hackR Posted January 3, 2009 Report Posted January 3, 2009 I purchased a VC 1755 Jubile from watcheden...This watch has an "asian automatic 21j" movement...As I am not an expert, I don't know exactly what this movement is called...The watch has two subdials: 1) Day @ 9 o'clock, 2) Date @ 3 o'clock...it has a running sweeping full second hand...it also has a working power reserve @ 6 o'clock...I have had it about 2 weeks, but it is problematic...I am not sure if it was from old stock and is "dry" or something...the problem is that the watch sporadically stops...Sometimes it stops when i am wearing it...sometimes it stops when it is laying down...the power reserve appears to work as i watched it move to full when i was wearing it...When it runs it appears to run fine -- keeping time and not losing it...when it stops, a simple tap or a shake sometimes restarts it...other times, i have to pull the crown out and then push it back in...when the power reserve is full, though, and i lay it down at night, it stops within 4 hours (which i know is not right)...obviously, it stops when i wear it sometimes, so i didn't expect it to not stop when i lay it down...it also has had a couple wearings when it may have stopped or slowed down as i have noticed it losing time - which could be because it stopped and re-started or it simply slowed...i'm thinking it may have stopped and re-started and didn't slow on it's own...for example, i reset the watch about 3 hours ago and it's running fine and not losing time...it is laying down and not on my wrist... all in all, it's a gorgeous watch and i want it to work...watcheden will take it back, but wants to charge me for return shipping costs ($30 argh!)...i called a local watchsmith and he said he could service it for $75usd...i am worried that sending it back, my result in getting another one with a similar problem... any advice on what to do, why this may be happening, or whatever is helpful... (i also posted this in the watch repair forum - but thought perhaps others may have had this problem and could relate a remedy/advice) thanks...Rwe_VC_Jubile_a21j_face.bmpwe_VC_Jubile_a21j_back.bmp
Corgi Posted January 3, 2009 Report Posted January 3, 2009 Shoot, rhack1, that really stinks... it's a gorgeous watch. I have encountered this problem before two times. Once in a complicated Breguet rep and another time in a complicated Patek rep. The problem is impossible to define but seems to affect these generic 21j movements on rare occasions. If I had the opportunity, I would take a really close look at the aesthetic part of the watch itself. If you are satisfied that everything looks OK then I would get it serviced by a watchsmith. The reasoning here is that once you do, it will provide you with guaranteed years of faithful service, whereas a replacement from China might prove just as problematic - or it might have other deficiencies. Besides, shipping cost and the risk of loss or damage - if you have the opportunity to fix I say go for it. It will also build a relationship with a watchsmith which is always a big plus in this hobby. Good luck!
URkuk Posted January 4, 2009 Report Posted January 4, 2009 I ordered the same watch last week from Watchmark..Sorry to hear you have a problem.. It is a beautiful watch When mine arrives if I really like it I'll ship it to The Zigmeister for a full service..from what I have read the A21J is a really dependable movement once properly serviced..Good luck with yours Bill
hackR Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Posted January 4, 2009 Hey Corgi -- thanks... I am going to take your advice and head to a local watchsmith who i spoke with this morning.. This watch is really one of the great bargain watches...the dial and the case (with a simple scroll) is eye-catching...the dial is a light silver and really has gorgeous texture...and here's the best part...this watch is less $88 on watcheden after the $20 coupon...so even with a $75usd servicing - to me, it's well worth it... I am still eyeing up a VC classic chronographe per your earlier suggestion...they run a little over $200 with seagull movement...although, for some reason, i seem to recall a version with blue hands and dial highlights...most of the current ones have silver hands and silver numbers/markers...so i continue to search... I was hoping that someone might know if this is a bigger problem before i get it serviced...it ticks me off (pun intended) because out of the box, it ran for the first day fine...and then this sporadic stuff...earlier tonight, i wound it fully - the power reserve was pegged to full -- and just let it sit on the counter...it ran for 3 hours and then stopped...i tap the crystal softly with my finger and it starts?!....oh well... R- If I had the opportunity, I would take a really close look at the aesthetic part of the watch itself. If you are satisfied that everything looks OK then I would get it serviced by a watchsmith. The reasoning here is that once you do, it will provide you with guaranteed years of faithful service, whereas a replacement from China might prove just as problematic - or it might have other deficiencies. Besides, shipping cost and the risk of loss or damage - if you have the opportunity to fix I say go for it. It will also build a relationship with a watchsmith which is always a big plus in this hobby. Good luck!
hackR Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Posted January 4, 2009 Bill...thanks... you will be amazed with this watch...it's really sharp!...i am going to get mine serviced... what i love about this watch is that it looks great with casual dress...at a christmas party with sweater and jeans, i had at least 4 people comment on........ wear yours well...and let me know how you like yours!... R- I ordered the same watch last week from Watchmark..Sorry to hear you have a problem.. It is a beautiful watch When mine arrives if I really like it I'll ship it to The Zigmeister for a full service..from what I have read the A21J is a really dependable movement once properly serviced..Good luck with yours Bill
Corgi Posted January 4, 2009 Report Posted January 4, 2009 Can I give you some honest advice? Get it from a dealer who doesn't drop ship so this doesn't happen in the future..
hackR Posted January 4, 2009 Author Report Posted January 4, 2009 thanks for the advice...of which i'll heed...i'm learning...R Can I give you some honest advice? Get it from a dealer who doesn't drop ship so this doesn't happen in the future..
hackR Posted January 7, 2009 Author Report Posted January 7, 2009 fixed...my second hand was set too close to the crystal causing it to repeatedly stop at 9 seconds... thanks for the advice...of which i'll heed...i'm learning...R
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