CR
[Moderator]
3378
I personally wouldn't do it locally but you could try.
If there is evidence that a non-Lange watchmaker was inside the caseback, then you risk getting charged more money by Lange when you eventually send it in for servicing. They may charge you for a "repair" rather than a "service/overhaul." "Repair" costs more. It is common for non-Lange watchmakers to leave evidence behind -- slightly damaged screw heads, a fingerprint on the German silver plate that appears later (not right away), etc. Also, Lange will not send them any parts.
All prices are in Euro. I think your watch (1815 Automatic) is Price Group 2.
There are three Lange-authorized watchmakers in the US. All are in NYC. As others have said, Alkis at Swiss Watch Repair Corp. is great. Lange also has two newer watchmakers (Berndt and Anthony I believe) at the NYC boutique, too. Any of them should be able to fix your watch without returning it to Germany.
Of course, you could take a chance, do it locally, and see what happens. Worst case is you'll send it to Lange in NYC afterwards (and will be without the watch for however long that takes in any case).
More posts:
Lange Service in Chicago
Hello, I’m looking for a watchmaker in Chicago to take an AL&S 1815 sax-o-mat to. The watch has a minor issue with the zero reset function where the second hand does not return to exactly 0 when the crown is in first position. I will have the watch sent t...
How do you know it’s a minor issue and not some parts wormed out and causing the problem of not resetting to Zero?
Just curious because I read on Langepedia, there is an animation showing how it works. Could it be the heart shape cam or lever issue? I wished yours is something minor so any watch maker can fix or it will be in the range of $2200-$4500, prices from thei...
Might be just slippage of the hand on the arbor
I'd try local if I were you, at least to begin with. It's a common situation and there are some easy solutions - not always but certainly worth a look before giving it a tour to Europe ... Cazalea
From one local to another
I am also in Chicago. I don't have a local recommendation. But, I have two suggestions: (1) ask the Lange Boutique for a rec, or (2) I would try giving Alkis Kostopolous of Swiss Watch Repair in NYC a call to ask him if he has one, or if he thinks it is a...
Alkis:
He’s the only person I would trust with any Lange. I used to hand delivered mine to him.
I personally wouldn't do it locally but you could try.
If there is evidence that a non-Lange watchmaker was inside the caseback, then you risk getting charged more money by Lange when you eventually send it in for servicing. They may charge you for a "repair" rather than a "service/overhaul." "Repair" costs m...
Thanks everyone!!
I really appreciate all of the advice. I think I’m leaning on giving it to Lange and biting the bullet on the cost, but I’ll certainly give Alkis a call first to get his advice.
Alkis Contact Info
Does anyone have contact information for Alkis? He is a surprisingly difficult person to find on the internet. His business no longer seems to be listed - is it possible he has retired?
I DMed you his email. I would have to dig for
The phone number but they are pretty busy for answering phone. Maybe Stacy will pick up
Alkis does not
work on the PCs. They have to go back to the factory in Germany. As to OP, I advise against letting anyone, but Lange service repair your watch. Send it to their address in Texas and they will forward to Germany for an estimate. Downside is, it is a slow ...
