RWG Technical Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 Well it seems as if Vibrograf USA has gone out of business. Internet site is gone, phone number is disconnected and the lights have been turned off. Anyone who has visited a watchmaker's shop will have seen the blue/green Vibrograf timing machines sitting on the bench. A shame to see a 50+ year old business disapear, however I think they were instrumental in their own demise. The didn't seem to move beyond the 60's in terms of customer service. When I wanted to place an order for timing machine paper, I had to call them, then they would ask for my name and address, then they would mail me an invoice and I would have to mail the invoice back to them with a money order. The didn't accept any type of payment other than through this antiquated system, and you couldn't order anything over the phone or internet. I guess when you fail to keep up with the basics of good efficient business, you can't help but fail. Thankfully I have a good supply of paper for my timing machine, but I guess I will have to eventually replace it with the Wichi model... Of course this doesnt' affect anyone directly, but since this machine is the mainstay of many watchmakers, it does affect you indirectly if you are having watch work done... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 @Z, I have found a source for paper here in Oz, so if you research enough, I'm sure you will find one in US/Can. Initially I was cutting larger rolls down, however locally there is a company making the correct size for use in heart monitor machines. I have to wait for them to do a run, and tag on for a small quantity. It was not worth airfreighting from the USA, as it doubled the cost. Start your search with NCR. Will be interesting to see if machine parts are still available from Europe?? O/S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 I found a source as well, going to pick up a bunch of rolls of papae before they are all gone. I wonder as well about the EU connection, actually the source. Portescape was the original manufacturer, I can't really find any information on them on the web. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 I am sorry to hear this. They are as iconic as it gets in the watchmaking world, but I think their demise is due more to their antiquated technology (relative to today's digital diagnostic tools) than anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 I wonder as well about the EU connection, actually the source. Portescape was the original manufacturer, I can't really find any information on them on the web. Linky http://www.greinervibrograf.com/frame_en.html O/S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Archimede Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 The evolution of the species requires adaptations to the environment and genetic mutations, for the business that is the same law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfreeman420 Posted June 25, 2009 Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 It not only sounds like their ordering system was antiquated, but also their technology. Shouldn't they have an updated, digital, paperless machine by now? Maybe something that could plug into a usb port? I don't know much about this equpment but it seems like the next logical step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Thanks for the link O/S I don't think that Vibrograf was totally behind the times with their equipment. They had a few more modern model of timers which included the printer built in. Most of the digital timers don't have internal printers but external ones. Certainly the Vibrograf B200A that I have is a workhorse, it's been going for almost 40 years and still performs perfectly. I see no need to upgrade as long as it serves it's purpose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted June 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Here's some feedback from the headquarters in Switzerland. We have been informed that Vibrograf USA has closed down their business. They were an independent reseller. Please contact one of our resellers or our service center in San Rafael, CA: JULES BOREL & CO KANSAS CITY 800 776 6858 800 776 6862 CAS-KER COMPANY CINCINNATI 513 674 7700 513 674 0600 Electronic Instrument Service 190 Deepstone Drive San Rafael, CA 94903 415 4539266 richmwong@yahoo.com Best regards Michael Kl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Ah, so it is not the company, but only the US reseller. Good sighting Ziggy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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