Question about servicing?

[Louscamaro91]

Good day TRF,

Being a member here is really awesome. Getting to interact with folks from all over the globe really is a privilege! I'm no rookie to the forum scene, this one has to be by far the most informative that I've taken part in. Really good gig going on here:-)

I have a question about the service of automatic watches. I'm relatively new to the world of "high-end" watches and having to send my first watch in for servicing was a little worrisome($8000 watch in the mail, eek)...

I've spoken with lots of watchmakers and have heard lots of contradicting claims as to when to service your watch. Some say, 'only service when the watch stops' others say every 5 years or so. One thing to note, I don't keep my watches in a winder, I have far too many and don't want to have 6 winders floating around the house. (I'm sure this is not good for the watches, recommendations?)

I have enough watches now, that it might be time to start a good relationship with a local watchmaker, my only issue is the cost variance between some. None are really authorized rolex repair dealer, rather a watch repair shop.

There is one authorized Rolex repair watchmaker, but he charges the same , if not more than what Rolex would charge. I was taken back when I asked what his fee was to service an Omega seamaster. He quoted me $150 over what omega would have charged. I realize that I'm not going to find a bargain(you get what you pay for) I'm wanting to find someone with that I can trust to do a good job and not rip me off. I'm not going to be a "one time customer".

So, what do you guys think? How do you go about getting your watch serviced?
Do you go through a smaller, local watchmaker or do you send it back to the Manufacturer? Would you bite the bullet and pay the $150 extra to "get your feet in the door" or just always send to the manufacturer?


Thanks in advance:-)

[77T]

Welcome to TRF!
I have a local certified Rolex & Omega watchmaker but his prices are below the average Rolex overhaul charge. So maybe you should keep looking. I don't happen to use RSC or Omega's center.

[iazrollie]

I have a 12 year old watch that I've never serviced. But, with that said, I should probably have it serviced soon. Other watches that I've serviced, I've used the manufacturer's service center.

[Girkmonster]

My Rolex just went to RSC for the first time. I got it 7 years ago, it may have sat around for a couple years before I purchased it new, though. Any factory-authorized watchmaker can do the service. Most give the same warranty you would get from the factory. Differences are whether you want absolute certainty that authentic parts are used and a worldwide warranty vs. a local one, time out of service, cost.

I opted for RSC. That is my preference. I know that they will use genuine parts and appreciate that if I move (or the watchmaker does), I will have no warranty issues. I also know that the tools and equipment used will be exactly as recommended.

Lots of good independents out there that can do the same job, many for less. It comes down to preference as far as I am concerned. I try not to bother myself with things I cannot control. As for mail, jewelers send diamonds and the like via registered mail all the time. It is handled outside the regular mail and the chain of custody is tracked. It is also a federal offense to tamper with the mail. I wouldn't worry about that. Plus, you WILL insure it. Cost about $35 to insure for ~$8k and was delivered quickly in my case.

I didn't want to use my AD for many reasons I won't go into. Decided that I could spend the time I would have spent searching for a watchmaker doing other things and if I was gonna send it wawy, why not use RSC. Easy decision for me.

[Louscamaro91]

Originally Posted by Girkmonster

My Rolex just went to RSC for the first time. I got it 7 years ago, it may have sat around for a couple years before I purchased it new, though. Any factory-authorized watchmaker can do the service. Most give the same warranty you would get from the factory. Differences are whether you want absolute certainty that authentic parts are used and a worldwide warranty vs. a local one, time out of service, cost.

I opted for RSC. That is my preference. I know that they will use genuine parts and appreciate that if I move (or the watchmaker does), I will have no warranty issues. I also know that the tools and equipment used will be exactly as recommended.

Lots of good independents out there that can do the same job, many for less. It comes down to preference as far as I am concerned. I try not to bother myself with things I cannot control. As for mail, jewelers send diamonds and the like via registered mail all the time. It is handled outside the regular mail and the chain of custody is tracked. It is also a federal offense to tamper with the mail. I wouldn't worry about that. Plus, you WILL insure it. Cost about $35 to insure for ~$8k and was delivered quickly in my case.

I didn't want to use my AD for many reasons I won't go into. Decided that I could spend the time I would have spent searching for a watchmaker doing other things and if I was gonna send it wawy, why not use RSC. Easy decision for me.

Good point. I have been stung before sending high dollar items through both USPS and UPS. I always insure whatever I mail, but being I have a sour taste from my past experience, it's hard to not think about it. I'm more of a in-person type of buyer/seller or whatever. I would rather deal face-to-face than over an email or phone. That being said, I would have no issue mailing direct to a RSC, but the thought of the worst would be in the back of my head.

[Girkmonster]

Originally Posted by Louscamaro91

Good point. I have been stung before sending high dollar items through both USPS and UPS. I always insure whatever I mail, but being I have a sour taste from my past experience, it's hard to not think about it. I'm more of a in-person type of buyer/seller or whatever. I would rather deal face-to-face than over an email or phone. That being said, I would have no issue mailing direct to a RSC, but the thought of the worst would be in the back of my head.

Distinction being it is not necessarily a felony to mess with a UPS package. Could be depending on the state law that may control, but it is definitely a felony re: USPS. Plus, no chain of custody with UPS or FedEX.

Cannot disagree much about the face-to-face interaction bit. RSC, while extremely pleasant, doesn't offer much (read: anything) in the way of progress details, local watchmaker is far more likely to know exactly what is going on and better able to predict the delivery date. Might even let you take a peek at what is entailed, etc. That's a plus in my book, too. In my case, it wasn't enough to change my mind, but could well be to someone else.

My guess is that any watch in this category is easily serviceable, with the right training, experience and tools. Like working on a car, only smaller. I would also guess that most people do not experience warrantable issues within 2 years of service, but it can and sometimes does happen. Added tally on local shop side, since some issues can likely be dealt with much quicker and put the watch back on your wrist where it belongs sooner.

[BNA/LION]

I trust Tom Doan the owner at http://www.dstimeservice.com/index.html He rebuilds and services high-end watches for people around the world. Give him a call and see what he can do for you... Best of luck!