Estimated service prices?

[Auragentum]

So I just called the AP RSC in Florida to gauge approximate service price levels on APs. I am still contemplating getting a Dual Time and a Chronograph but if service prices are as insane as in certain EU countries, I will stay away from AP for sure.

I have been quoted some absurd (IMO) standard service prices in Europe (read: approx 2.2K-2.6K USD) on a 26300 and 26120 and hence thought I could send in future acquisitions to the RSC in clearwater when going on business trips to the states - assuming the costs are much lower.

So I tried to get an approximate price level on standard maintenance service (excluding potential parts replacement) and whichever way I tried, they would not give me a price level. According to them all watches will be appraised only when the watch reaches the RSC and despite my insisting and telling them I could give them exact model no and age and that it was merely a standard service price, excluding parts replacement, I was after - no indication of price was given

I am baffled beyond belief and the person who answered the phone seemed almost schoolgirl-like in the way she handled this

I also referred to the following chart and questioned the purpose:

http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

The response was just a repeat of the same lacking bull!"#¤% response!

So what's going on? Was I just unlucky and got the intern on the phone or is this what to expect from AP service in the US?

All of this has so far put me off in a major way. I was strongly considering collecting APs instead of Rolex from now on - but not if their service management and pricing is this "exotic"

End of rant.

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

So I just called the AP RSC in Florida to gauge approximate service price levels on APs. I am still contemplating getting a Dual Time and a Chronograph but if service prices are as insane as in certain EU countries, I will stay away from AP for sure.

I have been quoted some absurd (IMO) standard service prices in Europe (read: approx 2.2K-2.6K USD) on a 26300 and 26120 and hence thought I could send in future acquisitions to the RSC in clearwater when going on business trips to the states - assuming the costs are much lower.

So I tried to get an approximate price level on standard maintenance service (excluding potential parts replacement) and whichever way I tried, they would not give me a price level. According to them all watches will be appraised only when the watch reaches the RSC and despite my insisting and telling them I could give them exact model no and age and that it was merely a standard service price, excluding parts replacement, I was after - no indication of price was given

I am baffled beyond belief and the person who answered the phone seemed almost schoolgirl-like in the way she handled this

I also referred to the following chart and questioned the purpose:

http://www2.audemarspiguet.com/custo...vices/tableau1

The response was just a repeat of the same lacking bull!"#¤% response!

So what's going on? Was I just unlucky and got the intern on the phone or is this what to expect from AP service in the US?

All of this has so far put me off in a major way. I was strongly considering collecting APs instead of Rolex from now on - but not if their service management and pricing is this "exotic"

End of rant.

I hear you! I was quoted by the APSC in Florida an insane price to service a vintage 5402 back earlier this year. After going back and forth, I decided to have the watch serviced at the manufacture in Le Brassus and the price was almost half of what Clearwater quoted me. Still wondering why???

[mannyv11]

I mean it makes sense that they wouldn't be able to tell you a price just because so much could be different with each watch they see. Do I agree absolutely not they should be able to make an educated guess on what a regular service would cost if no parts have to be replaced.
Also if a rolex costs about 600-1000 dollars in service based upon what model you have,standard service and all of that, you are going to have to expect to pay a much higher premium on service especially if you're getting a watch that can be anywhere from 15-60k.
I myself do not have any AP's, my grandfather has 2 as well as a few other corums. The last time my grandfather sent his AP in for a service he told me it cost him 1500 and no parts needed to be replaced.
I hope this helps at all and if you have the money for an AP I really don't think you should be too concerned with having to send it out once every few years to get a service on it.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by mannyv11

I mean it makes sense that they wouldn't be able to tell you a price just because so much could be different with each watch they see. Do I agree absolutely not they should be able to make an educated guess on what a regular service would cost if no parts have to be replaced.
Also if a rolex costs about 600-1000 dollars in service based upon what model you have,standard service and all of that, you are going to have to expect to pay a much higher premium on service especially if you're getting a watch that can be anywhere from 15-60k.
I myself do not have any AP's, my grandfather has 2 as well as a few other corums. The last time my grandfather sent his AP in for a service he told me it cost him 1500 and no parts needed to be replaced.
I hope this helps at all and if you have the money for an AP I really don't think you should be too concerned with having to send it out once every few years to get a service on it.

Thanks for chiming in Manny.

I hear you and I am only gauging approximate levels, something which is dead easy to do on Rolex and many other brands. I am not asking them to bet their life on the last cent, but I need to know is it approx 1000 or 3000, if no parts are replaced. When I called the RSC in the Netherlands it was no issue at all.

I am not too concerned about pricing on one. But if I am planning to collect several (i.e. 5 APs) over time, I need to be fairly diligent on service cost management as I will probably also have at least 5 Rolexes at the same time.

I would love to be in a position where I had so much money that I wouldn't need to be as diligent, but I am not. Having said that if my net worth was 10 times what it is today, I would still be just as upset.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by Submarino

I hear you! I was quoted by the APSC in Florida an insane price to service a vintage 5402 back earlier this year. After going back and forth, I decided to have the watch serviced at the manufacture in Le Brassus and the price was almost half of what Clearwater quoted me. Still wondering why???

Thanks for the info Submarino.

Yes, I am surprised to hear this as well. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this? I thought they would just send it back to AP if they could not service it - surely that should not mean almost double pricing

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

Thanks for the info Submarino.

Yes, I am surprised to hear this as well. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this? I thought they would just send it back to AP if they could not service it - surely that should not mean almost double pricing

This is my original thread on the issue. Enjoy the read!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=APSC

[mannyv11]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

Thanks for chiming in Manny.

I hear you and I am only gauging approximate levels, something which is dead easy to do on Rolex and many other brands. I am not asking them to bet their life on the last cent, but I need to know is it approx 1000 or 3000, if no parts are replaced. When I called the RSC in the Netherlands it was no issue at all.

I am not too concerned about pricing on one. But if I am planning to collect several (i.e. 5 APs) over time, I need to be fairly diligent on service cost management as I will probably also have at least 5 Rolexes at the same time.

I would love to be in a position where I had so much money that I wouldn't need to be as diligent, but I am not. Having said that if my net worth was 10 times what it is today, I would still be just as upset.

I understand what you're saying 100 percent the best part about it all is this is probably the reason why you have the ability to collect 5 AP watches and 5 Rolex's at the same time. In all honesty though from the info I have received from my grandfather it ranges a bit, I'm not sure about the exact model numbers he has but one is a skeleton and another is a more vintage one with moonphase etc etc. In the end they are expensive to maintain without a doubt much more so than rolex, and it also does suck that the US won't give you a specific number. If you want I can ask my Grandfather for some of his recent sales receipts (not sure when they are) and PM to you so you can have some idea. He has a condo in naples florida as well so I'm pretty sure he just gets them serviced from the AP down there.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by mannyv11

I understand what you're saying 100 percent the best part about it all is this is probably the reason why you have the ability to collect 5 AP watches and 5 Rolex's at the same time. In all honesty though from the info I have received from my grandfather it ranges a bit, I'm not sure about the exact model numbers he has but one is a skeleton and another is a more vintage one with moonphase etc etc. In the end they are expensive to maintain without a doubt much more so than rolex, and it also does suck that the US won't give you a specific number. If you want I can ask my Grandfather for some of his recent sales receipts (not sure when they are) and PM to you so you can have some idea. He has a condo in naples florida as well so I'm pretty sure he just gets them serviced from the AP down there.

Thanks Manny, would be appreciated

Though, I anticipate costs to be significantly higher on your grandfathers' watches - as they seem more high end and complex. Regardless it would be useful info. Thanks for the gesture

[Bmonroy17]

This something to consider when buying from the top tier watch houses. They are more Niche and in my field of work Niche means $ $ $

An old saying I tell my racing buddies, " You gotta pay if you want to play" I think it carries over to watches as well. AP is in my future but I am in no rush to get there. I like the service cost of my current collection.

[mannyv11]

no problem my friend I will give him a call this evening and see when I can get them for you

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by Bmonroy17

This something to consider when buying from the top tier watch houses. They are more Niche and in my field of work Niche means $ $ $

An old saying I tell my racing buddies, " You gotta pay if you want to play" I think it carries over to watches as well. AP is in my future but I am in no rush to get there. I like the service cost of my current collection.

Sure. That is exactly what I am doing at the moment, namely considering. But to be able to consider you need to know what you are considering. To just hand over a blank check and think this is perfectly acceptable - well not for me.

Having worked with very expensive sports cars in the past, most of my clients, however wealthy they were, would throw a fit if I told them that there is no approximate cost level for service. It comes with the territory that parts and labor will need individual quoting if something outside of the service check list needs to be done. But there should be a quotable price for the items in a service check list. A watch can be complicated, but it ain't more complicated than a well engineered car.

Just because one has money, does not mean one should refrain from using one's brain or financial sense. I would assume that only spoiled brats of wealthy families don't respect the principle of financial diligence. Most well off people I know did not become well off by not challenging IMO ridiculous pricing practices.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by Submarino

This is my original thread on the issue. Enjoy the read!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=APSC

Thanks for sharing. I read the entire thread. My head is spinning Hope you came out fairly unscathed

[Submarino]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

Thanks for sharing. I read the entire thread. My head is spinning Hope you came out fairly unscathed

I am happy with the new cost at $2800 including a major movement overhaul, new dial, new calendar wheel and refreshing the case and bracelet. They are sending back the original dial and the original calendar wheel as they wouldn't service the watch without replacing them as there's some flaking on them.

[B. Doggy]

I don't know. AP's can be a bit more expensive to serive, but not out of this world. PP is worse. Also, vintage pieces can get pretty expensive. It's definitely a consideration when I buy a high-end watch these days though...

[kilyung]

I'm guessing Clearwater thinks standard service costs are published so there's really no need to repeat it. As for cost, it's proportional to the cost of the watch and proportionally in-line with Rolex. Gotta pay to play.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I'm guessing Clearwater thinks standard service costs are published so there's really no need to repeat it. As for cost, it's proportional to the cost of the watch and proportionally in-line with Rolex. Gotta pay to play.

Mike, I specifically asked about the published standard costs on the AP site and they reacted as if I was speaking a language they did not understand. The gotta pay to play comment bothers me - I can't really play if I don't know what to pay...

Since we have been discussing AP service costs previously, I am sure you agree paying 2200-2600 USD for a standard RO service is on the high side and would probably also make you sanity check the figure. As far as I recall you paid something along the lines of $1200 for your bee - so obviously double that is "relatively" expensive for a RO, even if it is Chrono.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Auragentum

Mike, I specifically asked about the published standard costs on the AP site and they reacted as if I was speaking a language they did not understand. The gotta pay to play comment bothers me - I can't really play if I don't know what to pay...

Since we have been discussing AP service costs previously, I am sure you agree paying 2200-2600 USD for a standard RO service is on the high side and would probably also make you sanity check the figure. As far as I recall you paid something along the lines of $1200 for your bee - so obviously double that is "relatively" expensive for a RO, even if it is Chrono.

Excuse my tongue in cheek humor. If you look at Rolex service costs, it's about 8% of retail. That's about the same as the published AP percentage costs

Not sure why a RO service with standard parts would cost $2200-$2600USD. I've had no issues with Clearwater but I've never called inquiring about costs. I usually send in the watch, get an estimate, accept/reject proposal, and done.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Excuse my tongue in cheek humor. If you look at Rolex service costs, it's about 8% of retail. That's about the same as the published AP percentage costs

Not sure why a RO service with standard parts would cost $2200-$2600USD. I've had no issues with Clearwater but I've never called inquiring about costs. I usually send in the watch, get an estimate, accept/reject proposal, and done.

Sure, I understand. Thing is, I am not in a convenient position where I can effortlessly send to Clearwater and accept or reject, as I would have to coordinate with my business trips.

So I was trying to assess whether it is worthwhile to bring my future (potentially) APs with me on my trips to the US and send them all in for service at once, only to pick them up the next time I would go to the states.

So hypothetically I could have 4 APs sooner than expected (due to watch addiction ) and they could all be in need of service as I might buy them slightly used. If I could save, let's say $5,000 total by taking them with me to the states, it would be worth the effort - for me.

[kilyung]

If you have any particular pieces in mind, let me know. I can contact a few folks at Clearwater to get ballparks for you.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by kilyung

If you have any particular pieces in mind, let me know. I can contact a few folks at Clearwater to get ballparks for you.

Appreciate it. At this moment I am looking at 25730, 15300 and 26300.

[HL65]

Personally I have nothing but great things to say about AP service. The prices are published and extremely accurate excluding vintage-- no different than any other top watch house. I paid $1040 for my recent service of my AP RB2 Ti and that was pretty good for a $45,000 watch as it included all parts. It also was spot on to their price chart. Like most companies they do an estimate and don't quote specific price until that is finished. For me great service, great experience and great company--end of story.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Personally I have nothing but great things to say about AP service. The prices are published and extremely accurate excluding vintage-- no different than any other top watch house. I paid $1040 for my recent service of my AP RB2 Ti and that was pretty good for a $45,000 watch as it included all parts. It also was spot on to their price chart. Like most companies they do an estimate and don't quote specific price until that is finished. For me great service, great experience and great company--end of story.

Which price chart are you referring to? The one on the AP website? If so, as I mentioned, they acted as if they did not know what I was talking about. I am not bothered about which approximate price chart they use or if they even publish one - as long as they use and can communicate one. Judging by some posts in this thread, it seems Clearwater does indeed do that - but they failed to do so when I contacted them, despite several tries.

Your example is more than fine. I consider $1040 very cheap for your AP. I am perfectly fine with that kind of price level and then some. But I am not fine with standard service charges of the equivalent of $2200-2600 for a relatively uncomplicated RO - hence trying to get prices from Clearwater.

[TSW]

Sorry to hear of you bad experience you had on the phone, In my experience the published prices are pretty accurate.
And not much more expensive then a regular Daytona.

If you have your AP serviced with 4-5 years intervals you more likely will just pay the stated prices.

Renovations on the other hand are expensive like all other brands when it comes to Vintage.

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by TSW

Sorry to hear of you bad experience you had on the phone, In my experience the published prices are pretty accurate.
And not much more expensive then a regular Daytona.

If you have your AP serviced with 4-5 years intervals you more likely will just pay the stated prices.

Renovations on the other hand are expensive like all other brands when it comes to Vintage.

Thanks for chiming in Thomas.

The published prices on AP's web site are certainly reasonable and by no means putting me off - quite the contrary. So if Clearwater pricing is indeed similar in pricing, I will direct future service that way.

Saving about $1000 to $1500 per watch is a pretty appealing scenario IMO and probably quite realistic as well, as the APs I am looking at will all be only a couple of years old max - hence anticipating no major parts replacements will be necessary.

[kilyung]

Are service costs that different between APSCs? I thought they were all the same?

[Auragentum]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Are service costs that different between APSCs? I thought they were all the same?

Apparently so. The estimated service prices I received were from a European AP AD who sends in the watch to a RSC within EU.

I think it has something to do with certain EU countries having high VAT rates all the way up to 25%. Add to that the intra EU shipping/insurance from an AD in one European country to a RSC in another European country. Just the shipping itself can be quite pricey in Europe - especially when insurance levels are above certain levels.

I am merely speculating, but could imagine the above could explain some of it. That and perhaps relatively high margins added to the total price by the AD.

I contacted the RSC in Holland and they told me they did not receive watches directly from customers, but rather from ADs.