I was able to obtain this piece (full disclosure with details shortly) and felt strongly enough that I didn't want to see it consigned to such an ignominious end, that maybe, just maybe despite the warnings and "caveat emptors" - it could be be brought back to daily, useful life. I have been assured that the movement is rusted, that it is only good for salvage, that only a fool... well, I've been a fool over less - and it's hard not to be romantic about watches. I have already put out the call to some folks who might - just might be able to help.
I think we've grown too accustomed to casting things aside because it isn't quick and easy to fix them. And in doing so, I think we've lost track of something important. So much history that gets confined to the scrap heap of convenience and expedience. I realize that this might turn out to be irretrievable - but I want to be the one to take one last crack at it. I can't help it - it's hard not to be romantic about things like this.
So fast forward - I wanted to do a story about utilizing a watch brand's authorized service center. I think far too often, we hear nothing but negatives about a brand's authorized service, etc. But I can't help but feel that we are only getting part of the story. So I contacted the service center for Baume et Mercier in Fort Worth, Texas. And I have to tell you something - I was BLOWN AWAY by the professionalism of everyone I spoke with. From the receptionist, to the manager and everyone in between. I was really struck with an overwhelming feeling of well being. That these people cared about me, and my watch.
That was a few months ago. Fast forward to December, and the watch has arrived. So I felt like now was the time to share the whole story.
As I mentioned earlier, I found this sad little chronograph appearing on a fairly well-known web-based watch store. They stressed in the listing that this watch should not be bought with the intention of repairing. It was beyond reasonable hope, and that it was really only valuable for "parts". The watch has no say in the matter. It must do as we bid. But I think a watch - even a damaged one - yearns to be something more. So once the watch arrived to me, held together with a rubber band, I reached out to the service department at Baume et Mercier in Ft. Worth. A few simple questions, a brief bit of paperwork, and the watch was off and on its way.
The watch arrived and was checked out from stem to stern. Yes, the watch seller was correct. The movement was badly damaged by water - a fair bit of rust. The dial and hands were also in bad repair. Crown and pushers were "iffy" at best.
Some initial forays were made, but this was not a quick tune-up.
But, as Miracle Max informed us in the Princess Bride:
Whoo-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend here is only MOSTLY dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there's usually only one thing you can do.
So as it would happen, the folks in the service department determined that this particular watch, while "mostly dead" was not "all dead". But they also decided to call in the heavy hitters in Switzerland. So my chronograph booked its passage, and departed for "home" to be fussed over by the service department there.
And then, all was quiet. I kept waiting for the email that would inform me that, in fact, the watch was not retrievable.
About two weeks later I got a message and an estimate - along with what could be done. It would seem that, in fact, EVERYTHING could be done! I was assured that the movement was in fact even better than "mostly dead" - in fact, it had a great deal of life left, but it did need some attention. And by the way James, we can also replace the dial and hands if you're interested? We have the parts after all... oh, and yes, not to worry, yes it is an older model, but we have replacement crowns and pusher buttons as well. No, all original. It will look - and run - as good as new.
So I signed off, crossed my fingers and waited. Two whole weeks! Yes, that is sarcasm, because watch service is NEVER that fast!
And last Friday, I saw that Fed Ex had been to my house and I would need to go pick up my watch there on Saturday morning.
So I opened the box - and reviewed the "Butcher's Bill". Everything itemized, clearly indicated. A total inventory of what had been done, what had been replaced.
And then the reveal -
I can honestly say that the finished work far exceeded my expectations!
The work was first rate, the watch looks AMAZING considering the condition it was in.
And sometimes, words just don't do it justice! So a few more pictures -
And rest assured, the case was polished to perfection - those are my smudge marks!
As you may recall, the watch had no strap, etc., so as I was pressed for time, I slipped on an 18 mm Nato strap, and headed off to 33 Jewels for my regular Saturday watch lounge duty. All I need now is a 19 mm Baume et Mercier strap and buckle - so I am on the lookout!
I was talking to another blogger (a much better one that yours truly) Frank Geelen about why he started his Monochrome blog in the first place. And he repeated a lot of the same things that I had been feeling when I started Tempus Fugit - tired of all of the negativity on the forums. Tired of people using them to attack companies instead of actually discussing anything factual. Having worked in the industry, I can assure you that most companies genuinely do care about you, and do care about your watch. But you don't always feel that way. Cold, impersonal communication, waiting periods of a year or more. It's easy to say, forget it! I'll sell it for scrap! But this has been a truly wonderful experience! Every person I was in contact with was incredibly polite, friendly - and patient! This last point can't be stressed enough! Answering the same question again and again could make a saint snap! But not so with the folks at Baume et Mercier!
So I learned a few things in this process - things can be salvaged in this "throw away" age, and there are still a few companies out there that clearly put people first. Because ultimately, it should be about people, shouldn't it?
And as it happens, Miracle Max is not just a character of fiction. Miracle Max is alive and well and working for Baume et Mercier!
Enjoy your watches!
