|
HIGH GRADE TIMEPIECE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES
The following is a short list describing the typical services performed when overhauling and repair of high grade watches such as Rolex, Patek,
etc.
(most of these procedures also apply to all other watches except when the cost of the repairs and services become close to the value of the watch and in a such case the customer has to decide if it is worth it to them)
Complete overhauls consist of complete disassembly of the entire watch movement, ultrasonic/mechanical and in some cases hand cleaning of all parts, reassembly and oiling according to factory specs, electronic timing to at least 3 positions, polishing, repair, and cleaning of the case and bracelet using ultrasonic, steam and hand cleaning, and pressure testing if the watch is a water resistant model. Overhauls usually include the following materials; New crystal, new crown, new mainspring, bushings, jewels, gaskets.
Some optional services include: Watch case repair and reconditioning, plating, and repair;
watch dial refinishing and hand refinishing; engraving and re-engraving;
personalizing accents such as, gold; stone set bezels; dials, solid stone or MOP dials; or the addition of set stones or emblems on the watch case or bracelet.
We also can manufacture or refurbish almost any watch part needed when a replacement is not available, such as in the case of very rare or antique watches.
1. When the package is received.
When a customer's package is received at our store, it is first checked over for any obvious damages; and if all looks good it is then opened. The watch is then photographed, tagged, and along with any instructions, it is put with one of our own numbered job envelopes for tracking purposes.
2. Estimation of watch repair cost and turn around time.
We will then carefully examine the watch and note any possible problems and work up an estimate for repair. The watch movement, case, bracelet and all other parts of the watch will be carefully looked over. We will then contact you with an estimate of watch repair costs and a rough estimate of the time required for completion. We stick to our estimate very closely so our customers will not get any unpleasant surprises; but, if, for whatever reason, the price has to be raised, we would not continue without customer consent. If for any reason the customer decides to not have the work done, the watch would be sent back with no charge except for the return shipping. If, however, the customer gives a go ahead and then decides otherwise after we have started with the watch repairs, the cost of any labor and parts will have to be paid for before the watch is returned. (This scenario has not happened before.) The watch is then placed back in its envelope
and awaits the customers instructions. If the customer gives the okay we would get started immediately and any materials would be ordered. Turnaround can be as little as 3 weeks but can sometimes get up around 10 or more depending upon the availability of the materials mainly. In some cases, the work to be preformed can be extremely time consuming, such as in the case of restorations due to rust, or when repairing antique timepieces where the parts have to be made from scratch.
3. Watch repair performed
When the watch parts arrive, the watch will be completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled,
and reassembled using the new materials and parts, regulated, pressure tested (if applicable), and set aside (watched) for evaluation for 48 hours to be sure all is well. If all is well the watch is then placed back in its envelope, returned to our safe and the customer will be contacted and told of the good news.
4. Warrantee, payment, and return shipping
 Secure online payment form In addition to your invoice stating an itemized list of the work preformed, we will include
care and warrantee papers with your watch when it is returned to you.
We warrantee our repairs on all high
grade watches for one year in almost every case but some things such as circuits, crystals, and the like sometimes cannot be completely covered. If the watch fails and it has absolutely anything to do with the way we preformed the service the customer can rest assured that we will do whatever is possible to remedy the situation, we take great pride in our work and even greater pride in our customers satisfaction. Payment can be in the form of Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order and payment must be received before we will return the watch. After payment is received we will pack the watch up and ship it out via the US Postal Service, registered and insured for the replacement value of the item. We have never had a lost package and take every precaution to keep it that way!
Payment is expected when services are rendered, Please note we are not responsible for goods left
on hand for more than 60 days after
notification (or attempt of notification) of completion. Please be
sure your contact info is correct and complete because If we cannot contact you
for any reason or if the item is not paid in full after 60 days
the item/s will be considered abandoned and will become property of
Carignan watch company unless other arrangements have been made
in advance.
We are sick of
chasing our money, storing peoples finished unclaimed items, and
babysitting. If you cannot, or do not plan to pay your bill or think you may not be able to
make payment for any reason PLEASE do not send the item. If you have something happen in your
life that may make it difficult for you to make your payment or may
cause you to disappear for months you need to contact us at once to make
other arrangements, you also need to let us know of changes in your
address and/or contact info.
It is a shame
that we should even need to put the above statement on our site but
there are people out there that are too irresponsible to pay their bills
or even realize they need to.
Follow up and future continuing service
We ask that all our customers contact us when they receive their watch to let us know that it arrived safely and if they are happy with our services. If for whatever reason the customer happens to be unhappy we would take the necessary actions to remedy the problem and assure satisfaction. We suggest that all watches be returned in 5 years or so to be checked out and evaluated. Most, if not all, at least need new crystals and seals and most should also be cleaned cleaned and oiled to minimize wear and ensure the utmost accuracy of the movement. Most factories recommend that their watches be service every 5 years or so. We will clean the watch case and bracelet for free at any time for our local customers, and customers that can't get to our store can send send the watch to us if they are willing to pay the shipping. We will try to answer questions such as the watches value and the like as best we can and will gladly recommend watch brands and evaluate a watch that a customer is interested in whether we are selling it or not.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
Thank you, Denis J. Carignan Carignan Watch Company, Inc.
|