I got behind the access with my watchmaker after he found out I was a local guide

Hi all

I have a pretty cool story to share.

I had to get some watches serviced and fixed, after a lot of searches on where else, but google maps (and other forums), I found one I could trust my beautiful vintage baby my grandpa (now passed away) bought in the 60s/70s. I’ve spent more on this watch than it’s probably worth at this point, parts are hard to find, anyway, enough about that.

The first time I got there I snapped my pics like I always do, he wasn’t too keen on that, he has a lot of expensive Rolex watches in there.

I explained I was a Local Guide and I had been to Connect Live in 2019 (you can view that experience here) and I made sure it was ok to post the photos with him. He didn’t really understand what the program was about but I think he understood there could be value, he actually invited me to come after hours to fix up the watch while I stayed to take photos and videos. It was actually quite lucky for me as well because my watch got a lot of extra TLC it wouldn’t have otherwise - it’s so banged up from past reckless watchmakers.

I thought this was a cool experience and it’s the first time that a small business actually saw value and not only that, actually decided to work with me as a local guide which truly if anything, benefits his business. I am very curious by nature and always need to understand everything and he was happy to share his expertise, so in documenting and uploading content for his small business, much needed content, I actually explained briefly different things like assembly, oiling, etc. Which will help other people seeking his service to feel confident in his work. Very transparent and clear on how the process works!

BTW servicing a watch costs about 350-450$ CAD alone for just a servicing while others charge 70$. The difference is that a proper servicing means dissembling the entire watch piece by piece, cleaning, assembly, re-oiling (and there are like 10 different oils for different parts) VS the 70$ servicing does a mediocre job and throws the entire movement into the cleaning machine + probably puts the same oil on all parts. This is something I learned there and I want to share that knowledge with others by showing them all the different intricacies of this work.

Here is the place and my review for you to view: a lot of videos and photos were uploaded afterwards so I don’t have it tied to my review because GMaps doesn’t always do it automatically :confused: but you’ll probably see all my content in the LATEST tab.

https://goo.gl/maps/rXZxVvM4TtUTeotU7

cheers!

6 Likes

Hi @Hyperbunny ,

This is a great initiative that you did! Helping local businesses in need is something that each and every Local Guide can take part in.

As you are interested in this topic, I am sharing with you the following article How you can support local businesses in need.