gca la precision vienna watch & clock shop LLC

After reading all the gleaming reviews, I decided to take my beloved watch here. BIG MISTAKE! I brought my Squale 1521 in to get the bezel switched out. The watch was near mint condition, I just wanted a change of color. ***** picked it up and said, "This is a very nice watch." I said thank you and explained that I just needed a new bezel put on and a light scratch on the lug buffed out. He then held the watch by the Isofrane strap and tugged until he ripped the strap off the case. This was very careless and I should've listened to my gut and taken my watch and ran. I guess I was duped by all the certifications on the wall. He then said the old bezel may get damaged or warped when removing, which I said was OK even though it is $150 and difficult to obtain, since I was replacing it. I called a couple hours later to see if it was ready. He said that he couldn't do it. I said no problem, I'll come pick it up. When I arrived, he handed me my watch and parts and said I should send it to the manufacturer b/c he couldn't get it off. He handed me a dirty, smudgy, gouged, scratched up watch and never indicated anything was wrong. There were several gouges and deep scratches around the bezel where he tried to get it off. I was shocked at the damage he caused. I told him I brought it here b/c I thought he had specialized tools and thought he was a professional. Even an amateur would know to tape the case to prevent damage. I said, What the F did you do to my watch? He casually said he tried to get off the bezel, but couldn't b/c it wasn't a real watchmaker case. He then said, I told you I may damage it. NO, he said the old bezel could be damaged, not the case. I told him he just destroyed a $1000 dollar watch and he then said, "Must've been a good salesman." Wow, now he wants to insult my watch after destroying it. If you're not familiar with Squale, it's a very renowned watchmaker and especially known for providing cases to other high end watchmakers. His ignorance clearly showing now. Only after telling him I was going to write a bad review did he offer to buff out the scratches. I told him to F off and that I would never let him touch it again since he is so incompetent. He then said he was going to write a bad review for me too. OK crazy. If you care for watch, DO NOT bring it here.

unknown

Left the clock to see if they could fix it.
Got a call the next day and it was ready to be picked up.
It's still working over a year later.

He took a quick look and quoted $450 for each pocket watch. He was dismissive and uninterested in my business as he had too many watches in his shop. From there, I found a business who spent time with my pieces. They cleaned and got running one watch for $125 and I was so happy I left them with 2 more watches to work on. This particular business does not really want your watches.

The watches look and run beautifully. It is a small shop and the owner does the majority of the work himself. So it does take time, about 4 weeks for mine. I previously had another old expensive watch restored by a different jeweler, who subcontracted the repair out, and that was twice the cost with sub standard results. They even and quot;misplacedand quot; my watch for a year. After two returns to correct problems, that watch will now go to GCA La Precision for proper repair. The owner also works on old clocks and is extremely knowledgable. I was fascinated as he explained the history of my watches, including where they were made, by whom, and what their intended use was. He opened each watch up on the initial visit to show me the internal movements and explain what would need to be done. I have several more old watches and clocks, and will be taking them there as well.

My watch was not tarnished when I left my watch there. This watch was gold, but now it is tarnished. I would not recommend this person.

G**** Calvetty Alave certainly demonstrated his master watch maker skills in his repair of this watch. He cut and installed a new unique custom domed rectangular crystal; repaired and cleaned the dial and hands; made a new mainspring with modern spring steel; and cleaned and adjusted the mechanism, all while maintaining the authentic look and patina of this family heirloom. I have worn the watch many times since its restoration, and it looks and runs great. |I will not hesitate to use this master craftsman in the future for watch repair, and I do not hesitate to recommend his watch repair services.

FANTASTIC!! Mr Alave is an artist , a gentleman and an extremely experienced professional.
When I brought the watches in for repair, he examined them with me in detail - pointed out problems with (very old) prior repairs, improper parts that had been used, and parts he hoped he could salvage to maintain the integrity of the timepieces. He also works with a *very gifted goldsmith that was able to make a virtually seamless repair a broken, but beautiful gold *mesh band! The repairs took over a month - but I wasn't in a hurry and didn't inquire about expedited timing. The watches are working beautifully!! There was a small upcharge from the estimate for a part that needed replacement once everything had been taken apart - but it was nothing objectionable at all.
I am VERY happy and delight in wearing my watches again. Bonus: Mr Alave's workmanship has a one year warranty! I'll be bringing all my watches and clocks to Mr Alave from now on....really great!

They provided assistance while carrying the clock to the shop and back to the car. The clock was heavy and awkward to carry. Their workshop is entered down stairs from the street Prompt and good quality work. Very pleased.

Great!! Wish I could leave something higher than A.

It went very well. I took it to his shop, he inspected it, gave me an estimate. It did take time to get some of the replacement parts that were Hamilton made. The wait was well worth it. (Approximately 3 weeks)

I have an Omega Seamaster GMT 300 watch with bracelet I really like. An extremely small screw that is needed to adjust it broke off one day and I remembered a watch repair shop along a route I travel frequently. I took it to the shop without an appointment and was greeted by the proprietor, G****. He inspected the bracelet and said that it required a specific type of screw (from Omega) which he said he had in stock. I asked him to make the repair and he said it would be $20. I had put another strap on the watch to use it since the bracelet was broken and I asked him replace it once the repair was done. He said no problem and completed all the work in just a few minutes.