Universal Watch Repair in MI

[86er]

I have a pretty expensive watch that my wife bought me on our honeymoon. It is automatic and for whatever reason it quit working after 8 years. I had trouble finding a customer service or repair center phone # for the watch company in the U.S.. I sent some random emails to the company but had no reply after a week. So, after some research I found Universal Watch Repair. I was told to send it in next day and insure it. it cost $30 to get it there. They called me the same day my watch arrived there with a quote of $940 to fix it! I asked how it was diagnosed so quickly since it had only been there a few hours and they said "our technician knows what it needs". I said I'd think about it and get back to them in a few days. The person I spoke to got an attitude about me questioning the price and wanting to wait on it. Even though the watch cost nearly 10 times the repair quote it still seemed a little steep to me. Meanwhile, I received an e-mail from the watch company that said someone in Europe had my email translated and forwarded to the U.S. service and repair manager. I told him the problem and the quote from Universal Watch Repair. He said he doubted the repair would cost anything close to the quote and much of it may be covered by warranty. Universal Watch Repair sent my watch to me at my cost of more than the Priority Mail (not insured) way they sent it back. This time I spent $8.85 to mail it to the companies U.S. repair center. A week later my watch is repaired. The cost of non-covered parts including return shipping was $186 total. The company has poor communication skills but they did take care of the problem in a reasonable manner. Universal Watch Repair seems to have attempted to rip me off, and I do not recommend them.

[Treg06]

86er,
If you have any future watch repair needs, I've used this company a couple of times and they've been quite reasonable along with prompt service: http://www.yellowstonewatch.com
Treg06

[new pig hunter]

like all hobbies and pursuits, not only must one have the toys, but one must also have a trusted fix-it guy. Car mechanic, gunsmith, watch repair ..... and these days, one can also be a member of any number of internet forums devoted to those hobbies and pursuits where invaluable tech info can be had simply by asking the question.

Cheers,

Carl

[Blaine]

I ran my Tissot pocket watch through the washer and dryer. It didn't survive. I had the works replaced. Ugh

[86er]

UPDATE:

I got this watch back from the manufacturer. Originally Universal Watch Repair told me the mainspring was broken, the gear timing was off, it needed lubrication and re-sealing. The manufacturer called bull! They said the winding stem head broke and was jammed in a gear. They replaced the winding stem and everything worked to spec. Nothing wrong with anything Universal Watch Repair told me. And not even close to the price they wanted. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General Consumer Affairs Dept. Universal Watch Repair obviously didn't even open the watch case. They provided fraudlent and fictitious information in order to extort a large sum of money from me. Enough from me before I tell you what I really think and wish for them ....

[Ysabel Kid]

UPDATE:

I got this watch back from the manufacturer. Originally Universal Watch Repair told me the mainspring was broken, the gear timing was off, it needed lubrication and re-sealing. The manufacturer called bull! They said the winding stem head broke and was jammed in a gear. They replaced the winding stem and everything worked to spec. Nothing wrong with anything Universal Watch Repair told me. And not even close to the price they wanted. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General Consumer Affairs Dept. Universal Watch Repair obviously didn't even open the watch case. They provided fraudlent and fictitious information in order to extort a large sum of money from me. Enough from me before I tell you what I really think and wish for them ....

Get 'em Joe!!!

[2571]

Who wears a watch these days? That's what your phone is for.

[Mescalero]

Joe,
Some years ago I drove a subaru that my girlfriend aquired from a co-worker.
After some years of service the air conditioner or something starting making noise.
I took it to Firestone and they said it was the compressor.
$ 500.00 to repair.
I decided to save some money and send it ( through the shop on a company work order ) to a compressor repair shop we used.
As I was taking it apart, underneath the compressor was an idler bearing; it was shot.
$7.95 for a new bearing and everything was good.
I believe Firestone would have replaced the bearing and charged me $500.00.

[pwl44m]

Too many rip-offs out there. If noting else follow Joe and We will know where not to shop, be it a Hotel or a Watch repair.
I took a Coach Ladies watch in trade for an M1 carbine supposedly needing a battery. New battery and still didn't work. My Wife works in a Mall and is good friends with the "Watchman". He said He can fix it for $65, anyone else it would be $200. Suppose to be a very expensive Watch but nowhere near 10g.
Perry

[Les Staley]

Your M1 carbine takes batteries????

[pwl44m]

Your M1 carbine takes batteries????

Urs doesn't ?hmmmm
Perry