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visual tour of a service center...

Oct 20, 2014,15:10 PM
 

I was recently invited to visit a service center in Tokyo and took my camera along...  who could pass up an opportunity to see the operation, talk to the technical staff, and take a few photos.

From a technical standpoint, the center is officially recognized to work on twenty or so brands and handles a volume of about 8,000 service units a month.  The senior technical advisor has been doing this for awhile...  I had to hear his story...  1946, working for the K. Hattori company for 15 years before joining Siber Hegner (DKSH) and moving to Europe.  At that time it was not that common to change jobs in Japan but the "home" of watch production was calling and through the trading company connection he eventually ended up at Omega... and still proudly wears an Omega watch.  Days at the bench have passed... teaching and mentoring now fill the time...

Also joining our discussion were two members from the service area... neither would admit to having a favorite brand, how diplomatic...  seems that [[only new staff have brand preference]], sorry... evidentially admitting to having a favorite caliber or two is acceptable - and in what seemed to be a surprise to everyone, one individual reveled the reason he got interested in watch making...  Interesting pieces handled...  almost anything antique and the Antoine Martin Slow Runner for example.  I can tell you that I was enjoying myself...



























The 90 minutes flew by... and I was able, to some degree, to put a face on it.  It's like when I put my camera or lenses in for service, I like to know something about the person or team... Watch service is labor intensive requiring a good mix of experience and youth... with a passion, a skill, and almost always with an interesting story... I wanted to hear them all.

I would like to thank Masahiro Kobayashi (President), Michio Takuma (Director), Jun Hisamatsu (Technical Manager), Fuminari Tsukagoshi (Work Shop Manager), and Hidehito Akita (Director) who jumped in and talked a little business, which I enjoyed ;-).  Also to Hiroshi Obara at Kyoei Co. for arranging the visit.

Thanks for looking,
Casey

This message has been edited by cshimokita on 2014-10-20 15:11:31

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Wow, K. Hattori = SEIKO today.... and..

 
 By: KIH : October 20th, 2014-15:28
... I wish I could have gone with you! I could certainly use them for some of my vintage watches? Very nice report on another hidden gem.... Craftsmanship. Thank you, Casey! Best, Ken

Thanks Ken...

 
 By: cshimokita : October 20th, 2014-22:35
It would have been excellent to have you along for the discussions... and please visit if you have the chance... I am sure you would be most welcome ;-) Casey

8000 service units a month?

 
 By: SALMANPK : October 20th, 2014-18:14
That is very impressive, thank you for sharing your experience and pictures, this is my favorite part about our watch hobby, seeing the production areas and service centers, more interesting than boutiques. S

I really enjoyed my visit...

 
 By: cshimokita : October 20th, 2014-22:30
In the past I have had a chance to visit mfg in Germany and kind of knew what to expect... but still I was impressed at the size of the operation and number of active work benches. The difference is production equipment, but they did have the ability to m... 

Thank you very much for the post and ...

 
 By: nilomis : October 21st, 2014-03:46
One question. The two persons wearing a mask are doing this to avoid contamination of the movements or is they are (amazing polite) with this mask to avoid disseminating some disease, like flu? Thank you very much for the "visit". Cheers, Nilo

Normally the mask is to protect others

 
 By: cshimokita : October 21st, 2014-05:04
In Japan it's quite common for individuals who are sick (fever, flu, etc.) to wear a mask to prevent the spread of disease. Also in the spring with the air full of pollen a mask can be used to limit the effect of allergies. Most of the staff in the servic... 

Thank you Casey ...

 
 By: nilomis : October 21st, 2014-05:40
I was under the correct assumption (spread disease prevention) but I forgot the polishing area protection. Cheers, Nilo

Fascinating

 
 By: vandyke : October 21st, 2014-11:03
I would love to have my watches serviced there.

I have nothing to be serviced at the moment ;-)

 
 By: cshimokita : October 21st, 2014-14:47
But good to have options when needed ;) Casey

Thanks for the great post

 
 By: Quan : October 21st, 2014-21:15
serious biz of repairing watches….

thanks Quan.... [nt]

 
 By: cshimokita : October 21st, 2014-23:38
thanks Quan.... [nt]