Factoring in the cost of a service

Engee · Nov 25, 2021

I often notice here comments on "shall I pull the trigger" threads warning people not to forget to factor in the cost of a service.

But why should this be a factor, apart from if the buyer is on a budget and might overlook this additional expense? Surely all vintage watches need a service at regular intervals. Even a watch bought new is going to need a service after 5 years or so. One might buy a working watch and decide that they won't wear it often, and calculate that they won't bother to have it serviced, but ultimately, any mechanical watch brings with it service running costs. You wouldn't factor in service costs when buying a car - it goes without saying.

Again, yes, the cost of servicing my Skoda is probably less than a Ferrari, just as a watch with many complications will cost more to service than a simple three-hander, but still, I don't see why anyone would consider the cost of a watch, plus the service costs, when deciding whether to buy. It's the watch alone that (and perhaps the strap / bracelet) that is relevant, no?

Larry S · Nov 25, 2021

Seems some, noobs especially, think that they can buy an old watch and expect it to function perfectly. Experience proves otherwise. I know people with Subs bought new in the 80s who understand that cars need service but have never done that for their watches. I think this is a case where a Rolex marketing works against them.

Dan S · Nov 25, 2021

Engee
... the buyer is on a budget and might overlook this additional expense ...

Correct.

Omegafanman · Nov 25, 2021

I think for vintage it depends if people know what they might be getting into. A lot of sellers say watches are in good condition or have been serviced.... all mine get a once over regardless and most have issues. I pulled this spring bar from a Chrono 24 purchase - why do sellers not try a tiny bit harder (I know the good ones do). I tend to expect the watch will be beaten up and anything beyond that is a bonus (unless bought from here of course :0)
.

JwRosenthal · Nov 25, 2021

On a watch that is $10k, an $800 service is nominal. But for a new comer who wants a $400 Seamaster, a $300 service may be shocking to them. I always try to calculate hidden costs when making a purchase- it can tip the scales against it sometimes.
And to use the car analogy- all things being equal, if I have two identical cars to choose from (same price, similar mileage, wear etc) and one has new tires (that I like), had a recent timing chain and valve adjustment, all fluids flushed and rubber all suspension bits refreshed, I would go with the recently serviced one as the other will have an additional $2k+ of needed work.

Donn Chambers · Nov 25, 2021

JwRosenthal
On a watch that is $10k, an $800 service is nominal. But for a new comer who wants a $400 Seamaster, a $300 service may be shocking to them. I always try to calculate hidden costs when making a purchase- it can tip the scales against it sometimes.
And to use the car analogy- all things being equal, if I have two identical cars to choose from (same price, similar mileage, wear etc) and one has new tires (that I like), had a recent timing chain and valve adjustment, all fluids flushed and rubber all suspension bits refreshed, I would go with the recently serviced one as the other will have an additional $2k+ of needed work.

problem with the car analogy (which I agree with) is that the car that has not been serviced properly will generally be several thousand cheaper and people will buy it over the more expensive serviced car. Then they be shocked when it needs that $2k work and refuse to get the work done - they just keep driving it until the engine explodes or the wheels fall off.

JwRosenthal · Nov 25, 2021

Donn Chambers
problem with the car analogy (which I agree with) is that the car that has not been serviced properly will generally be several thousand cheaper and people will buy it over the more expensive serviced car. Then they be shocked when it needs that $2k work and refuse to get the work done - they just keep driving it until the engine explodes or the wheels fall off.

There was a fun op-ed in Roundel (BMW CCA magazine) years ago about how people will buy a 15 year old 7-series for $4k, and then be shocked when a brake job costs $3k. It was a $65k car when it was new, the cost of parts and maintenance doesn’t change just because it’s old.

paddymoran · Nov 25, 2021

You also have to consider the buyer’s motivation for the purchase. If the watch is simply being bought to add to a collection and won’t get any wrist time I don’t think a lack of service is a major issue. That’s on the assumption that the movement is clean with no evident damage, it runs well, chrono function starts/ stops appropriately, etc. For example, if I was in the market for another vintage gold Omega three-hander a service would be low on my priorities.

JwRosenthal · Nov 25, 2021

paddymoran
You also have to consider the buyer’s motivation for the purchase. If the watch is simply being bought to add to a collection and won’t get any wrist time I don’t think a lack of service is a major issue. That’s on the assumption that the movement is clean with no evident damage, it runs well, chrono function starts/ stops appropriately, etc. For example, if I was in the market for another vintage gold Omega three-hander a service would be low on my priorities.

This is true. I have several watches i wear rarely- I have no need to service them unless I were to press them into regular rotation. I have had a few $35 watches serviced because I wanted to wear them regularly- it is indeed about prioritizing the watch money.

Donn Chambers · Nov 25, 2021

JwRosenthal
There was a fun op-ed in Roundel (BMW CCA magazine) years ago about how people will buy a 15 year old 7-series for $4k, and then be shocked when a brake job costs $3k. It was a $65k car when it was new, the cost of parts and maintenance doesn’t change just because it’s old.

they should buy a 15-year old Lexus instead. Bought a 17-year old Lexus SC430 a few months ago and paid less than $600 for new pads for the front brakes and a complete bleed of the system from an independent mechanic I trust.

that car cost $70k brand new, but because many of the parts and systems are shared with Toyota, most general maintenance is no more expensive than for a Toyota.

TimeODanaos · Nov 25, 2021

My usual experience...
Me: "We're agreed this watch will need a service. So, how about we bring the price down a touch to reflect that?"
Seller: "No."

Factoring in the cost of a service

Engee

Larry S

Dan S

Omegafanman

JwRosenthal

Donn Chambers

JwRosenthal

paddymoran

JwRosenthal

Donn Chambers

TimeODanaos

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