Service cost

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Dgercp

·Dec 7, 2021

I recently bought a 1960’s Tudor sub with no service history, ( cal 390).
The watch is running fine but I wanted to get it serviced anyhow. A couple of local watchmakers said they preferred not to work on this caliber because of difficulty getting parts. Someone in california was recommended and I just recieved the estimate from them for routine mechanical service of $1200! They said nothing about needing any parts, which I could understand to be more costly.

i questioned them on why double what I normally pay for a routine service on a time only watch. They responded that because it is vintage it takes more time. All of my watches are vintage, and I never paid so much.

So, I need to tell them to either do the work, or just send the watch back. I am leaning toward the later.

Have never owned a Tudor/Rolex before, so maybe is $1200 reasonable for one of these?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

C

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ChiefMark

·Dec 7, 2021

I believe the Rolex factory interventions (service) start at $800 and go up from there. For a vintage piece, up would be a safe bet. You could try Nesbit's or USA Watch Service for additional quotes, but I imagine $1000 isn't far off at any reputable watchmaker for a vintage piece.

 

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Dan S

·Dec 7, 2021

Based on my experience with vintage Rolex, I would consider that quite high, unless they specifically indicated the need for parts and or work going substantially beyond a normal service.

 

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140dave

·Dec 7, 2021

Nesbit's policies on vintage has changed, at least for Omega and Rolex. They now go to factory standards even on vintage so they replace the crown, pushers (if you have them), crystal etc and that is non-negotiable. Same with dial and hands if they feel they do not meet factory specs. I just had them send me my watch back untouched, too bad, last time they had no problem doing what I wanted but that has changed. They said it was to keep the Swiss happy.

@Dgercp I am guessing your watch is in Pasadena on E. Walnut St. 🙄 I like them a lot but man this recent 20% price increase has me trying to find another route.

 

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Dgercp

·Dec 7, 2021

140dave

Nesbit's policies on vintage has changed, at least for Omega and Rolex. They now go to factory standards even on vintage so they replace the crown, pushers (if you have them), crystal etc and that is non-negotiable. Same with dial and hands if they feel they do not meet factory specs. I just had them send me my watch back untouched, too bad, last time they had no problem doing what I wanted but that has changed. They said it was to keep the Swiss happy.

@Dgercp I am guessing your watch is in Pasadena on E. Walnut St. 🙄 I like them a lot but man this recent 20% price increase has me trying to find another route.

You are correct. I am sure they are good but the price came as a big jolt. I specifically asked for service with no replacement parts (unless essential) or casework.

 

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Dan S

·Dec 7, 2021

Dgercp

You are correct. I am sure they are good but the price came as a big jolt. I specifically asked for service with no replacement parts (unless essential) or casework.

They are very good at case restoration and cosmetic things, but I haven't found that they are particularly special with respect to movement repairs and service.

 

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140dave

·Dec 7, 2021

Dgercp

You are correct. I am sure they are good but the price came as a big jolt. I specifically asked for service with no replacement parts (unless essential) or casework.

Yup, it was a shocker, they were already pricey at $1000... Oh, btw, if any essential parts are needed they are additional. $1200 gets you gaskets and a mainspring only.

Dan S

They are very good at case restoration and cosmetic things, but I haven't found that they are particularly special with respect to movement repairs and service.

I honestly think they raised the price to do less service and more restoration work.

 

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Larry S

·Dec 7, 2021·Color Commentator for the Hyperbole.

So I’ve had my 5513 and 1675 serviced in the past two years. Both needed parts. Full overhaul, pressure testing …. $550 each.

 

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watchyouwant

·Dec 7, 2021

Oh Dear.... My last Cal. 390 service here in Australia was A$ 330 without parts. It's a very simple Fleurier movement and Rolex just added the auto winding section, which makes search for parts, if needed , difficult. Service of the mvmt. Is very easy.

 

C

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ChiefMark

·Dec 7, 2021

I just used a local watchmaker for a Rolex OP service; $550 with parts, it needed a new stem tube and mainspring; gaskets; pressure test, full movement service.

 

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Dgercp

·Dec 7, 2021

Thanks all for quick responses. Think I will just have watch sent back and find someone else. I am aware the automatic parts for this movement can be a bitch to find and some watchmakers want nothing to do with it.

 

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Darlinboy

·Dec 7, 2021

I have used LAWW multiple times for high-value vintage and would not hesitate to do so again. Great communication & service, as well as access to hard-to-find vintage bits. Yes, the price of the service is relatively high - but for me the peace of mind is worth the premium.

Lots of members will share costs for his or her "personal" watchmaker, but very few will provide details. In my experience it's one of the least-shared bits of information in the vintage enthusiast community.

Of course I use other watchmakers as well, but ... see above. 😜

 

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Dgercp

·Dec 7, 2021

Btw, I just realized this post belongs in “open discussion” and not here 🤦 .
Mods, please feel free to move or delete this post.

 

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MRC

·Dec 8, 2021

Darlinboy

Lots of members will share costs for his or her "personal" watchmaker, but very few will provide details. In my experience it's one of the least-shared bits of information in the vintage enthusiast community.

I happily endorse Rich Askham in the UK for 1960/70s Valjoux and Chrono-matic movements. I believe he's good for Seikos too, but I only have one quartz Seiko which he doesn't do. Doesn't do Omegas either, so mine have to go elsewhere.

http://thewatchspotblog.com

Long waiting list though -- which should be a clue.