Vocal Voices

When I retired, I was presented with a gold Longines wristwatch, but I didn't start wearing it until a few years ago.
I then took it to a local jewellers to have a new battery fitted. They told me that they would have to send it away
for this to be done, so that the watch could also be thoroughly examined and any necessary maintenance work done.
When it returned it had been subjected to several tests and was certified as being thoroughly waterproof. That was
in 2014, and cost me £57.00. The watch then worked satisfactorily every day, In July this year, however, the watch
stopped working, and as the battery was now 3 years old I took it to the same shop, to have it sent away for a new
battery to be fitted, I rang them up today; and they told me that the watch had been returned - with the comment
that it was now unworkable as is was suffering from corrosion. This I find very hard to believe, unless the battery they
fitted three years ago is responsible.

I don't know exactly what to do now.. Any suggestions?

Ho dear I would imagine if it's corroded it must be due to the battery so it's the jeweller who is at fault but it might be difficult to prove good luck anyway

Aggers, the sudden stop and the corrosion does point to the battery, which then leads to other questions.

When it went to the jewellers in 2014 was it specifically for a battery change? When it came back did it have a written and stamped certificate of the tests and waterproofing, and do you have proof that the battery was changed? I would want to know the make and type of battery fitted and for it to be handed over as proof of what is being said.

I ask because I am not sure that a quality button cell would corrode in such a short time. I am also concerned that the only people to have opened the watch are the jeweller or its service agents and that puts the ball firmly in their court.

Problem solved !
I went into the Jewellers concerned this morning, and spoke to the man in charge of watch repairs.
He explained that the problem is that my watch is 30/40 years old, and Longines are not now able
to supply certain replacement components for it, and consequently they would not undertake to do
any work on the watch. With regard to the question of corrosion, he showed me a very small bit on
the back plate, nowhere near any working parts, and which he said should not cause any problems
for a very long time. He then offered to put in a new battery free, and I now pleased to once again
have the watch on my wrist.

Glad it's fixed Aggers, it didn't sound right.
Shame someone tried to fob (watch) you off though x

Good job you went back glad it's sorted for you

Great news, John.

That explanation sounds a lot more like it than the simple "it's corroded" story.

That's great!

Glad that's sorted Aggers!