Herndon Clock & Watch Co — Local services in Herndon

Much like the other reviewers I picked up a second hand Rolex Turn-o-Graph for a bangin' price. Unfortunately when it arrived I noticed that my automatic watch wasn't so automatic, it required daily winding to maintain time keeping. I waited several years to service the watch because, well I liked it, and didn't want to send it to an official Rolex service center for 6-8 weeks and have to wear my less nice back up watch. Plus I was worried I would receive a massive bill for the service.

My experience with Liljenquist & Beckstead at Tysons II with my fathers antiquated Omega Seamaster was a costly venture, and frankly, while i'm sure they did a fine job on the service, I wasn't thrilled that my watch wasn't polished, and more or less looked the same as when I dropped it off. Despite the fact I requested that the dial be refurbished, and the case polished and new hands be fitted and agreed to their cost, which was $700. They only charged $500, but yet didn't do as I requested in regards to the dial or hands.

So after several years, I finally decided to have the watch serviced. I did my research and learned all about proper watchmaking. Mr. Lam is a Certified 21st Century Watchmaker (CW21), which all indications lead me to believe that's the top qualification you can have as a watchmaker. As such, all CW21's having passed rigorous examination CW21's are therefore qualified to have an official Rolex parts account. So this, and the previous reviewer gave me confidence that Herndon Watch & Clock was up to the job.

Anyhow, Mr. Lam informed me there were broken gears and over lubrication that occured whenever the watch was previously serviced. After a short 3-week waiting period, things are better than ever before. My white gold bezel is straight Bling, both the case as well as the bracelet came back with a glowing luster, far better than it ever was during my ownership. He also mentioned my mainspring was broken, and this was a common problem with the 3135 movement. So while the service wasn't cheap, I believe it was a far better value than a proper full Rolex service. No regrets that's for sure. Also, there is a 2 year warranty on his work, couldn't be...

My husband and I read the reviews before bringing my watch in for a link removal. Given the positive reviews and certifications we were confident that the watchsmith would have the tools and expertise to service my watch (without damage). However, when we arrived, we were not greeted with kindness but with disdain; the watchsmith asked why we were there as if we mistakenly walked into a private residence. My husband told the watch smith that we needed two links removed from my watch. Upon receiving my timepiece, he immediately raced to the back to retrieve what we thought would be the tools needed for service. To our surprise, he used different loupes to verify the watches authenticity, which was very off-putting as patrons looked on. Eh, No big deal, right? Well, that's when we realized his prejudices were more apparent than we imagined. Not once did he ask about the preferred links for removal, nor did he measure my wrist to make suggestions. As he examined the watch, my husband reminded the watch smith that we only needed a quote and time estimate for service to the watch bracelet. He interrupts, stating that he wants to "see if my watch is real". My husband and I both felt insulted by the remark, and because of the insinuation that we didn't belong and arrived with a fake watch, my husband told him we were leaving. This nearly led to an escalated situation because he initially refused to hand over my watch, stating, no, it's fine, I had to check. Perplexed at his idiocy and arrogance, my husband grabbed my watch and we proceeded to leave. As we're leaving he continues to yell the watch is fine, the watch is fine. By that time we were certain that we would spend our money elsewhere. We left and scheduled an appointment with Lenkersdorfer. We own quite a few high end watches and was hopeful about this location to service our collection but following this experience we will not return to Herndon Clock & Watch Co. and recommend that potential customers do their due diligence before settling on this location.

To the watchsmith - When you judge others, you do not define them; you...

I brought a 1958 vintage Rolex—an heirloom passed down to my wife by her father—to Herndon Clock & Watch Co. for an overhaul. Before choosing this shop, I did extensive research on watchmakers all over the country, looking for someone with the skill and integrity to handle a piece this meaningful. Dung Lam, the owner, stood out—and the fact that he happens to be local made it even better.

When I first brought the watch in, Dung performed a pressure test, which it failed due to degraded seals. From there, he opened the case to assess what else would be needed. He quickly identified the year of the watch and walked me through every aspect of the work required. One component—a small brace in the bezel—was no longer available due to the age of the watch, but Dung was able to fabricate a replacement himself, which speaks volumes about his expertise.

He treated the watch with respect throughout the process. The original dial was carefully preserved, and only the work I approved was performed. He was also very transparent, pointing out which parts were original and which weren’t—including noting that the band wasn’t original but was still a genuine Rolex part.

He quoted a 10-week turnaround and delivered right on time. The end result exceeded our expectations: the watch looks beautiful, runs perfectly, and still retains every bit of its vintage charm.

Dung’s attention to detail, craftsmanship, and professionalism are exceptional. If you’re thinking about shipping your watch out of state—don’t. There’s a true master right here in Northern Virginia. Highly recommended and I will be bringing in some of my favorite antique pocket watches in for...