[spacetimefabric]

I've been doing a few diver mods and would love to get them water tested. The thing is I live in NYC, and as far as I know, things are rarely inexpensive here. Anybody have recommendations on where to get a simple water pressure test without paying for a larger overhaul or service? How much would it cost? Thanks ahead.

 

[Drop of a Hat]

Nearly every jewelry store that sells watches should have a pressure test machine. Shouldn't be too much (Maybe $15-$20 each).

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[spacetimefabric]

Definitely not the case in the city, in my experience. Most jewelers sell diamond and gold jewelry, rather than watches, and the ordinary ones that sell watches seem to have no idea about anything beyond battery changes.

There are some watchmakers here, though, but the majority outside of the battery replacement specialists seem to cater to high-end watches. I'd just like to do water testing on some Seikos I've modded and don't want to pay $50+ for it.

If anyone here has had experience with some trustworthy affordable shops, please let us know. Have a feeling there has to be some small place in the Diamond District or another neighborhood that won't charge two arms and two legs. Thanks.

 

[Ottovonn]

I Had a hard time finding a reliable watchmaker in the city. Like you said, the few that know how to service mechanical watches tend to work primarily on high end pieces. I had to ship my seiko to one of the reputable forum watchmakers, jay at motor city watchworks.

 

[marchone]

I've been meaning to check out Central Watch in Grand Central Terminal. Many positive WUS reports and others exist. They seem well equipped to handle everything from adjustment and WR testing to demagnetization and vintage watch repairs.

 

[JimmyBoots]

Ive heard good things about Star Watch Service on 33rd and Madison. Might wanna give them a call to see if they have a pressure tester.

 

[jaytwism]

...a bit late on this thread but wanted to add my two cents. The aforementioned Grand Central Watch is indeed well equipped. They fully overhauled a mid 80s diver and pressure tested as part of that...with the pressure test receipt as well. Not sure how much they charge for a pressure test stand alone. There is, however, another place in the diamond district that I've used as well - they charged me $25 for a simple pressure test of a tool diver that I've actually been in the water with since. PM me if interested in details.

 

[~tc~]

Technically, any of those places doing batteries should have the machine

 

[mpalmer]

In the past, I have had this done in shopping mall kiosk watch places for around $5. Of course, in NYC there is a good chance someone will try to bend you over for far more than that. It still should not be that expensive though, don't pay more than you feel comfortable paying because chances are you will eventually find someplace who will do this for cheap.

 

[Bahoomba]

I've done business there and it's worth a try.