Trades & Labor Where to Find a Competent Watch Repair Facility?

Yes, I know, there are a lot of places all over town that have their shingle out saying that they do watch repair or replace watch batteries.

The problem is that NONE have been able to handle replacing a battery in a (fake/replica/simulated) Rolex Submariner watch I have. The back unscrews/twists off and none have been able to handle it. I've watched it being replaced before in the U.S., and it is really simple if one has the correct tools and the know how, but here it seems to be a different matter.

Anyone know for sure who could replace the battery in it for me? It would be no big deal, but I have a guy that wants to buy it, and I told him I would get a fresh battery put in it. I really don't want to cart it all over town and have someone get the wrong idea, think it's real, and try to steal it.

 

I have a friend (and his wife) in Cebu who are heavily in the watch biz, and have full time staff for servicing watches. If need be you can contact them at;

email is: janice_fredn@yahoo.com and their cell # is 0908 253 8092.

Larry

 

Thanks Shadow. I sent him an email.

 

Greg, there is a watch/jewelry store on the corner of San Juan and Maria Christina that may be able to help you. I bought a watch there and had some jewelry repaired there.
Also, Robinson's Dept store sells batteries at their watch center.

 

Have you tried Jewelry department at Lee Plaza 2nd floor? They sell better watches and we have used them a few times.

Yolly

 

I have a Bunn special Illinois railroad gold pocket watch. I have had it since I was a teenager. It still works but it needs cleaning. Is there anyone here in Dumaguete that knows how to do it?

 

Thanks Pat. I haven't checked all of the places in this fair city that claim to do watch repair, but sometimes it feels like it!
The 1st one you mentioned may be a possibility, but the location sounds familiar and I might have been there already. As far as Robinson's goes, they already proved that they can't handle thinking outside the box. I'll give them a 10 for honesty though.

What I really hate, and one of the reasons I started this thread, is that when you see a sign that says watch repair or watch batteries you assume that is what they do, right? Well, sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't.

Typical excuses (which is a giant waste of my time!)

"He's not here right now"
"Today is his off day"
"Come back tomorrow"
"Sorry sir, batteries are out of stock"
"Do you know which battery it uses?"

And the one I really hate!

Yes, we/I can replace the battery for you
After 10-15 minutes....
Sorry sir, excuse, excuse, excuse......

It's really not all that difficult as the back just unscrews, BUT it takes a special set of tools, or a guy with some talent and know how to do it. I'm just tired of wasting my time and getting frustrated, but hey....it's more fun in the Philippines!

Thank you all for your replies. I appreciate it!

 

I would email/text/or call the guy Shadow recommended above. Even if you have to ship him the watch (200-300p round-trip to Cebu) it is cheaper to get someone who knows for sure what they are doing. I would do the same, if my needs where more complicated involving my watch.

Check out this thread: Watch Collecting...Our treasure Hunting in These Islands

 

It took me awhile to remember about this place "Belcina Jewelry, Inc." Pacito Belcina Bldg. Cor. Ma. Cristina and San Juan streets,
Tel. 2252281/4222742 Cellphone:09263049999
My friend just had his "Gucci" watch cleaned and changed the battery for 200Php....

 

Belcina has been my choice for my watch repairs for 11 years..expensive (or fake),no prob...Miguel