[freecain]

Hi All,

I'm relatively new to the forum (my other post is about buying a new watch... I'm still figuring that out) and was hoping to get some help deciding what to do with an old Sandoz watch I know very little about.

A number of years ago I was in Switzerland on a tight budget. The last day there, I realized I had some francs left over and decided to impulse buy a Sandoz watch at a used watch shop. The strap was horrendous (gold buckle on a silver watch) but it was incredibly cheap for a swiss made automatic watch. So, against my better judgement, I bought it as a memento. Within a day, I realized it would stop periodically and not start again unless tapped. This does not appear to be because the reservoir is run down. It still does this to this day.

I want to look into the cost of repairing it and getting a new band, but before I walk into a watch repair shop I was wondering what you all think is a reasonable amount to spend on resurrecting this memento. Also, what would you suggest for a new band?

The watch has some sentimental value - but my girlfriend, who was with me, bought me a really cool Swatch Irony -so I have my memento after all.
I'm also planning on getting a much nicer (new) watch in the near future
but
There is something fun about having this watch running again
it would be nice to return some value to the watch.
This is a good excuse to get t know my local watch repair shops

Lastly - does anyone have any suggestions for a repair shop in the Baltimore to DC area?

 

[jeg5263]

Sounds like it's in need of a service. Prices for servicing depends entirely on where you take it to be worked on. Your probably looking at between $75-$150 dollars for a service. If there is parts that need replaced the cost will go up. Lastly as far as repair places Govberg is in Philly which is close enough to send the watch too. From what I've seen many people are pleased with their work.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.~Hunter S. Thompson

 

[John MS]

In all likelihood the problem is old sticky lubricants. I can recommend GCA LaPrecision in Vienna Va or Werner Jewelers in Arlington. In the DC metro area a good watch service is going to cost more than $300.00 However the real question is whether you would wear the watch regularly after having it serviced. Do you like the looks of a funky 1970's design with a multi-toned bronze/brown dial? If you prefer and wear the Swatch Irony then don't bother with the Sandoz.

 

[freecain]

I like the irony, its a durable watch, and I am really looking forward to getting a nice watch (wedding coming up) - but I keep toying with the idea of having the sandoz to rotate out with the irony and the new watch. If you saw that watch new, what strap do you think you would put on it?

 

[jeg5263]

I'd imagine it probably came on some type of stretchy spiedel bracelet when it was new. If it were me I'd go with some type of brown leather strap or a nato strap.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.~Hunter S. Thompson

 

[John MS]

I agree a nice brown leather strap would look good.