Watch Repair

RossG · 8 Sep 2009 at 22:08

Sadly, I lost the crown out of my Vostok Europe K-3 submariner a couple of months ago. I've emailed Vostok Europe a couple of times querying a replacement crown, but not had a response. Finally got round to taking it to my local watch repairer today, but he said that since it's such an unusual make, he highly doubts he'll be able to source a new crown.
So basically, I'm out of ideas. Vostok themselves don't see to be of any help. I can't see it being covered by the watches warranty. Any ideas where I can source one at all? Do vostok europe have any high street dealers near/in london at all that may be able to ask to source for me?

beh · 8 Sep 2009 at 22:13

Try RLT.

Edit: bah, filter at work, www.r l t w a t c h e s.co.uk

RossG · 8 Sep 2009 at 22:20

Cheers. I've sent them an email. Hopefully they can source replacement parts.

RossG · 9 Sep 2009 at 10:38

Bah. RLT have emailed back, saying they cannot source the parts. They sugested sending it back to V-E for repair. Surely there must be an easier way than sending it back to Lithuania?

Skidder · 9 Sep 2009 at 10:44

try cousins:

http://www.cousinsuk.com/

Was the original crown very distinctive? they may not be able to get the vostok one but they will almost certainly be able to track down something that will fit your stem and look fine

RossG · 9 Sep 2009 at 10:59

Can give it a try. Would they need measurments/crown types or anything like that, because I really couldn't tell them.

Skidder · 9 Sep 2009 at 11:10

RossG said:
Can give it a try. Would they need measurments/crown types or anything like that, because I really couldn't tell them.

they would need to know what stem you have and if it is screw down (and if so what thread etc.) - if you know what movement, they can figure the stem out

cousins are more for the watchmaker, so if you don't know about the stem, perhaps your watchmaker would deal with it for you - if you say you want it fixed with the closest match but understand it would not be the original, I'm sure he'd do it (he should, it's his job

)

RossG · 9 Sep 2009 at 11:17

Yeah. I doubt I'm going to get an original again. I'll try asking him to replace it with a close match. Also, does £25 sound right for sourcing and fixing a new crown? Sounded expensive to me, but I really have no idea.

Skidder · 9 Sep 2009 at 11:22

RossG said:
Yeah. I doubt I'm going to get an original again. I'll try asking him to replace it with a close match. Also, does £25 sound right for sourcing and fixing a new crown? Sounded expensive to me, but I really have no idea.

yeah - you're buying his knowledge and time so i think that sounds ok

the crown itself may only be worth a few quid - I bought a few last week that were about £2-£3 each, but it's probably all told half an hours work so yes, it sounds reasonable.

RossG · 9 Sep 2009 at 11:42

Oh good. Nice to know I'm not being ripped off. I'll let yo know how I get on

RossG · 22 Sep 2009 at 18:09

Alas, he cannot fix it without doing a "bodge job" apparently

. He can't find any suitable close matches either. Might use this oppertunity to get a new watch. I did like the Vostok, but my taste has changed a bit and it wasn't the most accurate timekeeper in the world anyway.

Any suggestions for an automatic watch brand that keeps time well and is built well (will sustain knocks and scratches easily) for around £150 - £200? Might have a peek around Christopher Ward. Not sure what they're like but some of their watches look nice. Will consider quartz for now as well.