| Author | Message | ||
     Fredt New member Username: Fredt Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2007 Rating: N/A |
hello all, found this super forum when trying to find info on an RAF 6B/159 I bought from a m o d surplus mail order mag in about 1983. Got all the gen from your forum so thanks to all. Ive now got the JLC bug and have fallen for the memovox alarm. Can the experts give me advice on what to look for and where to buy ; or perhaps more importantly where not to buy. I like the stainless steel and jlc rather than lc | ||
| James_d New member Username: James_d Post Number: 18 Registered: 10-2007 Rating: N/A |
No expert, but I have learned the hard way NOT to buy from Ebay! | ||
| Clavi New member Username: Clavi Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2006 Rating: N/A |
I have bought tens of memovoxes from eBay, so my opinion differs a bit from James's. As long as you know what you're looking for, it is a good source to consider. But it's true that if one is not too knowledgeable on Memovoxes, or on watches in general, and want maximum guarantees, then it is better to buy from a reputable store (off or on-line, like the very place where this forum is hosted!) My only advice would be to get maximum guarantees on movement condition before buying, since sourcing parts won't be easy for the average (and even not average !) watchmaker should you find an issue with the movement later. | ||
| James_d New member Username: James_d Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2007 Rating: N/A |
I can only quote Zaf himself... "I can't tell how many watches I get from people that have bought on eBay for repair work. It's incredible. Maybe 4 out of 5 pieces need work just to get them going properly." | ||
| Gatorcpa New member Username: Gatorcpa Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2006 Rating: N/A |
I don't think the above is a fair comment at all. Broken watches do come from sources other than eBay. I've seen some pretty bad monstrosities come from some very reputable sellers, both on eBay and off. The key is to become educated by reading boards like this one so that you can identify the 1 out of 5 that do work properly, as well as the 1 out of 100 pieces advertised that are good buys for the money. You should factor in the cost of a basic service for any vintage watch you are considering buying. Even if the seller says it was done, was it done properly? You really have no way of knowing the correct answer unless you are a watchmaker (like Zaf) and you have the piece in your hands. Just my $0.02 worth on this subject. Happy holiday everyone, gatorcpa | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3010 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
The problem isn't the service it's the parts. The alarm parts are getting to be very difficult to source, especially escape wheels and clutch wheels. They are simply no longer available. I used my last clutch wheel this week. Now, I have to find complete watches with poor cosmetics and strip them down for their parts and even then 75% of the time their clutch wheels are bad. It's not anything a normal person should have to go through. The part James_d needed is also completely unavailable. It's coming from a canabalized movment. I still have a few of those in stock, but next year, who knows? I suggest, that at a bare minimum, if you are new to this, have at least a 3-5day return period so that you can evaulate the mechanics when the watch is worn on the wrist. Most my customers expect 15 secs or better when worn (though personally I think 30 is ok). I doubt the majority of the ebay specials even come close. And as far as eBay, I just don't think it's a good place if you don't have 20-30 deals under your belt. One bad deal (like a fake or an unrepairable) can ruin 20 good ones, take for example the supposed KNIL WWW in a previous thread. What is that?? That can easily be a $1000 mistake. | ||
| Herman New member Username: Herman Post Number: 29 Registered: 10-2006 Rating: N/A |
So basically you're saying, Zaf, don't buy a memovox unless it's 150% sure everything's working - because there are ono replacement parts? | ||
| Ojj New member Username: Ojj Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2006 Rating: N/A |
I was lucky this fall finding a memovox at a fairly good price. I knew it had some faults before I got it and sent to Zaf for a service and repair. To my relief it was an easy fix this time. Point is I knew all the way that this was a gamble as I didnt know what really was wrong with it, although it would not be completely worthless in any case, I could end up with a loss, or a not fully working watch. This time I didnt :-)and have a rather nice memovox with a good sized case and a nice dial. All considered, buying price, service/repair and shipping I think I did good. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 3012 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Well, I can fix Memovoxes, but I do very few repairs in the end, so not many people know about this service. I do repairs by word of mouth and for people that ask on the forum only. What I am saying is don't buy a memovox unless a) You can return the watch if not satisfied or b) you have a source that can fix them. Most people don't have a source, but in this board, people are covered, I can always get them going. Now that said, anyone have a complete movement with good clutch wheels they'd like to sell?? | ||
| Fredt New member Username: Fredt Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2007 Rating: N/A |
Thanks for some very wise counsel, being a complete novice, I think I may have been rather ambitious going for a watch of such age and rarity.The parts problem does seem particularly discouraging so maybe I should be looking for a more recent type of watch where there are more of them available and repair is easier. Can anyone suggest an alternative model having the same appeal |