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Another watchmaking icon out of business...


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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...

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@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

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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.

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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.

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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

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