First of all - I'm not a watch guy. I'm left handed so they are on the wrong wrist and I'm hard on things by nature. I also don't wear any jewelry in general because just about anything rubbing on my skin eventually gives me a rash.

That being said, I have a watch my mom gave me when I was a kid that has some issues. It's a Le Jour Automatic 17 Jewels Divers watch that she bought me back in the 70s at one of those Service Merchandise type places. It's got a stop watch and date on front. On the back it says "SWISS MADE", "WATER RESISTANT", "AUTOMATIC", "ALL STAINLESS STEEL", AND HAS "7800" stamped on it. I'm guessing the watch itself does not have a lot of monetary value, but it does mean something to me personally.

It still keeps good time, but it has a couple of problems. The crystal is cracked and the stop watch does not work any more. I'm thinking about having it fixed so I can hand it off to one of my kids, but I don't have a clue if it makes sense to do so or where to have it serviced. I had the crystal replaced many years ago by a local guy but the replacement cracked soon after. I think the crystal was installed wrong because the cracks just showed on on the new crystal and I don't remember bumping the watch on anything.

So, any suggestions? I'm guessing good watch repair guys are rarer then good car mechanics nowadays. I don't want to hand off a potential money pit as a family heirloom or spend more than it is worth to fix it. But it would be nice to hand down something from my mom who passed long before my kids were born.

As a reference there is one on a popular auction site right now that might give you an idea of its value. Search for - Le Jour Automatic 17 Jewels Divers .
You also might contact member davetruong to see what it might cost.

Here's their list of authorized dealers and contact information. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

David Truong.

That watch has got a sexy 70s vibe going on. Small brand chronographs back then typically had valjoux movements. If so then it’s desirable for that reason alone. Be prepared to pay up to have a chronograph serviced regardless of maker. I’d start with the company directly as noted or find a watchmaker with a great reputation to wrench on it. Especially one that does vintage and won’t monkey with it except get it running and fix the Crystal. Cool watch. Show pics when it’s done

I use Orlando Watch Company in Winter Park, Florida on my good timepieces - Rolex, Breguet etc.

Pricey and good work!

Thanks Gents,
I guess I'll try the only authorized dealer in North America first. Does anyone have any experience with Long Island Watch?

Replacing the crystal is simple and shouldn't cost too much.

Repairs to the movement are harder to know about until someone looks at it.

Long Island Watch is good as a seller of watches. I have never used their repairmen.