[RFHolland]

My newly acquired interest in Accutron watches has led me to explore this fascinating and information-packed forum.

Here are my first two questions: I note that a Ludmil Balevski is mentioned quite frequently as a source for Accutron watches and reputable repair of same. I also note that he is based in Bulgaria. While many commentators have noted how reliable he is and the quality service he provides, I have seen no mention of any problems with postal shipments. Has anybody who has dealt with him had problems with U.S. Customs, specifically with import duties or delays? Has the postal service been reliable and reasonably fast? Thank you for any responses.

 

[mikeyt_53]

You might want to consider our own Rob B here in this forum.

 

[RFHolland]

I note that Rob B is based in Bangkok. My question regarding Ludmil in Bulgaria would apply to Rob B as well.

 

[Spaceview M2]

I have used both persons you are referring to. Both come highly regarded and worthy of using them for service. Since you are stateside, both are obviously overseas and of the numerous times I've used both, most recently only using Rob B (just personal preference), I have never had a problem with shipping. Sure, its slower then shipping within the US but not an issue. You talk with them and follow their advice on how to ship to them, it works fine. * As a note, we all run a risk when shipping that far, as anybody does, but considering the quality and pricing of the work, its worth it for many. As a very general rule, shipping to both under normal shipping advice takes from 7-20 days with the average of about 12-13 working days.

 

[tayloreuph]

I just shipped 2 watches to Rob B, in under 7 days. USPS without any specific registration


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ArchieGoodwin]

Greetings RFHolland :biggrin: Welcome to the Bulova-Accutron-Caravelle subforum. Pull up a chair, grab a coffee or perhaps a harder libation, and let the addiction begin :lol:

Eric

 

[RFHolland]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for the warm welcome to this most interesting forum.

I have long had an addiction for clocks, but having run out of wall space (when I started storing them under the bed, I realized I had a problem), I needed to collect timekeepers with a smaller form factor. The fact that the decade of the 1960s was important to me and that I love all things mechanical (I recall being fascinated by Accutrons’ innovative tuning fork), naturally leads me to this new obsession.

I look forward to being a member of this forum and to diving into the nuances of Accutron watches.

Richard

 

[Spaceview M2]

I'm abit late to welcoming you to the forum Richard.

I think you will enjoy this Bulova accutron forum. It is very active. Most questions are 'addressed' but no always answered. The accutrons are a funny bunch and we are constantly finding oddities/anomalies with what is or was thought correct. That's what makes accutrons interesting. Its never boring when having to do research.

Enjoy your stay here!!!:thumbup1:

 

[RFHolland]

After consideration of responses to my queries, I decided to give Ron B in Thailand a shot at repairing my 218. He gave me a quote to repair, I sent the watch, he repaired it, he sent it back. Total time, about five weeks, most of which was transit time in the respective postal systems.

Rob did a fantastic job. Here is his comment: " It had been pretty messed up by someone trying to get it going who didn't know what they were doing. The index mechanism was totally trashed, including the index wheel, and the 4th wheel had been stabbed with a screwdriver and bent. I also replaced the crystal as it was cracked."

The watch looks and works great. Thanks Rob B!

 

[Magnetchief]

After consideration of responses to my queries, I decided to give Ron B in Thailand a shot at repairing my 218. He gave me a quote to repair, I sent the watch, he repaired it, he sent it back. Total time, about five weeks, most of which was transit time in the respective postal systems.

Rob did a fantastic job. Here is his comment: " It had been pretty messed up by someone trying to get it going who didn't know what they were doing. The index mechanism was totally trashed, including the index wheel, and the 4th wheel had been stabbed with a screwdriver and bent. I also replaced the crystal as it was cracked."

The watch looks and works great. Thanks Rob B!

Now we just need to see a photo

 

[Calypso]

I have dealt with both Rob and Ludmil, and am most satisfied with the transactions with them. Recommended without hesitation.

 

[RFHolland]

I have purchased two Accutrons from Ludmil and both were reasonably priced and and continue to work great. The only concern was that shipping from Bulgaria took almost 30 days (to be fair, it was over Christmas and the two postal systems were no doubt swamped). But given the good experience I’ve had with Ludmil, I’m confident that he would do a good job. As mentioned above, I did send an Accutron to Rob B and he did a superb job repairing what was apparently a very sick watch. So, here are two reliable Accutron repair shops.

 

[Spaceview M2]

I have dealt with both Rob and Ludmil, and am most satisfied with the transactions with them. Recommended without hesitation.

I concur 100% Both these gentleman are worthy of taking care of your accutron needs. Both go about their art abit differently but as a duo but they are tops in their field. Honest compassionate repair guys, very knowledgeable in their field of repair, reasonable priced repairs and straight forward without alot of the 'fake charm' and smoke & mirrors these other repair guys portrait in their business model description. These guys don't need to pat themselves on the back and promote that on their websites. Their results speak for themselves.

 

[Calypso]

This beauty came from Bulgaria. Gained 47 seconds in the seven months I have had it.