What owners say after the watch comes back

The Challenge

1974 Omega Constellation — stopped completely

The owner had inherited the watch and it had sat unworn for approximately fifteen years. When wound, the movement turned briefly then stopped. The case showed considerable wear and the crystal was deeply scratched.

The Approach

Concierge restoration was chosen. The intake conversation established that the owner wanted the watch to run but did not want the case polished — original surface character was important. A written plan was prepared detailing movement service, mainspring replacement (original was set), and synthetic crystal fitting. The owner approved the plan before work began.

The Outcome

Eleven weeks from intake to collection. The movement was fully disassembled; one damaged pivot was identified and polished before reassembly. The watch now runs within four seconds per day across positions. Case was cleaned only, as instructed. Owner received photos at intake, disassembly, and completion.

"Seeing the photos of the movement taken apart was something I hadn't expected. It made the whole process feel very transparent."

The Challenge

Contemporary Seiko — previously serviced incorrectly

The watch had been serviced recently by another workshop but was losing forty-five seconds per day. The owner suspected the service had not been done properly and wanted an independent assessment before deciding whether to return it.

The Approach

An intake consultation was conducted. The written report found that the balance wheel had been incorrectly regulated — rate adjustment had been made without addressing an underlying amplitude issue caused by insufficient lubrication of the barrel arbor. Standard service was recommended.

The Outcome

Standard workshop service carried out. Movement running at plus two seconds per day at collection. The intake report was presented to the original workshop by the owner as the basis for a partial refund discussion — outside the atelier's involvement, but the owner felt the written document was useful for that purpose.

The Challenge

1961 Longines dress watch — missing crown

A slender dress watch from the early 1960s, Longines calibre 30L. The crown and stem had been lost and no standard replacement part fitted the stem thread. The movement was otherwise in reasonable condition.

The Approach

Concierge project. The written plan noted that crown sourcing was the critical path item — the stem thread was measured and a compatible original Longines crown was located through a parts specialist in Europe. Lead time was communicated upfront. Movement service proceeded in parallel.

The Outcome

Thirteen weeks to completion, with the majority of that time on parts sourcing. The replacement crown is period-appropriate and functions correctly. Movement running within six seconds per day — within tolerance for a movement of this age. Owner was updated at the three, seven, and eleven week marks.