
Jerry
August 22, 2009, 14:43
Charley ThomasGood idea on the before and after pictures Jerry, I'll remember that! The friends I was referring to would be one of our of expert watch makers right here at IHC185.

August 22, 2009, 17:14
Jerry KingOh..., that's kool....

We have a bunch of them....
Regards,
Jerry
August 23, 2009, 08:52
Edward KitnerCharley, here is an example of a before and after of Chris's work.
August 23, 2009, 09:02
Edward KitnerI almost forgot the important part!
August 23, 2009, 20:06
Charley ThomasWow! The pictures are truly amazing - what a transformation! Thanks for sharing.
August 24, 2009, 08:42
Mark CrossThose look like the before/after photos of my keywind Illinois 11j after Chris got his hands on it.

Regards! Mark