Opinions sought

[marchone]

I have a Tissot Seastar chronograph gifted to me in the mid to late '60s. It stopped working decades ago. I'd like to repair and renovate it to give to my queen. What are thoughts of this estimate? Central Watch is in Grand Central Terminal in NYC. From what I can tell they have a solid rep.

Any suggestions or optional repair choices are welcome. Thanks in advance DWC.

Thank you for choosing Central Watch. After careful examination of your Tissot watch we have found that it requires a complete service which includes the following repairs:

* Complete disassembly of all parts of the movement
* All pivots and wheels are polished by hand
* Ultrasonic cleaning of movement
* Replace worn movement parts
* New mainspring
* New crystal
* Complete refinishing of the case (No extra charge)
NOTE: The hands are scratched and discolored. The dial has age marks and is discolored. The crystal is scratched. The case is scratched.

The cost of the repair will be $1475 plus tax, and includes a 24 month warranty. The work will take approximately 12-16 weeks. We are happy to accept cash or check as payment. Please note, we do not accept credit cards. We will begin immediately upon your approval.

[Chocodove]

I used Central Watch to deal with an impossible to get out bracelet screw in the 300 reissue I had. They ended up drilling it out. From what I understand they have a pretty good reputation, but are very expensive. I bet Terry's guy wouldn't be nearly that much if he is able to do the work.

[dnslater]

Try Terry's guy. He lists $300 for base price for Chronograph movements. Obviously when you add potential replacement parts, crystal, case refinish, etc... it will be more, but probably not 5x more.

https://www.toxicnatos.com/products/wat ... r-services

[dshap]

Central Watch isn't cheap at all but they're good. I've seen there bench area and it looks like an OEM.

[marchone]

I'm uneasy with Terry's guy since he couldn't fix my Shogun. It was running slow but still worked. Now it won't wind at all and needs to be shaken to run. Perhaps I'm not being reasonable as he doesn't have access to OEM Seiko parts. Vintage parts are even more difficult.

[Jeep99dad]

Curious what mvt it has? Valjoux or Lemania based ? It may impact $ and who can/should work on it ?

Craig Stone at Illinois Watch Co is the one who redid my granddad's Omega which hadn't run in years!! It was a mess and it did a great job.


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[marchone]

Good question Brice. I have no idea whose movement it is.

EDIT

Likely this one. Lemania cal 1281.

http://thewatchspotblog.com/?tag=tissot

[logan2z]

I'd check with Craig Bergsma at Chronodeco. He specializes in the repair of vintage chronographs and overhauled my Heuer Autavia and Sinn 1550SG. He worked on a watch of Mike's (River Rat) too and was recommended to me by some guys on the Heuer forum at Chronocentric.

http://www.chronodeco.com

[dshap]

I'd check with Craig Bergsma at Chronodeco. He specializes in the repair of vintage chronographs and overhauled my Heuer Autavia and Sinn 1550SG. He worked on a watch of Mike's (River Rat) too and was recommended to me by some guys on the Heuer forum at Chronocentric.

http://www.chronodeco.com

I've also used Craig and recommend him.

[dnslater]

Good question Brice. I have no idea whose movement it is.

EDIT

Likely this one. Lemania cal 1281.

http://thewatchspotblog.com/?tag=tissot

Looks like this is based off the same movement as the Speedy Pro. I wonder if they share many parts. If so, should be easy for a watchmaker to source gears. maybe find someone who does Omega repair?

[rockmastermike]

Not a full service but I've used LAWW for a couple of small things and have been pleased with communication (Edvi), shipping and most importantly the work performed.

[Jeep99dad]

Good question Brice. I have no idea whose movement it is.

EDIT

Likely this one. Lemania cal 1281.

http://thewatchspotblog.com/?tag=tissot

Then try Craig at IWC he specializes in Omega including vintage and can get parts. He did an incredible job with my old omega that had had sea water leak in and had parts ceased together


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[toxicavenger]

I'm uneasy with Terry's guy since he couldn't fix my Shogun. It was running slow but still worked. Now it won't wind at all and needs to be shaken to run. Perhaps I'm not being reasonable as he doesn't have access to OEM Seiko parts. Vintage parts are even more difficult.

Sorry bro but no one in the US can get parts for your Shogun. So that is nothing we could have done with it.

ETA parts are accessible by almost anyone.

Central Watch is excellent to deal with. But you definitely are going to pay for that service and then some.

[marchone]

Sorry bro but no one in the US can get parts for your Shogun. So that is nothing we could have done with it.

Let me be clear. In no way am I blaming your guy. You informed me he didn't have access to Seiko parts and I proceeded anyway. However, it did wind when I sent it and does not now.

[dnslater]

Interesting read and comparison of the 1281 to the Speedmaster movement. A lot of the parts sure look the same.

http://thewatchspotblog.com/?p=3732

[marchone]

I just got off the phone with Central Watch. They'll take payment when the work is completed. No down payment required to proceed. Given their rep I approved the work. I won't feel the $1475 over 4 months so ...

Next up will be my Speedy Pro. The connection is CW is an authorized Swatch Group service center.

Peace of mind has value to me. Thanks for all the recs guys. Chronodeco is in my address book now.

[toxicavenger]

Sorry bro but no one in the US can get parts for your Shogun. So that is nothing we could have done with it.

Let me be clear. In no way am I blaming your guy. You informed me he didn't have access to Seiko parts and I proceeded anyway. However, it did wind when I sent it and does not now.

Edit: nothing I haven't already said via pm.

[marchone]

I just left you a VM. Please call me.

[pbj204]

I used Central Watch to fix and service my grandfather's Bulova sky king from the 1930s. It cost me around $750. It came back looking and working great, but I only got it fixed for sentimental reasons. It wouldn't be worth $750 if I tried to sell it.

[gr8sw]

good luck with CW... I know they have a very good rep, altho $1500 does seem excessive...

[Steve O.]

Andy at Ultra-Vintage does great work and his prices are reasonable.

http://www.ultra-vintage.com/

[River Rat]

I used this guy on my Hanhart 417 he does a lot of vintage Heuer chronographs there is a waiting list mine was rare and parts were a bitch for him to find was between 600-700 yours should cost less. See he has been mentioned.
http://chronodeco.com/
I used my local guy for my vintage CWC RAF chronograph but he sent it to another watchmaker chronographs were a little to much for him to handle and that was 450.00 dam I paid Rolex 500 to service my Tudor Snowflake 7 years ago 1475.00 is high way robbery

[River Rat]

Here is the Seiko service center for the USA they should have Seiko parts they mite be able to fix that shogun there close to you.

http://www.seikowatches.com/support/cus ... erica.html

[marchone]

Thanks Mike. Another prop for Craig.