[Manga] Episode 3: Is that repair actually a plus or minus? Misconceptions about overhauls

監修者 Commit Ginza

Characters: Store owner (appraiser) = calm professional / Kenji (customer) = watch lover

ep3_panel1
Kenji
Actually, I had this watch overhauled before...
Will having a history of repairs result in a negative appraisal?
Shop owner
That's something I get asked a lot (laughs).
But the bottom line is, it depends on the content.
Kenji
Eh, so repairs aren't a negative?

Overhaul = watch health check

The shop owner holds up his finger and explains, "An overhaul is a medical checkup." A gag of a medical checkup (a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, and barium-like silhouettes) is displayed in the background, and a sign reading "Under examination" is hung on the watch. Kenji looks puzzled, saying, "I see..."
Shop owner
An overhaul is like a health check and care for a human being.
Wouldn't it be more reassuring for people who get regular checkups?
Kenji
That's true...people who leave things alone are scary.
Shop owner
The same goes for watches; a proper overhaul can actually be a positive thing.
Kenji
(I thought repairs were something that had to be done because something wasn't working properly or was broken, so I was worried that it would result in a negative review, so I'm relieved.)

However, "where the repair was done" is extremely important

A gag illustration of a three-way intersection. The signs read "① Authorized repair manufacturer (light)," "② Trusted workshop (normal)," and "③ Mysterious repair (dark)." The shop owner points with a straight face and says, "This is the fork in the road." Kenji gulps. The background darkens a little, and only ③ is marked with a red warning.
Shop owner
However, this is the biggest turning point.
The evaluation may change depending on where the repair was done.
Kenji
Where...I mean, is it official?
Shop owner
Roughly three.
① Repairs by authorized manufacturers / ② Reliable specialized workshops / ③ Mysterious repairs.
Shop owner
① and ② can be a plus depending on the content.
③ I'm afraid of not knowing who did what.
Kenji
"Mysterious repair"...

Whether the part is genuine or not is also a minefield for appraisal.

The store owner peers into the inside of the watch. In the background are icons for "Genuine parts = peace of mind (Angel)" and "Non-genuine parts = check required (Alarm)." Above Kenji's head is a speech bubble that reads, "What, that far?!"
Shop owner
What's even more important is whether the replacement parts are genuine.
Depending on the model, this can have a direct impact on the appraisal. In the case of aftermarket parts, handling can be difficult.
Kenji
Eh...I've never seen the inside of a watch myself, so I don't know what's inside, so it's scary.
Shop owner
If you have a manufacturer repair, they will use genuine parts, but it is also important to ask a specialized workshop to replace the parts with genuine parts. However, for older watches, genuine parts are no longer available, and alternative parts may have to be used, so it is best to consult a specialist shop with knowledge of the specific watch.
Kenji
(There are some points to be careful about when repairing.)

If there is a detailed repair document, the rating will be higher.

Kenji takes out the repair details from the envelope and says with a smug look on his face, "I have this!" Behind the store owner is a sparkling display and the words "Powerful information!"
Kenji
So...should I have a detailed repair bill or something?
Shop owner
It's really good.
Knowing what was replaced and when it was done gives you peace of mind.
Shop owner
(In the appraiser's mind: Fewer uncertainties = easier to make an appraisal = stronger)
Repair patterns that tend to cause fluctuations in appraisals
  • The repair destination is unknown (only verbal information, no evidence)
  • Replacement of parts whose genuineness is unknown (especially exterior parts such as the dial, hands, and bezel)
  • History of polishing and exterior replacement ("too much" can be a negative thing)
  • Unable to trace official receipt records (no documents, etc.)

*The truth is, it's not that "it's no good because it's been repaired," but rather that "it's scary without information."

Today's conclusion: Overhaul is not the enemy

The shop owner holds up a summary sign: "Overhaul = health check," "Where," "What," "Are there any documents?" Kenji looks satisfied as he takes notes. In the background, a joke about a certificate of commendation for a "good health watch" appears.
Episode 3 Summary
  • Overhaul = health check and care of your watch. If done properly, it will be evaluated positively.
  • The important thing is "where the repair was done" (official/trusted workshop/mysterious repair)
  • The appraisal may change depending on whether the part is genuine or not (especially the exterior parts)
  • If there are repair details, the evaluation tends to be stable due to the "strength of the information."
NEXT

--Next episode preview--

"Minerals in the body" that appraisers always check
  • Modifications that look nice but are a no-go
  • Why is "over-polishing" disliked?
  • The moment when an appraiser raises a red flag in his mind
Next time, conditions.
*The performance is for illustrative purposes only. Actual appraisals are always conducted calmly.

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