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Posted

Got an email from a chap I sold a watch on ebay last year. Initial thought,"Here we go, wants a refund"........ But no, reading on he says he opened the watch and was so impressed with the work I'd done he wants me to service some of his collection....... He lives local, so going to see him and have a look. Told him I'm not a professional and do not have indemnity insurance, but he says that's ok.

Shall let you know how I get on..............

Posted (edited)

What a wonderful compliment mate, and a great confidence builder, which is so important as well.

 

One piece of advise mate.  If the watches he wants you to work on are ones that you could not easily replace (due to cost or rarity), get a statutory declaration signed by him that covers your obligations responsibilities if the watch is damaged or lost in your custody.  You've already explained to him that you're not a professional, so he should have no issues with signing it.  If he does, then thank him for the offer, and walk away.

 

This is VERY important protection for you, and something I will be indeed doing with any watch I work on over $700 replacement cost.

Remember, in regards to this transaction, he is NOT your friend, he is a client ... and the two should never mix.

Edited by Lawson
Posted

As a matter of interest what is the cost of indemnity insurance in the UK. Just thinking I have worked on a lot of clocks that are worth a few hundred pounds & as yet never damaged one but there is always the first time!!!!

Posted

The rewards for patience, industry and merit are yours Legarm and well deserved I am sure.  Heed the advice of the ancients others though, a little click flying into oblivion can cosy a packet for a good watch. 

 

Congratulations,

 

Vic

  • 2 months later...
Posted

Update

Just thought I'd let you guys, & Gals..... know what has happened with the servicing of the gents watches. Well it's gone very well, I explained this was my hobby and that I would do them in my own time and with no guarantees, he was absolutely fine with this and so far have done about 12 for him. They are better quality watches, that I can't afford, so he puts them up for resale and makes a tidy profit. So far I have, now been able to afford the Timegrapher 1900, I was yearning for and still have a few quid stashed away.

He is pleased and so am I.

Got another commission to do an Omega Genevé, cal 565 service and repair, for an acquaintance, all done and he was over the moon as it was his long departed fathers. Did it mainly for the experience, but he was very grateful....... I like working on quality watches, you can feel the difference as you service them.

I wish I was young enough to train to be a bona fide watchmaker, but the years are flying past and I don't think the missus would like it.

Any way I hope you are all well and I await my friends next batch of goodies.

Need to work out what's next on the shopping list................. :)

Posted (edited)

Good news, especially if it got you a T1900, I think that's the one Clockboy has got and seems well pleased with it. Also 12 watches gone for re-sale is a bit more than tinkering so outstanding work.

I was out getting suits for the daughters wedding and one of my putative son in laws relations was there and asked if I could have a look at a pocket watch for him, not sure of the make but later advised it is an Omega. Oh dear ! I had already said I would look at it for him when I thought it would just be run of the mill services or something like that. I await its arrival but with a little trepidation.

Cheers,

Vic

Edited by Vich
Posted

Good Luck Vic. Omegas are lovely to work on, as everything seems to fit smoothly, no encouraging things into holes etc.

Pics of it would be nice....

Keith

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