How much should it cost to "service" a vintage watch?

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

Presuming there is nothing "broken" or missing, how much should a regular servicing be for a watch that likely hasn't been service in quite some time?

I brought in a recent purchase for servicing here in Canada, and the jeweller was charging ~ $200 CAD. The watch was working (although I was having a hard time winding it), but the watch maker said "the balance was way off" or something of the sort. Essentially, he was implying it would be a lot of work.

Any input on what reasonable pricing would be for regular service work?

Thanks again OF,
-J.

Canuck · Dec 17, 2017

Get another opinion. If you are accurately reporting what you were told, it sounds like a crock. As to how much you should expect to be charged? Not possible to tell without actually seeing the watch. Also, your expectations on the performance of the watch once repaired would play into the service fee. Don’t take it to the watch repair counter in your local department store. You want to deal face to face with a technician that others have had good experience with. As to “no parts” needed? Whose judgement was that, or was that your determination?

BenBagbag · Dec 17, 2017

That comes out to 155.42 US Dollars
It is a good price for a basic service IMO. Not sure how trustworthy the guy is though...

henrikaa · Dec 17, 2017

Sounds like a decent price for a service. In DK, independent, experienced watchmakers charge ~250 - 420 USD for a service depending on the caliber.

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

Canuck
Get another opinion. If you are accurately reporting what you were told, it sounds like a crock. As to how much you should expect to be charged? Not possible to tell without actually seeing the watch. Also, your expectations on the performance of the watch once repaired would play into the service fee. Don’t take it to the watch repair counter in your local department store. You want to deal face to face with a technician that others have had good experience with. As to “no parts” needed? Whose judgement was that, or was that your determination?

I had no idea whether or not parts would be needed. In fact, because of the fact that I wasn't able to wind it, I was worried there might be a broken part or something that needed to be replaced. But, once I brought it in, he took it out back and had a look at it and brought it back out and it was ticking away. But he did say it would need a lot of work regardless.

At least based on the posts above I haven't paid an exorbitant amount!

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

Maybe next watch I'll shop around a bit...

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

It was a watch from the 1950s and service history was unknown

Fritz · Dec 17, 2017

I live just west of Toronto and have three shops in the immediate area, two charge between 1 and 2 hundred dollars for a thorough service on a basic watch and do good work which they stand behind, the third charges 2 to 3 hundred and is full of excuses if it isn't right when he's done, which it often isn't.

I guess I'm saying shop around a lot and ask for opinions. There's some very good people out there who are reasonably priced but there is, as always, the few jerks who make this hobby a minefield for the inexperienced.

bubba48 · Dec 17, 2017

A complete service by an independet watchmaker in Italy costs 100/150 Euros for a time only and at least 250/350 Euros for a chronograph.

MikiJ · Dec 17, 2017

Maybe it would help if you told us what watch needs service?

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

It's a vintage Girard-Perregaux Incabloc, not sure of the year yet since I don't have the serial number, but I asked the watchmaker to take pictures of the movement, so I should have it soon. There was nothing fancy about the watch.

Larry S · Dec 17, 2017

Where I live:
For base service on a three hander 2-250 USD
For base service on a chronograph 4-500 USD
Anything else is dependent on what is needed. Parts and movement restoration can spin these prices quite high.
Maintaining these watches ain’t cheap.

Vanallard · Dec 17, 2017

Whereabouts are you located in Canada? I can recommend a watchmaker in Vancouver who worked in an Omega factory in the 60s and 70s and has very reasonable rates (~100 CAD for a service).

jshaw083 · Dec 17, 2017

I'm in Ottawa!

Vanallard · Dec 17, 2017

jshaw083
I'm in Ottawa!

I guess I can’t offer any assistance then 😉

How much should it cost to "service" a vintage watch?

jshaw083

Canuck

BenBagbag

henrikaa

jshaw083

jshaw083

jshaw083

Fritz

bubba48

MikiJ

jshaw083

Larry S

Vanallard

jshaw083

Vanallard

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