Grand Seiko servicing

[rparoutaud]

Would like advice or your thoughts. I am considering purchasing a 10 year old preowned GS from a Japanese dealer (Chrono 24). There is nothing in the ad about a recent service. Should I factor in the cost of a regular cleaning/service in my budget? About what would that cost, and where would I send the watch?
Thanks!

[pandrew6l]

A model number will be very helpful

[Gebbeth]

FYI on Grand Seiko servicing......in two words.....THEY SUCK.

Nothing about it is smooth. Nothing about it is quick. Nothing about it screams "luxury service." No information, no updating. Ultimately, did not fix the problem.....TWICE.

Just FYI.

[pandrew6l]

Are you talking about New Jersey Service Center or Japan?

[rparoutaud]

Thanks for your responses. Gave me a few things to think about. I was going to post the model # GS I was interested in, but ultimately decided against making an offer on it due to its thickness (14.5mm). Didn't realize it was so thick until I started studying it more carefully. The other model I have been watching is a US only 2024 GS model- I think its called "Bamboo". I tried it on at a GS dealer in Denver and really liked it. But since it just came out, its still out of my price range. I keep looking, however, thinking an example will start showing up as preowned at a much lower price.

[pandrew6l]

Spring Drive models cost more for service ($800-1,000), and most likely you need to send it to Japan, that means high shipping cost ($100) and time (weeks).

[prateeko]

Originally Posted by pandrew6l

Spring Drive models cost more for service ($800-1,000), and most likely you need to send it to Japan, that means high shipping cost ($100) and time (weeks).

My AD indicated spring drive can be done in NJ, but based on what I have heard from people about the overall level of service, it may be better (although longer) to send it back to the motherland.

Plus side it seems like spring drives can go longer without service than traditional mechanical pieces (based on what I can tell). Regardless, communication will be scant and so it may be best to get all service done through the AD.