Following on my recent fiasco with my watchmaker polishing my Heuer despite instructions and a promise not to, I've found myself in need of a new local watchmaker to do pedestrian tasks. Aside from a problem with the same Heuer that was polished (the hands shifted and are touching), my wife decided to go swimming with her Longines on her wrist. She explained it's water resistant to 30 meters. I explained the watch doesn't care about her rationale.

So the movement (a Cal. L.176 quartz) needs to be replaced. The watch is still in production and the movement is readily available. I had a lukewarm recommendation, and I called and spoke with the watchmaker's wife. The conversation went like this:

Me: Hi, I was referred by Joe. I would like to know what it would cost to replace a Longines L.176 movement in my wife's watch.
Her: Why?
Me: Why I want to know?
Her: Why does it need replacing?
Me: She took it for a swim.
Her: Why didn't you say that?
Me: Yes, well, in any event, can you tell me what it would cost to put in a new Longines L.176 movement?
Her: You have to bring it in.
Me: You're about an hour drive, and I would really prefer not to have to drive there to find out something you could tell me on the phone.
Her: He has to see it.
Me: To give me a price on replacing the movement?
Her: Maybe the movement doesn't need to be replaced.
Me: Maybe, but if it did, what would it cost?
Her: We won't know until we see it.
Me: Thank you.

Who needs this? If I can't get a straight answer, there is no way I'm putting a watch in your hands.

Scott