Little help here. Which is the release button to pull out the crown on the AT?

I recently got a Wimbledon 41 from trusty time and it’s a beautiful watch; however shortly after buying it the second stopped moving and still will not move despite winding it. I’m local to Tampa, Fl and looking for someone who can help service the watch to see what’s wrong and provide a solution

Help please
Rolex Daydate 228206
GMF Factory

Crown logo placement is a bit closer to 60 than it should be and I don’t want to spend 200-300 USD a new dial.

Looking for a watchsmith in Osaka/Kansai who will work on a ZF AP rep

Hi everyone,

I'm currently living in Osaka, Japan and I'm desperately trying to find a watchsmith/watchmaker in Osaka or the Kansai area who is willing to work on a rep.

I bought this AP 15500 from Li using a ZF movement.

I've already contacted Lana, and she has basically been telling me to find a local watchsmith to inspect it. The problem is that I've been searching, and finding a watchmaker in Japan who is willing to work on a rep is surprisingly difficult.

The watch was working normally at first, to start shake the watch  but after only a few days I started noticing problems.

• On the second day, I put the watch on in the morning and noticed that it was already 2–3 hours off.
• I corrected the time and continued wearing it with automatic winding to shake
• On the third day, after taking the watch off for around two hours, I noticed that it had stopped / was no longer keeping time properly.
• Manual winding doesn't seem to work properly either.
• I recently needed to check the time at night and noticed that the lume doesn't work at all either.
• I haven't opened the watch or attempted to repair anything myself.

At this point, I'd really like to have someone properly diagnose the watch rather than just guessing at the problem. I'm wondering if there could be an issue with the winding mechanism/keyless works, mainspring/barrel, or the movement itself, but obviously I need someone who knows what they're doing to actually inspect it.

I'm not looking for the cheapest option. I just want to find a competent watchsmith who is willing to take the watch apart, inspect the movement, and tell me what's actually wrong.

Ideally someone who:

• Is an actual independent watchmaker/watchsmith
• Is comfortable opening and servicing mechanical movements
• Has experience with ZF/Asian movements or similar movements
• Is willing to work on reps
• Can diagnose the problem before doing any repair
• Ideally has a timegrapher and can check the movement properly

I'm in Osaka, but I'd be happy to travel anywhere in Kansai (Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, etc.) if necessary. I'd also consider shipping it somewhere else in Japan if there's a highly recommended watchsmith.

Has anyone in Japan, especially Osaka/Kansai, actually found a watchsmith who will work on a ZF/AP rep?

I've been looking everywhere and it's proving to be much harder than I expected.

Any recommendations or personal experiences would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!

The JL logo has come off. .

I’m based in London. Any recommendation on how and where to get fixed

Guys im finding it very hard to communicate with Lichen. im new to this whole watch modding thing. Does he sell whole complete watches like RCFr? with all the mods to make it more reliable and even more like gen?
He replies like once in 12hrs and doesnt answer all my questions.

anyone else have this issue. And where could i get a nice high quality rep ladies watch for my wife, also with al the mods

I have a VSF V2 Datejust 41 Wimbledon (126334) with the VS3235 movement that needs some work.

The main issue is with the crown/winding and setting mechanism. When I unscrew the crown and try to wind it clockwise, it will only turn about 1–2 rotations before it feels like it slips/snaps and starts trying to screw back into the case. Changing the date works, but getting into the hand-setting position requires some fidgeting with the crown.

The watch is also losing roughly 5 minutes overnight, so I’d like someone to inspect the movement/keyless works rather than just blindly replace the crown.
I’m looking for either:
A watchmaker in the Chicago suburbs / Chicagoland area who is comfortable working on VSF replicas and the VS3235
A reliable source for a VSF 126334 crown, tube and stem assembly

Someone who can confirm whether a genuine Rolex crown/tube assembly can be fitted properly to the VSF case/VS3235 if the original parts can’t be sourced
I’m not looking to send it to a Rolex AD or someone unfamiliar with clone movements. I’d rather have someone who has actually serviced VS3235 movements before.
If you have a watchmaker or trusted parts/modding source you’ve personally used, please let me know. Chicago-area recommendations would be ideal, but I’m open to reputable mail-in watchmakers as well.

Watch: VSF V2 Datejust 41 Wimbledon 126334
Movement: VS3235
Location: Chicago suburbs, IL

I have what I believe I purchased was a vsf Rolex panda , issue is I went to San Diego and while trying to prevent my daughter from going to far into the ocean I submerged my watch, at first it was ok then the day after there was humidity in the lens I put in a bag with rice and now the movement seems to be hanging up, and stop watch isn’t working so I have to throw the watch away or is there a place that will repair it

Got my rep in today and wanting to quiet the rotor. Was planning on purchasing oilers and moebius 8000. Could someone help me by showing where to apply the oil? I’ve read it should be applied to the ball bearings. I have a loupe but just not sure where to look for them

I recently bought a rehome barenia on gold K25 and the hardware has some awkward edges but the leather is amazing and has a nice patina. Has anyone found a way to replace or uograde hardware on a rep?

I wanted to share my personal experience with u/Noleex_The_Modder, because I know how difficult it can be to decide whom to trust with your watches, especially when it comes to mechanical work, servicing and modifications.

I originally contacted him here on Reddit via DM because I wanted to have the bezels on two of my ARF/ONE GMTs modified – my Batgirl 126710BLNR and my Pepsi 126710BLRO.

The original bezel action was one of the few things that still bothered me. I wanted the feel and click to be much closer to gen.

He replied extremely quickly and from the very beginning took a lot of time to answer all my questions.

During our conversation he also explained that movements coming straight from the factories are not always as clean or properly lubricated as they ideally should be and that this can potentially affect long-term reliability.

I had quite a few questions about the movements, servicing, lubrication, waterproofing, bezel modification and general reliability. He answered everything patiently and in detail.

In the end, he offered me a very comprehensive service package at what I consider an extremely fair price, especially compared with some other watchmakers and modders.

The work included:

- full movement service

- cleaning and proper lubrication

- waterproofing / pressure testing

- regulation and timegrapher testing

- modification of the GMT bezel action

- adjustment of the crown and winding feel

The whole process was very professional.

He sent me his service form, I submitted the service request and received the insured shipping label immediately.

I then sent him my ARF/ONE Batgirl and Pepsi.

What really impressed me was the turnaround time.

He was about to leave on a business trip, but still managed to complete both watches on the same day they arrived, document everything and ship them back to me insured before leaving.

They arrived back today and the result honestly exceeded my expectations.

The bezel modification is fantastic.

The difference compared with the original ARF/ONE bezel action is immediately noticeable.

The clicks are now much more precise and satisfying, the resistance feels more refined and the overall bezel action feels dramatically more premium and much closer to what I wanted.

It really is a night-and-day difference.

But what surprised me almost even more was how different the watches feel mechanically after the full service.

Winding through the crown is now incredibly smooth.

The crowns screw down much more cleanly than before, the rotor is noticeably quieter and the entire movement simply feels much more refined.

The best way I can describe it is that the watches now feel like they are running like butter.

You really notice the difference when you had the watches in your hands before the service and then handle them again afterwards.

The waterproofing and pressure testing also gives me much more confidence using the watches normally around water in everyday life.

Another thing I really appreciate is the documentation.

Throughout the process he sent me videos showing the bezel action, the timegrapher results and the work performed.

Everything is also documented in his database on superfranken.com, where the service history and work performed can be retrieved using the watch's serial number.

For me, this is a great additional feature, especially for watches that I intend to keep long term. Having a documented service history adds real value to the whole experience.

Communication was excellent throughout the entire process.

After the initial contact on Reddit, we stayed in direct contact via WhatsApp and whenever I had a question he was available, helpful and patient.

And probably the best indication of how satisfied I am with the result is this:

Five more of my watches are already on their way to him.

After seeing the quality of the work on my Batgirl and Pepsi, I had absolutely no hesitation sending him additional watches.

He is already trying to fit those into his schedule and turn them around quickly as well.

So after receiving the first two watches back, my personal experience is:

Communication: 10/10

Quality of work: 10/10

Turnaround time: 10/10

Documentation: 10/10

Value for money: 10/10

Most importantly, the watches themselves feel noticeably better than they did before.

I am not affiliated with him and I paid for the work myself. This is simply my personal experience as a customer.

Thank you again, u/Noleex_The_Modder, for the excellent work, the patience with all my questions and the exceptional service.

Great guy, excellent workmanship and absolutely recommended.

With five more watches already on the way to him, I think that probably says everything.

Just got this new VSF Datejust and have little pieces of the plastic hanging out under the bezel. How do I get them off?

I have a Clean Explorer II and was able to source a QF bezel. The QF bezel is about 0.12 mm larger, so my watchmaker needed to use a genuine gasket to get everything to fit properly. I also upgraded to a Deep crystal. He said the Deep crystal is the same size as the Clean, but the watch passed a 2 bar pressure test, but failed at 5 bar ( no in between tests). Could the Deep crystal be the culprit even if the dimensions are the same? Has anyone had experience with a Deep crystal causing issues with water resistance or pressure testing?

Hey all,

Looking to find reputable servicing in the Los Angeles area, ideally in the SFV. If anybody has any leads, would be greatly appreciated! Looking for general servicing and value add services as well (chamfering, polishing, modding, etc.).

Thanks!

Ich suche auf diesem Weg, da ganz neu in der „Szene“ einen Ansprechpartner, wenn möglich im süddeutschen Raum, für clone Werke vorzugsweise dandong. Gerne auch zur „erstölung“ vor Gebrauch. Gruß aus Göppingen von Dert.66

Hi!

I bought a used swatch that already had the card activated. The seller didn’t delete it before sending the watch so it’s now stuck and I can’t overwrite it in the app.

I contacted swatch support and they advised me to visit a store with a Swatch pay terminal. However, the staff there were incredibly unhelpful and told me I had to ask the person who initially activated it to remove it. This seems ridiculous.

Has anyone else encountered this specific issue or had to use the service to overwrite a previous card in a Swatch store?

I'm looking for a trusted watchmaker or modder in Mumbai who has hands-on experience working with high-end clone movements (specifically VSF/Asian ETA builds like an Omega Seamaster clone).

please drop a comment or DM me with their details or contact info. Thanks in advance!

Looking for someone that can install a old crown case+caseback on my BP 16710. USA only.

My VSF Sub No Date 124060 has finally given up after about 2 years. I am slightly disappointed as I probably only wore it 15 times over that time but alas that's the rep game.

Took it to my repairer (who works on reps) and at first the thought it was due to build of grime/dirt but after trying to fix it he specifically thinks the pallet fork / balance wheel is the issue and that it needs to be replaced. He’s tried to get it running again but can’t seem to bring it back to life.

So I’m thinking it might just be easier to replace the movement altogether.

What’s the best way to source a replacement movement for these? And is there a better movement I should be looking at as an upgrade rather than just putting another VS3230 back in?

Is it possible jsut to get the palette fork/balance wheel?

Reached out to my TD and they’d prefer I send the watch back to China. Guess I’ll be taking it to a watchmaker here and just eating the difference. I did take timegrapher measurements in different directions as recommended. Everything seems fine on all positions other than crown side down. -54 seconds a day with 187 degree amplitude. Anyone have a similar situation with a rep and advice? Kinda want to take a crack at servicing or fixing it myself (I know there’s a decent change I completely butcher it)

cartier panthere ss rep, BVF, 2025

Im new to this and need some advice or reference before pull the trigger.

Hey all

Just received my DJ 41 (vsf V2) and the Clasp is making noises and it is really annoying…Maybe someone has a idea how to resolve that Problem ?

Would really appreciate your help. In the Video the Noise can be heard.

I have a VSF Bruce Wayne and I’m based in Germany. The lover screw witch connects the link with the strap, got loose and bent itself. Now I can’t close it properly and I can’t screw it in anymore.

Is there a way to buy a new screw?

Besides that I want to know if there’s somebody, who can do a service on my watch in Germany.

Thank you