I own a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust which is over fifty years old. A gift from my grandmother, it has been on my wrist pretty much every day, throughout my life. Truly an amazing watch! Sadly, it recently stopped working. Although I desperately wanted it repaired, the last time I took it to a jeweler which serviced Rolex watches, it was sent to Rolex and it cost $900. The watch has huge sentimental value and I wanted to continue using it, but I am now retired and could not justify investing a fortune on it and then treating it like a "Vintage" art piece. I called some of the better-known jewelers in Vancouver. They advised that they had a "good watchmaker" they would send it to. Except for one who estimated that the cost would be over $800, the others required an evaluation and I guessed it would be costly. I then read some of the online reviews for The German Watchmaker (Norbert Zerbes). I called Norbert. He advised that it had not been over wound, and that the spring finally gave way from metal fatigue. He did not make a big deal about it and said he could replace the spring for $175. I had some reservations, but I took it over to Norbert and was convinced he knew his stuff. A few days later, I picked up my Rolex, cleaned, polished, with a new spring and new seal ring. He voluntarily showed me the two broken replaced parts. As promised, the price was $175 plus taxes. I paid by cheque and received a detailed receipt. My Rolex looks terrific and is running perfectly. The best part was that the process was so pleasant. Norbert knows his craft, prices reasonably, works on your watch by himself and gives you no BS. When my Rolex was new, I never dared take it to a smaller watchmaker, yet this recent experience was truly satisfying. Norbert is skilled, reliable, trustworthy and honest. What a truly delightful breath of fresh air in today's nutty world where businesses take your money, claim to be experts, know little and provide poor service. Thanks to Norbert, my old Rolex will no doubt outlive me! (Great job Norbert! Thank you!) Pierre P read more

Dropped by yesterday to have three vintage watches assessed that I had been given. Norbert is a busy man. There were a couple of people ahead of me but my turn came quickly. Norbert gave me the age, model number, origin, working condition, hallmarks, wear, suggested fair market value for each and if servicing was recommended (only 1). He popped the glass face back onto the 1890s ladies pocket watch and used its attached keys to wind it and set the time. Still ticking 14 decades later. He kindly explained how to properly operate each watch, from wind-up to automatic mechanical. I was surprised by the nominal cost for all of this. His expertise, honesty and generosity are admirable. He has the knowledge, tools and respect for the watches, whether high-end or modest in value. Norbert is a rare gem indeed! I would highly recommend him for all your watch needs. read more

Norbert is very professional and honest. I took in two antique pocket watches that my father had owned. One was sterling silver that was missing a hand and was in need of a few repairs. He estimated that it would cost about $450 to fix and then the watch would still only be worth about $350, so he advised not to have it repaired. I also had an 18k gold pocket watch that he confirmed was made in 1887 and although he said he could service and oil it for about $200, he advised against it as I told him I was selling it. He was, as I said, very professional and honest. A person of lesser integrity could have taken advantage of me by telling me how valuable the watches would be if I had them repaired by him. I highly recommend the German Watchmaker and will take any fine watches to him in the future. read more

I cherish very much my Swiss Enicar watch given by my dad as a gift. However, it started to show a minor problem in calendar rolling after I wore it for more than 15 years. I sent it to a "The Bay" watch shop to fix the problem for three times. Unfortunately, the watch running state got worse and worse after each time it got repaired, and I was extremely disappointed for the very poor repairing quality accompanied by a high-priced bill. Eventually, a UBC professor recommended me to visit "The German Watchmaker". Mr. Norbert, a real expert fixed my watch's problem within one day. The price is vey reasonable, the service is great and the repairing quality definitely meets the standard of the German quality. Mr. Norbert, thank you deeply!!! read more

To all those in the need of general or specialized watchmaking expertise. I have been a repeat customer at the German watchmaker for some 15 years.Norbert The owner and affable gentleman is always more than willing to help in any type situation. If he's unable to do the work himself one of his many contacts can do.If it's possible to be repaired he can get it done. In the event it can't be repaired or the cost would outweigh the benefits he's very upfront will let you know. The last time I was in there there was a customer that had come 45 minutes into town specifically to see him. I generally don't leave comments however in this case I'm very comfortable doing so. D V Holtum read more

If you have a watch that needs repair, then The German Watchmaker is as good as it gets! The store is very easy to find and the service is exceptional. I brought my Seiko watch in, which hasn't been worn in years due to the strap being both too large and broken, and Norbert was able to not only fix it, remove links from the strap, which I had been told by others 'experts' could not be removed, but did it in no time at all. The only aspect that beats Norberts professional and friendly service is the price! I couldn't be happier wearing my new (old) watch and will definitely recommend going to Norbert if you have a watch or clock that needs fixing! read more

My Fathers 1965 Omega Chrono stop Drivers edition was badly in need of Norbert's help. hands loose and not turning , crystal chipped, I think corrosion from salt water, as my father sailed and it is not a waterproof watch. He told me exactly what he would do and took the time to explain what and why he would change and replace. It is looking great, still my fathers watch but running perfectly, he says if I look after it, it will last a life time.it is an heirloom and holds a lot of memories. I live in Calgary and there is nobody to compare here to Norbert. Thank you Norbert, amazing to watch a true craftsman work and very pleasant too. read more

I had an antique pocket watch that the second hand had fallen off. I emailed him on a Sunday night about a rough quote and he responded quickly (within 3 hours). I was surprised as I thought I would get the response on the next business day. I went to his store the next day and found the store to be very clean and organized, shows his pride. There were 2 people ahead but I didn't have to wait long at all. He took a look at my watch and repaired the second hand without charge! He gave me some good advice on my pocket watch (it's had a hard life) which I had appreciated. It was my first time here, and will be back. read more

My wife has a valuable old Swiss watch that needed repairs. She took it to 2 so-called experts - one told her it was unfixable, the other tinkered with it and charged her but it still didn't work properly. Both offered to "take it off her hands". A co-worker told her about Norbert when he was on Richards St. and he fixed it at a reasonable price. It's worked beautifully since then. He's also kept my father's 1942 Longines in great shape, even handcrafting a new winder for it. Needless to say we have been taking all the family watches to him for years. He is a nice guy and a fantastic craftsman. Bruce N. read more

I will continue to refer and rave about The German Watchmaker to many of my Vancouveristi (Panerai) friends when they ask "Where should I go locally to have my watch looked after?" Norbert solved the issue I was having with my A.Lange & Sohne power reserve. I thought I may have overwound the spring as it was not counting down on the 3 day reserve. He found the part that was not engaging with the crown mechanism and I was ecstatic! Will definitely bring my watches to Norbert before considering flying to NYC or shipping to Germany. Thank you!!! read more

This is how good Norbert is: Bought a Rolex White Gold Diamond President, Black dial from Astorlive on ebay. Picked it up from Fedex YVR. Took it immediately to Norbert. The rotor was rubbing on the watch case back. It did not meet his approval. Back it went. He has worked on my Rolex's, Breitlings, rare 321 Speedmaster, beautiful Piaget with Lapis dial and he was always the best. At times I found him harsh on a buy I was looking at but he is discriminating. I wanted that President it was a beauty but it was not quite right! read more

Took my Dad's 1959/1960 Lanco in after it has sat for 33+ years. One of the reasons I never took it in for repair previously, was because I didn't trust anyone to know what they were doing with such an old watch...then I saw some reviews for The German Watchmaker, and I gave him a try. Norbert was extremely knowledgeable about the vintage watch, and repaired and serviced it with all around professionalism - thank you Norbert! Can't tell you enough what it means to have a family piece working again. read more

Outstanding! After having no luck with the Wittnauer/Bulova Company to restore my grandfather's vintage watch from the 1950's, I stumbled upon the German Watchmaker. Norbert is genuinely a skilled individual in his own way. He was able to tell me immediately the year the watch was made just by looking and inspecting. After being in a drawer for the past 30 years, my grandfathers watch is ticking again with its polished gold and a new life to be passed on to my son. Thanks Norbert. read more

Norbert was great! Took me as a walk-in for repair on my Rolex Submariner, gave me a price 60 % less than that of the other Rolex "specialists" in Vancouver and had the watch repaired, polished and improved in little over an hour. I would HIGHLY recommend him for Rolex repairs and service and that of course leaves zero room for doubt about his capacity to deliver the same high quality of work on any brand of watch. Thank you. Robert Stewart, Mission, B.C. read more

I picked up a not running Ulysee Nardin Chronometer Co. watch from Florida on Ebay. After scanning the internet and reading some reviews I went to find the German Watchmaker. I left it with him and he was able to get it going again. I am very happy. He also replaced the crystal and crown with a matching pancake flat crown that was exactly like the original. He was very patient to explain his work and give all the information I needed about the watch. read more

I took an inexpensive watch that had stopped working to The German Watchmaker to see if it could be fixed. He opened it and said there was rust inside as moisture had somehow gotten in. He cleaned out the rust, closed it up and said if it didn't keep time, it was time to throw it away. He didn't charge me and did not want to accept any money although he had spent time fixing it. Can't say enough good things about The German Watchmaker. read more

Went here a month ago for a new strap for my Rolex Submariner. Norbert was super helpful and knowledgeable. Went there today and bought a strap for $73 including taxes. It took him 5 minutes to change the strap and he told me he would do it for free if I want to go back to the original anytime! Very satisfied with his services and looking to service my watch with him soon. Highly recommended read more

I visited Norbert today for the first time to replace the band on my treasured Seiko watch from 1980. I must say that he was quite pleasant and breath of fresh air in a business where attention to detail is important but where customer service is often limited. I have found a trustworthy horologist and he has gained a loyal customer. read more

I changed a battery and after a month my watch stopped. I brought it back and he changed it again for free and he showed my watch got a crack and moist inside. Then it stopped again after two days. I brought it back and he repaired it for free. I didn't expect that he would repair it for free. I really appreciated it! read more