The watch thread.

Ryandoc

Member
Messages
1,839
Zenith Elite.
Taken for 'Service' at Beards Cheltenham, 3rd August.
Today.
"Good morning Mr Montravia, we're delighted to let you know that your watch is ready to collect"
View attachment 77438

"That'll be £435 sir, I hope that you're pleased."

'You can teach monkeys to fly better than that.'

So what happened with this, I assume you took it back and there were some red faces and apologies?

Of course would put you off letting them touch it again?
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,618
Thanks for the interest Ryan.

I took it straight back.
They got a very polite and pleasant rebuke. The typical stiletto that you don't feel until the warm blood drips.
The verdict was that the hands were slipping on their spindles, and do not suffer adjustment before becoming too loose.
Without hands the thing is not fit for purpose.
Easily fixed. However, Zenith do not have any hands in stock. Expected ETA before fitting and re-test (how much that is any use by experience) is 6 to 8 weeks.
I was graciously informed that it is covered by insurance (WTF it's already cost £430 to render it worthless).
This is the 'aspirational' brand 'top' jeweller in Cheltenham on prominent on the prom. Good morning Sir may I lick your cheek?
They probably sneer at Zenith, don't stoop to stock them, it's not an El Primo, it's an Elite ultra slim, only worth about £1500. I like it because it's very discrete, extremely slim and doesn't shout 'Me, Me'. A bit like the Masser.
I've had Zenith for years.

They are 'Beards of Cheltenham'
I say again, 'Beards of Cheltenham'

I'll use one of the postal services you boys use on here next time.
 

Gooner

Member
Messages
443
You have a my sympathies for a **** experience. It’s probably no help to know that a decent watchmaker could refit those hands very easily - they are used to making these kinds of adjustments to tighten up fittings on vintage watches where spare hands aren’t so easy to come by.

I hope you continue to enjoy your lovely watch.
 

montravia

Member
Messages
1,618
You have a my sympathies for a **** experience. It’s probably no help to know that a decent watchmaker could refit those hands very easily - they are used to making these kinds of adjustments to tighten up fittings on vintage watches where spare hands aren’t so easy to come by.

I hope you continue to enjoy your lovely watch.
Thanks Gooner. To rub salt in it they have had it since 3 August. Fuff
 

Doctor Houx

Member
Messages
791
This arrived today- beautifully packaged and finished. 2 Quick release bracelets. Titanium.
For a different looking, inexpensive daily it’s a quality looking product.
I’m impressed and pleased I took a chance.View attachment 78340
View attachment 78345View attachment 78341View attachment 78343View attachment 78344
It’s got the look of a Richard Mille to me, which is a few more £ to say the least. The Chinese Seagull movement it uses is the same as that used in the Maserati automatic watches and pretty reliable. It should be as it’s a copy of a 1950’s Swiss movement!
 

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,547
Of the 3 watches I have in the last 5 years I have only ever worn my Seamaster.

I try and rotate mine. Some don't make it out. My skeleton Dreyfuss is a bit bling. My Cartier hasn't had an outing, yet.

Talking of which: My Tag F1 strap is failing. The clip has lost its temper so even if you bend it back, it only holds for one operation. Anyone recommend a sensibly (i.e. a lot less than £300) priced source for a genuine steel replacement? Otherwise I'll get another Zulu Dive rubber one like my Luminox. I only use it for working outside now, anyway

C
 

sionie1

Member
Messages
1,310
This arrived today- beautifully packaged and finished. 2 Quick release bracelets. Titanium.
For a different looking, inexpensive daily it’s a quality looking product.
I’m impressed and pleased I took a chance.View attachment 78340
View attachment 78345View attachment 78341View attachment 78343View attachment 78344
Is it one of those watches you buy over 52 weeks, like advertised on tele.. 1st issue only £1.99....
It’ll be nice when you collect them all and finish it.....



I jest. looks good.
 

Ryandoc

Member
Messages
1,839
Thanks for the interest Ryan.

I took it straight back.
They got a very polite and pleasant rebuke. The typical stiletto that you don't feel until the warm blood drips.
The verdict was that the hands were slipping on their spindles, and do not suffer adjustment before becoming too loose.
Without hands the thing is not fit for purpose.
Easily fixed. However, Zenith do not have any hands in stock. Expected ETA before fitting and re-test (how much that is any use by experience) is 6 to 8 weeks.
I was graciously informed that it is covered by insurance (WTF it's already cost £430 to render it worthless).
This is the 'aspirational' brand 'top' jeweller in Cheltenham on prominent on the prom. Good morning Sir may I lick your cheek?
They probably sneer at Zenith, don't stoop to stock them, it's not an El Primo, it's an Elite ultra slim, only worth about £1500. I like it because it's very discrete, extremely slim and doesn't shout 'Me, Me'. A bit like the Masser.
I've had Zenith for years.

They are 'Beards of Cheltenham'
I say again, 'Beards of Cheltenham'

I'll use one of the postal services you boys use on here next time.

You see that middle bit, it’s ok it’s covered by the insurance. I hate that what a crock of you know what.

Why wouldn’t the only response to that by, sir we can only apologise. Please leave it with us and we will return as good as new and not even have a moments consideration for the extra hours work needed because, well some things are just the right thing to do!

Hope it comes to a good conclusion for you. Keep us posted!
 

Hawk13

Member
Messages
1,471
Those wonderful people who brought us Collecting Cars have now set up a similar auction site for Watches.


You're welcome!

They will need to have some bloody good controls / T&Cs / lawyers to ensure that stolen goods are not passed on or 'homage' watches (or fakes as I like to call them) are sold on.
 

lifes2short

Member
Messages
5,821
They will need to have some bloody good controls / T&Cs / lawyers to ensure that stolen goods are not passed on or 'homage' watches (or fakes as I like to call them) are sold on.

i think those 2 fellas have got their bases covered, just checkout how many limited companies they've recently opened up on companies house, begs the question why?