The Clock Maker At Gwathmey

Revdex.com: I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] , and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below This is a straightforward matter that does not require a dissertation in responseA magnetic compass is a plain and simple instrument consisting of a dial and a pointer that has existed, basically unchanged, for thousands of yearsChildren in the third grade construct magnetic compasses in their science classes [redacted] has charged me $for passing a magnet under a needleThe so called lock on this compass is "twist left to raise the needle, twist right to lower the needle" required no repairThe needle continues, after so-called repair, to float lazily around the compass for two minutes before it settles on a pointThe wrong end of the needle was magnetizedA piece of glass was chipped from the topThis is "expertise" for which I was charged $My wife and I didn't realize you also charged for conversation regarding the possible purchase of a grandfather clockThank you, we don't care for a clock at this pointI would like a full refund Regards, [redacted]

Compass repair is not work for which I advertise or normally doHowever, because I own and was trained in using an antique watch- demagnetizing tool I felt that I would be able to help this client who wished to have his compass pointer (hand) magnetizedThis antique tool allows one to magnetize an
object unlike the demagnetizers currently available to watchmakers that only demagnetize
When this compass was brought to me the client complained that the pointer moved indiscriminately and that the locking mechanism for the compass pointer was not working properlyI magnetized the pointer, and when the client picked it up from my shop we compared the direction that it pointed with a modern fluid filled compass in my shopThe two compasses pointed in the same directionThe action of the pointer was also obvious at this timeFluid dampens the motion of the pointer so that it points quickly to northThe client's compass is not a liquid filled one so there is nothing but air to dampen the motion, resulting in the pointer oscillating back and forth on the pin on which it is balanced until its motion diminishes and holds steady at NorthAs far as the wrong end of the compass pointer being magnetized, no mention was made when the compass was picked up that the wrong end was magnetizedHowever, if the client feels that this is the case, I can demagnetize the opposite endAlthough it did not take long to magnetize the pointer, I did spend nearly an hour repairing the locking system for arresting the needle during transport that protects from damage the pivot on which the needle restsThis mechanism had been installed up side downAfter installing it correctly, I proceeded to make adjustments for the locking mechanism until I had the best lock possible
The client did not discuss having me polish the case of this compass when it was dropped off for repair, and it is my policy not to do any polishing without the client's approval as some clients want the old patinaWhen picking up the compass, the client enquired how to polish it himselfI spent time suggesting disassembly techniques with the client to help him do the work properlyI also suggested that I would not recommend polishing this compass because it was in nice condition, and with the exception of a couple of tiny corroded areas, it looked very goodIt also has very fine engraving that I would avoid rubbing with any of the abrasives needed for polishingI'm sorry about the nick in the glassHowever, the compass was handled with care while in my shop, and I am unaware of any time that it could have been damaged while here
The client was in my shop for at least minutes when picking up the compass during which time the compass was held and examined by him and during which time no concerns about the repair or condition of the compass were voicedWhile the client seemed satisfied with the repair, there was a complaint concerning the costAs explained, although it did not take long to magnetize the pointer using a professional an no longer commercially available tool, repair of the pointer's locking mechanism took nearly an hourI also spent approximately minutes answering questions and discussing the repair when the client dropped off the compass as well as the above-mentioned minutes when the compass was picked up
As indicated on the receipt given the client on August 20, 2014, repair work is warranted for daysThis notice from the Revdex.com is the first communication to me from the client that he was dissatisfied with the repair

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
This is a straightforward matter that does not require a dissertation in response. A magnetic compass is a plain and simple instrument consisting of a dial and a pointer that has existed, basically unchanged, for thousands of years. Children in the third grade construct magnetic compasses in their science classes. [redacted] has charged me $120 for passing a magnet under a needle. The so called lock on this compass is "twist left to raise the needle, twist right to lower the needle" required no repair. The needle continues, after so-called repair, to float lazily around the compass for two minutes before it settles on a point. The wrong end of the needle was magnetized. A piece of glass was chipped from the top. This is "expertise" for which I was charged $120. My wife and I didn't realize you also charged for conversation regarding the possible purchase of a grandfather clock. Thank you, we don't care for a clock at this point. I would like a full refund.
Regards,
[redacted]

Review: When [redacted] said he could repair my compass, I wasn’t expecting the results that I was given: a pointer that lazily moves across the dial for a minute or two before resting. I was expecting a real fix to the pivot of the compass and inspecting the jewel bearing to be sure that the pointer moves quickly to indicate North. [redacted] even magnetized the wrong end, the non-blued end, of the needle. And the brass case was returned without any cleaning. If you couldn't repair and present the compass properly, you should have called and said so. You magnetized the needle of my compass by passing a magnet under the needle. That’s all of two minutes work that you did. You didn’t even bother to clean the brass case, and the cover was returned with an edge nick in the glass. You charged $120 for the service of passing a magnet under the compass just like many third graders in Henrico’s elementary schools do in an earth science lab, yes, an experiment to magnetize the needle of a compass. Extraordinary. For what expertise and service did I pay?Desired Settlement: Perhaps [redacted] shouldn't trumpet his expertise so much so much, but roll up his sleeves to do an honest job for a fair price. $120 for this effort is offensive. I think a full refund is in order.

Business

Response:

Compass repair is not work for which I advertise or normally do. However, because I own and was trained in using an antique watch- demagnetizing tool I felt that I would be able to help this client who wished to have his compass pointer (hand) magnetized. This antique tool allows one to magnetize an object unlike the demagnetizers currently available to watchmakers that only demagnetize.

When this compass was brought to me the client complained that the pointer moved indiscriminately and that the locking mechanism for the compass pointer was not working properly. I magnetized the pointer, and when the client picked it up from my shop we compared the direction that it pointed with a modern fluid filled compass in my shop. The two compasses pointed in the same direction. The action of the pointer was also obvious at this time. Fluid dampens the motion of the pointer so that it points quickly to north. The client's compass is not a liquid filled one so there is nothing but air to dampen the motion, resulting in the pointer oscillating back and forth on the pin on which it is balanced until its motion diminishes and holds steady at North. As far as the wrong end of the compass pointer being magnetized, no mention was made when the compass was picked up that the wrong end was magnetized. However, if the client feels that this is the case, I can demagnetize the opposite end. Although it did not take long to magnetize the pointer, I did spend nearly an hour repairing the locking system for arresting the needle during transport that protects from damage the pivot on which the needle rests. This mechanism had been installed up side down. After installing it correctly, I proceeded to make adjustments for the locking mechanism until I had the best lock possible.

The client did not discuss having me polish the case of this compass when it was dropped off for repair, and it is my policy not to do any polishing without the client's approval as some clients want the old patina. When picking up the compass, the client enquired how to polish it himself. I spent time suggesting disassembly techniques with the client to help him do the work properly. I also suggested that I would not recommend polishing this compass because it was in nice condition, and with the exception of a couple of tiny corroded areas, it looked very good. It also has very fine engraving that I would avoid rubbing with any of the abrasives needed for polishing. I'm sorry about the nick in the glass. However, the compass was handled with care while in my shop, and I am unaware of any time that it could have been damaged while here.

The client was in my shop for at least 30 minutes when picking up the compass during which time the compass was held and examined by him and during which time no concerns about the repair or condition of the compass were voiced. While the client seemed satisfied with the repair, there was a complaint concerning the cost. As explained, although it did not take long to magnetize the pointer using a professional an no longer commercially available tool, repair of the pointer's locking mechanism took nearly an hour. I also spent approximately 45 minutes answering questions and discussing the repair when the client dropped off the compass as well as the above-mentioned 30 minutes when the compass was picked up.

As indicated on the receipt given the client on August 20, 2014, repair work is warranted for 90 days. This notice from the Revdex.com is the first communication to me from the client that he was dissatisfied with the repair.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

This is a straightforward matter that does not require a dissertation in response. A magnetic compass is a plain and simple instrument consisting of a dial and a pointer that has existed, basically unchanged, for thousands of years. Children in the third grade construct magnetic compasses in their science classes. [redacted] has charged me $120 for passing a magnet under a needle. The so called lock on this compass is "twist left to raise the needle, twist right to lower the needle" required no repair. The needle continues, after so-called repair, to float lazily around the compass for two minutes before it settles on a point. The wrong end of the needle was magnetized. A piece of glass was chipped from the top. This is "expertise" for which I was charged $120. My wife and I didn't realize you also charged for conversation regarding the possible purchase of a grandfather clock. Thank you, we don't care for a clock at this point. I would like a full refund.

Regards,