Expert: Melvin Mills - 5/27/2010

Question
DEAR MELVIN,
I OWN A SANDOZ BORNEO - NO 74525-01012.
IT HAS NOT BEEN WORN MUCH SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED AND IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.ALAS THE WINDER HAS DROPPED OUT OF IT THIS MORNING AND CANNOT BE FOUND. ARE YOU ABLE TO SUPPLY AND FIT A REPLACEMENT
WINDER - IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A PERFECT MATCH. THANKS.

Answer
Peter,

What part of Ireland are you from?

My grandmother was from Connemara.

I guess that makes me a Galway man.

About your watch.

I have not seen the your exact model but in the watches I have seen, the movement was
a Swiss ETA  made movement.  That is good news because parts are readily
available.  

Now, there is another concern.  The winder, which is the crown and the stem don't
just fall out.  I am in no way suggesting that you did something to the watch but only saying that something happened and it may have affected the movement itself.  That is something you will need to consider because in a worst case scenario, you might need to replace the movement.

If you can send me a photo, I may be able to give you a ballpark estimate.

I would hate to see you send the watch to NY from Ireland.  You will have to wait a long time to wear your watch again.  Have you looked in Ireland or the England for qualified watchmakers?  I can use the extra work but am thinking of what is in your best interest.

Please feel free to ask me any questions so I can help you make the most informed decision possible.

Kind regards,

Melvin
millswatchrepair.com