What brands would you rule out due to service?

[jjnd08]

I've read multiple posts on TRF complaining about the service they received from a brand's service center. I think I've seen multiple people complain about IWC, then there are a myriad of threads of the long duration of a Patek service, and I've also seen several people shy away from AP due to potential service costs.

So my question is, are there any brands out there that you would rule out due to the quality of service you have received?

[wantonebad]

Unfortunately I've wanted a VC for a long time but I would be lying if I said I didn't get apprehensive about their service and resale value. So if I do buy one it will most likely be used, and right AFTER it has received a full service!

[jjnd08]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Unfortunately I've wanted a VC for a long time but I would be lying if I said I didn't get apprehensive about their service and resale value. So if I do buy one it will most likely be used, and right AFTER it has received a full service!

I've seen you post a couple of times that the RG VC Overseas Chrono is your grail, and it is a beauty.

The Overseas Chrono does take a pretty descent hit in the secondary market.

[kilyung]

For me it's RM. Love the watches but the maintenance cost worries me. I need to get over it because I really want to try a RM011.

[srvrf]

I think it is a small part of the equation when considering a watch. I've had multiple problems post full service requiring sending the watch back with AP (2 times after initial service), VC (2 times after service) and Rolex (1 time after service). Ironically, I have had perfect service from three brands that seem to get their fair share of criticism-Panerai, Blancpain (SGUS), and Hublot. I just hope that the sendbacks result in better service and QC down the road.

As for the original question, I think Patek worries me due to the cost and eternity it seems to take to complete. RM and FPJ would also worry me a bit if I could afford to consider them.


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[Vipes]

FP Journe. I've heard the servicing cost is a little steeper compared to other haute brands.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by kilyung

For me it's RM. Love the watches but the maintenance cost worries me. I need to get over it because I really want to try a RM011.

Have you ever serviced an RM?

Turn time in US is 3-4 weeks, 5 year warranty new, I'd say it's my least worrisome brand of all I've owned (if a brand has that much confidence to give a 5 year warranty, that speaks volumes)

ANY high end brand (AP, PP, RM, etc) out of warranty will dent the pocketbook a little--we all know that.

For me it's about finding a brand with quick turn in service, long warranty and one that doesn't really need much service.

[GB-man]

None so far. FPJ would come close but it's more about them no having a sports watch that suits my tastes than anything.

[topcat30093]

Originally Posted by Vipes

FP Journe. I've heard the servicing cost is a little steeper compared to other haute brands.

This for me

I would love to own a CS from the brand

But their servicing cost, seems ridiculous high, in comparison to other top marques

[zama]

I only here bad things about reliability on IWC and more importantly their bad attitude about it, so that would rule me out.

[toneafficianado]

To a degree it's a good reason to choose Rolex. They are able to be serviced by more folks than the RSC in most big cities and they are not rare enough as to make parts hard to get for modern ones at least, plus they haven't changed their movements that much over the years.

[77T]

If I was looking at buying for long-term keeper, I'd shy away from any brand that won't sell parts to a certified independent watchmaker. But that's just me. I won't name the brands to avoid controversy.

If I was buying for short-term then would just look for freshly serviced watch and not worry for the time I owned it since it'll get flipped before service time.


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[HL65]

Originally Posted by zama

I only here bad things about reliability on IWC and more importantly their bad attitude about it, so that would rule me out.

Have to disagree Craig and just had my IWC 5002 Transitional Big Pilot serviced by authorized IWC watchmaker Superior Time and they did a fantastic job and couldn't have been nicer. The watch had it's first service in 9 years and even before service it was running perfectly and keeping fantastic time. I also had my old Perpetual Calendar Portuguese sent to IWC and it had to go back to Switzerland and again they took care if it and rather quickly without any issue. I think it also depends on the location of service center. For instance AP service center in Clearwater are super responsive and great to work with and also reasonable given watch prices. Also Panerai is super easy to work with if you use the authorized watchmaker in La Jolla Ca vs sending to Panerai directly. So experience will differ based on location and watchmaker themselves IMHO.

[Abdullasaif]

It's mostly independent brands


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[Le Chef]

I'm disappointed in the amount of time of takes to get a watch serviced. I sent in my 5167 a few years ago for a minor problem and that was 3 months. My 5712G has been gone for almost 8 months for a service and no sign of it yet. It's not like I don't have other watches, but I don't think this is acceptable. Sending my Langes to Alkis takes a fraction of the time.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by texex91

Have you ever serviced an RM?

Turn time in US is 3-4 weeks, 5 year warranty new, I'd say it's my least worrisome brand of all I've owned (if a brand has that much confidence to give a 5 year warranty, that speaks volumes)

ANY high end brand (AP, PP, RM, etc) out of warranty will dent the pocketbook a little--we all know that.

For me it's about finding a brand with quick turn in service, long warranty and one that doesn't really need much service.

Nope. Just going by RM's advertised service costs. I have no doubt about the service time frame but that's not really a big deal for me. Oddly enough I don't mind waiting. The warranty length also isn't a big factor as I hardly wear many of my watches and would expect them to last a while between services. My hang up is the high cost. RM has one of the highest costs I've seen (3x compared to a basic Patek). I know there are brands that cost even more and I (more than most) get that you have to pay to play. I'll get there eventually... It's no different than paying for a PM watch. It's just an internal barrier you've got to push past.

[AK797]

PP service times are a worry, but wouldn't put me off.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by kilyung

(3x compared to a basic Patek). I know there are brands that cost even more and I (more than most) get that you have to pay to play. I'll get there eventually... It's no different than paying for a PM watch. It's just an internal barrier you've got to push past.

Come to the light...come on keep walking this way

[lapince]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Nope. Just going by RM's advertised service costs. I have no doubt about the service time frame but that's not really a big deal for me. Oddly enough I don't mind waiting. The warranty length also isn't a big factor as I hardly wear many of my watches and would expect them to last a while between services. My hang up is the high cost. RM has one of the highest costs I've seen (3x compared to a basic Patek). I know there are brands that cost even more and I (more than most) get that you have to pay to play. I'll get there eventually... It's no different than paying for a PM watch. It's just an internal barrier you've got to push past.

Well me it's never the service prices that bother me, if I could would love a RM30 or RM11, but it's the cost of buying them, just don't have the cash, what would bother me more is the wait, I feel that when my 5712 will be gone I will start to go crazy after 4 months, basically half way through service…..