Servicing classic chronographs

[MorningTundra]

I recently had my Tudor BB 94300 with Valjoux 7750 (1983) serviced by the same folks that did my GMT-II (16710).

I was surprised at the bill for the Tudor service (USD695 just for the movement service). I recall paying about USD400 to service the 3185.

Are chronographs significantly more work and effort on the part of the watchmaker to service? I'm told this is the reason for the price differential.

I've paid the bill and not seeking recourse but I would like to know whether I've been taken for a ride.

Thoughts?

[motoikkyu]

Prices vary greatly in the watchmaking community, this we all know. A chronograph is essentially two movements sandwiched together: a watch movement, and a stop-watch movement. Very often, these movements aren't even made by the same company. Some very skilled watchmakers refuse to work on chronos, which means, they out-source the work to someone else. This can add to the cost. My watchmaker says it takes longer to regulate, as well, because the movement can be running fine and keeping good time, but additional load from engaging the chronograph can throw this off. Everything must work in harmony.

[springer]

Chronographs are much more expensive to service.