I taught myself watchmaking as a part time endeavor to first and foremost look after my watches and restore good used items I pick up to add to my collection. This took years to develop and perhaps one day might do this full time. Now I have a nice area in the house to do this, a proper bench, virtually all the tools needed, some other items to expand skills (pad printing), lathe, mill, etc. This might help me in retirement to help look after people’s watches. I enjoy it and have learned more about watches from this, and never fear any watch due to the possible costs to service it. I get people asking me to service their watch occasionally and stories are similar..... servicing is not cheap and trust of watchmakers prices versus service has been a problem. There have been too many watches I have worked on that the prior ‘watchmaker’ serviced and left substandard, including leaving broken parts in the unit and not getting the movement back to like new condition. Also, when I help someone by working on their watch, few are appreciating the open book manner, and penny pinch on me when they are getting charged far below market rates, for a level of service that is not available....providing pictures, information, options, reference sheets and servicing data, etc., dialogue on their timepiece that is not available.....if I did this for a living there is no way one can do that, take the extra time to soothe and bring someone along for the journey.
Good video. It's funny, when you ask around on the watch forum sites all the people there say "If you pay over $200 you're getting ripped off!" I got this answer when I asked about getting my vintage Omega bumper serviced. In reality, i'd like to see these guys doing service for $200. I'm guessing they are really nice old men who look like Gepeto and just service watches out of the goodness of their hearts.
Just saw your site, I promise the day I can afford to I'm buying something from you. I swear I am. As soon as I clicked that available watch option I saw my dream watch. As soon as I clicked the hot deal option I saw something I didn't know I wanted. Knowing you're involved in this just makes me feel better about it. Someday man
$350 to service an eta 2824?! You could just but some new watches with 2424s in them for that price. I paid less that that for my khaki field brand new
Well, I'm more curious about the little things. Like experiences I've personally had in my lower budget category. I get something like a Tissot or Seiko that has that + - regulator arm that I can see through the caseback, and it's running 10 mins fast per month. I've had the watch for 3 months and can't return it, and the inaccuracy just suddenly got on my nerves. I call around and I get two watchmakers saying "$400 dollars for basic service, if I determine all it needs is regulation, then ONLY $400 dollars for service" :) . If I can do that with a toothpick (and trial and error), why isn't there any kind of market for like an 80 dollar regulation-only service? They won't do any such thing around here. This might be part of why service is seen as expensive? For that kind of money I can just buy the timegrapher, 20,000 toothpicks, and have money left over.
Hey there, I've actually been thinking about doing this lately. Could you give me some more details? Perhaps in a private emssage, out of respect for the author of the video?
Quote from my local watchmaker to replace mineral glass -$74, battery change -$25. I bought a replacement battery for $1.10, o-ring $0.50, mineral watch glass $2.95, case press with 12 dies $59.95, basic watch tool kit $11.95. So I did it myself, saving money and gaining a set of tools which basically paid for themselves. Quartz watches generally aren't a problem for an enthusiast. Don't service a mechanical watch unless it really needs it.
No doubt what you charge is a reasonable amount; however, this really does make me rethink the whole disposability of mechanical watches when you consider that each service will cost the same as buying a brand new Apple Watch at the very least. I think the real question most consumers of moderate means must now ask is how valuable does the watch have to be to justify this reoccurring expense. I think the next impactful invocation in this industry will be when a manufacturer is able to produce a reasonably affordable mechanical piece that can go without servicing for 10+ years. And by that I don’t mean having to pay a 10 year servicing fee that cost as much as a brand new movement. Anyways, I really enjoy your vids Federico and props to Hans. I do somewhat understand that being a watchmaker is somewhat an artistry.
did help, even tho i had no question about it Seeing u talk about such an unspoken subject in this community made u much more knowledgeable in my eyes. Like a little extra more than just a watch enthusiast.
Hi Fed, Yet again,.a great high quality piece. I wonder however, do you stick to your statement on an earlier video that watches don't need serviced every five years an that in fact it could be eight years or much more?
The going prices here in Italy (independent watch repairers) is about 90€ for a simple mechanical watch (2824 or similar) and 200-250 € for chronographs. It includes full disassembly, cleaning, oiling, reassembly and adjusting.
Not at all. Yes: it’s nearly as expensive as replacement but at the same time, it’s not. I tell people that a mechanical watch has similar service costs to a car.
you probably dont give a shit but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!
I must be missing something here. I went to Hamilton's website here in Canada and they state that a service for 2/3 handed automatic or manual wind watches in $250 CAD (less than $200 USD). This would appear to include ETA 2824/2892 and their "in-house" H series movements based on the ETAs.
Excellent info, thanks a lot Federico. Cost of servicing is one of the reason I'm consolidating my collection. I intend on keeping only the significant pieces I'm happy to pay a service for, the ones I value the most basically. The rest will be flipped well before servicing is due while they're still relatively recent and working fine. Although not prohibitive I do find servicing on the expensive side. I own 12 watches and if I had to service them all right now it would cost me several thousands. Definitely not a cheap hobby which is why I'm only prepared to service the watches that are special to me.
Wish I lived Stateside for this: those prices are very reasonable so I'd use Delray, no questions asked. Need to find me a good independent watchmaker here in the UK. Recommendations gladly received.
Great video Fed but still a little fuzzy on when to do a service. I'm a collector so wear my watches in rotation perhaps for a day or a day/night once a week or in some cases every 2 weeks. Doing it this way and not using winders should put off needing a service for perhaps 5, 8 even 10 years correct? I did have a chronograph serviced after 5 years but wore it every day. Sorry to generalise but if it's not loosing or gaining time and everything is okay with it...does it really need a service?
Mark Playford same here I have 3 luxury pieces 2 new one recently serviced use them in rotation 1 every weekend i think you can easily extend the intervals to 10 years
Federico, great video. My only question about Servicing is polishing. A lot of us buy watches for the movement but also the look. Do you guys polish up the bands and case in addition to the movement.
thank you Federico for this video, very useful indeed. I have the swiss made ETA 7750, glad to know it's not expensive and in category 2 at round $450.00 for service...
Thanks again for a very interesting discussion, Federico. However, it seems to me you’re talking a specific case in regards to the four levels of pricing. While I have no experience in this arena, I believe that there are watchmakers who charge extra for a higher class watch. There have got to be some who charge more to do a Patek than a lowly Rolex. I did have an experience last year that shows how differently watchmakers price their services. I bought a vintage 1947 Omega in good condition, but there was dirt on the inside of the crystal. The first watchmaker I called told me it was $500 to takeoff the case back! Parts would be extra. I called another watchmaker who charged me $20 to open the watch and clean out the inside of the crystal. He also told me he would be happy to service the watch for $90 (parts included), when it was needed, and that it was not needed at that time. Guess where I’m taking my watches now?
His prices seem on par with the type of place he runs. Personally, I like the places that are run out of small shops that the main thing they do is jewelry/watch repair. Charging $350 to clean a watch, when most people have watches that they paid less than $350 for, seems like it instills a thought of, just throw it away and buy a new one.
I just picked up a rado purple gazelle.problem is it can not be hand wound,also socond hand does not stop in time set position. they say it was restored. and the watch is not hand wound just shake. has an eta 2789-1 what do you think? I'm sending it back. Thanks great show.
My Casio G-Shock , my Citizen Eco Drives , my Seiko Solar and my Steinhart GMT don't need to be serviced . I have a friend who drives a BMW 5 series ...... Well , $ 350 .00 and oil change . They use magic oil .
Because I like you and because I'm in a smaller market what you're quoting here is your market or similar because it simply doesn't apply where I live.... and I'm not going to some start up. That being said, you're spot on when it comes to the level of work based on movement. Keep up the great work!
If you guys are working on an IWC, and it needs a part, do you replace worn part with IWC part, and is it important to have parts replaced with it's brand parts? Thank you...
Here in the UK, costs are becoming prohibitive mainly due to more and more just buying a quartz, when it breaks throw it away and buy another quartz so watch servicer's are becoming less common and so they charge a lot. I collect Soviet watches primarily and have had to learn how to do simple to medium tasks as I do it all on my meagre disability income so I am in the process of having to by necessity learn how to service myself because I can't afford £200 a go.
I have a SEIKO automatic 5 (200mts) diver watch, the watch is 13 years old and the only time I sent it to be serviced was about 10 years ago, now the watch is starting to go very fast and it's difficult to set the time, date and day as the "crown" is worn out and there are times I cannot even put the right time; the full service is £270 English Pounds and I bought the watch for £245 English Pounds 13 years ago on eBay from a watch shop online ............... my question is: is it really worth to send the watch for full service or should I buy a new one??............. the watch has that kind of sentimental value but to "service it" has to be fully restored and it got a lot of scratches and I think the crystal has to be changed for a new one; I was just wondering if it's better to get a cheaper watch instead.
My one vintage and everyday watch is a vintage tissot PR516 mechanical hand wind with no date that needed service because the button you push to release the stem was stuck pushed down. Before this though the watch was running great, anyway it cost me $450 Canadian and it was a terrible experience. The watch runs great but it’s not the right crown, the tissot crown that’s on it is a bit to small and the rubber in the crown rubs a bit causing it to be a bit stiff when winding. So stiff it does not do that little spring back it use to do when ever I wound it. I really hope that it does not have problems in the future because of this wrong crown. I also bought a like new case and crystal/glass off eBay and now it looks and runs awesome, only down side is a paint chip on the minute and hour hand that I would luv to get fixed. I was thinking of adding some touch up pain on the chips but I’m worried it will look worse. Does your shop repaint hands and redo loome? My glow in the dark lasts a couple seconds at best. I know my watch is not a high end watch but it’s a family watch and I really luv the look and feel. I have been thinking of buying a vintage chronograph PR516, it’s such a beautiful watch. They go for over a grand on eBay and then I’ll have to pay for service so it won’t be cheap, but this time I’ll send it to you guys lol.
I bought an old Seiko 5 / 7009 from India for £13 including delivery (Ebay). A really nice looking old Seiko. My local jeweller / watch shop quoted me £139 for a service. I'm half tempted to squirt GT85 in it and just wear the thing hehe.
I just got my my first mid-range luxury watch a Breitling SuperOcean II. It was my dream watch, loving it, but I'm scared of what the maintenance is going to cost me. Federico what kind of minimum maintenance should I have done and how often? Thanks, great video.
Hey Fredricko, thanks for another great video! Are there any brands that necessitate sending to the manufacturer? For example I always heard one needed to send a JLC watch back to JLC.
Federico, can Delray service the Seiko MM300 and it’s 8L35 movement? I don’t have one but that always seems to be a concern for owners or potential owners.
Fed! Thanks for such a great video! Very informative! Just to clarify, would a 3 hand swiss movment w. Date, in house or not, fall under your $450+parts category?
Had my UTS diver (2012)(ETA 2824) recently serviced by my local watch repairer (Port Hueneme, CA). Wore the watch daily so needed the tuneup. $350. Mr. Uchida stated the movement was good as had been upgraded from basic 2824, should last another 10 years. One suggestion to all. I found out three of my watches did well to be demagnetized. Too many items around the house, work (think computers, etc), that can cause this. I had been losing upwards of 8 minutes a week when I had my UTS tuneup. My goal is to pass along this watch to my son. Regards.
I wonder how you could have access to original parts. I've heard several independent watchmakers complaining about the behavior of the big brands, wich cut off any supply.
More Hanzy. :D Love the video, it was very helpful and encouraging. And now that I know my grail piece will only cost $450 to service, I’m gonna speak with my wife in the morning about selling our cars, moving some investments around, and.........! ;)
Another very useful and informative video. I payed about $1000 from my Rolex AD to service my 25 year old sub with date about a year ago. The insert on the bezel ring was chipped, that was replaced. Seals all replaced and water pressure tested w/the test slip indicated pass. Replaced the hour hand w/the Mercedes hand. Plus, I got all the old parts back which I really appreciated. Fed, even though no “wrist watch check” looks like your still sporting that nice “Hulk” ;-)
I’ve loved watches my whole life and decided to dig a bit deeper in some vintage timex’s while the price of them to purchase can be dirt cheap hearing these type of service prices is scaring the crap out of me lol guess I’m going to have to start taking them apart myself 😅
Fed. I would want to know the amount of watchmaker time for the levels of service, i.e. looking for wear and the strip down, reassembly and an idea of the expense of equipment employed.
Question - with a 2824, for example, isn't $350 fairly close to the price to simply swap out the movement? If that's true, why would one pay a rate that might be a fair percentage of even the total watch price when that situation presents itself?
Fed I have a question. I heard somewhere that manufacturers like Rolex were not shipping parts to independent watchmakers anymore. The idea being that 'If you want your watch serviced or fixed, you have to send it to an AD or the manufacturer'. Is this a trend? Is there any truth to it? Thanks for your awesome videos.
Good info! Are the new Tudor movements similar enough to Rolex that they would be serviceable by an independent shop that does Rolex? If so, I imagine that would put those movements in your “category 2”
If you shop around you can find watch makers that do amazing work for a fair price. Rolex charges 800 bucks for service. I found a wonderful watch maker that charges 200 bucks for full service including polishing. They also do watch stretch on jubilee bracelet for 150 bucks, in only 2weeks. He used only Rolex parts and let me know how he was progressing. 40 years as a watch maker and also in the United States.
I taught myself watchmaking as a part time endeavor to first and foremost look after my watches and restore good used items I pick up to add to my collection. This took years to develop and perhaps one day might do this full time. Now I have a nice area in the house to do this, a proper bench, virtually all the tools needed, some other items to expand skills (pad printing), lathe, mill, etc. This might help me in retirement to help look after people’s watches. I enjoy it and have learned more about watches from this, and never fear any watch due to the possible costs to service it. I get people asking me to service their watch occasionally and stories are similar..... servicing is not cheap and trust of watchmakers prices versus service has been a problem. There have been too many watches I have worked on that the prior ‘watchmaker’ serviced and left substandard, including leaving broken parts in the unit and not getting the movement back to like new condition. Also, when I help someone by working on their watch, few are appreciating the open book manner, and penny pinch on me when they are getting charged far below market rates, for a level of service that is not available....providing pictures, information, options, reference sheets and servicing data, etc., dialogue on their timepiece that is not available.....if I did this for a living there is no way one can do that, take the extra time to soothe and bring someone along for the journey.
Good video. It's funny, when you ask around on the watch forum sites all the people there say "If you pay over $200 you're getting ripped off!" I got this answer when I asked about getting my vintage Omega bumper serviced. In reality, i'd like to see these guys doing service for $200. I'm guessing they are really nice old men who look like Gepeto and just service watches out of the goodness of their hearts.
Just saw your site, I promise the day I can afford to I'm buying something from you. I swear I am. As soon as I clicked that available watch option I saw my dream watch. As soon as I clicked the hot deal option I saw something I didn't know I wanted. Knowing you're involved in this just makes me feel better about it. Someday man
That's the most informative video on watch servicing I've seen on UA-cam! Thank you for the info Fed!
$350 to service an eta 2824?! You could just but some new watches with 2424s in them for that price. I paid less that that for my khaki field brand new
Well, I'm more curious about the little things. Like experiences I've personally had in my lower budget category. I get something like a Tissot or Seiko that has that + - regulator arm that I can see through the caseback, and it's running 10 mins fast per month. I've had the watch for 3 months and can't return it, and the inaccuracy just suddenly got on my nerves. I call around and I get two watchmakers saying "$400 dollars for basic service, if I determine all it needs is regulation, then ONLY $400 dollars for service" :) . If I can do that with a toothpick (and trial and error), why isn't there any kind of market for like an 80 dollar regulation-only service? They won't do any such thing around here. This might be part of why service is seen as expensive? For that kind of money I can just buy the timegrapher, 20,000 toothpicks, and have money left over.
Any chance for a current update on these rates? Love your content!
Just had a 1950s Ulysse Nardin serviced , new crown and new crystal for 70.00 . Find a nice old retired watchmaker for your vintage watches.
Buy a Vostok, send it back to service for $10, pack of Lucky Strikes, and a bottle of vodka.
Hey there,
I've actually been thinking about doing this lately. Could you give me some more details? Perhaps in a private emssage, out of respect for the author of the video?
I would like to know an affordable way to get a Vostok serviced.
Quote from my local watchmaker to replace mineral glass -$74, battery change -$25.
I bought a replacement battery for $1.10, o-ring $0.50, mineral watch glass $2.95, case press with 12 dies $59.95, basic watch tool kit $11.95.
So I did it myself, saving money and gaining a set of tools which basically paid for themselves.
Quartz watches generally aren't a problem for an enthusiast. Don't service a mechanical watch unless it really needs it.
No doubt what you charge is a reasonable amount; however, this really does make me rethink the whole disposability of mechanical watches when you consider that each service will cost the same as buying a brand new Apple Watch at the very least. I think the real question most consumers of moderate means must now ask is how valuable does the watch have to be to justify this reoccurring expense. I think the next impactful invocation in this industry will be when a manufacturer is able to produce a reasonably affordable mechanical piece that can go without servicing for 10+ years. And by that I don’t mean having to pay a 10 year servicing fee that cost as much as a brand new movement. Anyways, I really enjoy your vids Federico and props to Hans. I do somewhat understand that being a watchmaker is somewhat an artistry.
Watch buying and selling is a great hobby.
did help, even tho i had no question about it
Seeing u talk about such an unspoken subject in this community made u much more knowledgeable in my eyes. Like a little extra more than just a watch enthusiast.
Hi Fed,
Yet again,.a great high quality piece. I wonder however, do you stick to your statement on an earlier video that watches don't need serviced every five years an that in fact it could be eight years or much more?
I had my Longines Conquest GMT for service in October, it was $ 390,-
Strange that dellray watches charges more than the most manufacturers would charge for a service
Great extension on your first servicing video.
The going prices here in Italy (independent watch repairers) is about 90€ for a simple mechanical watch (2824 or similar) and 200-250 € for chronographs. It includes full disassembly, cleaning, oiling, reassembly and adjusting.
A great and informative video. I think I will be giving you a call to have a few of my collection serviced. Keep up the great work.
Now I’m concerned. My $500 Steinhart will cost $350 to service 😳. That almost makes it not worth repairing.
Not at all. Yes: it’s nearly as expensive as replacement but at the same time, it’s not. I tell people that a mechanical watch has similar service costs to a car.
you probably dont give a shit but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tips you can offer me!
@Colby Taylor instablaster =)
I am writing review even before watching it and you are doing the introduction..I so much wanted to hear on this topic from experts.. good job
I must be missing something here. I went to Hamilton's website here in Canada and they state that a service for 2/3 handed automatic or manual wind watches in $250 CAD (less than $200 USD). This would appear to include ETA 2824/2892 and their "in-house" H series movements based on the ETAs.
Excellent info, thanks a lot Federico.
Cost of servicing is one of the reason I'm consolidating my collection. I intend on keeping only the significant pieces I'm happy to pay a service for, the ones I value the most basically. The rest will be flipped well before servicing is due while they're still relatively recent and working fine.
Although not prohibitive I do find servicing on the expensive side. I own 12 watches and if I had to service them all right now it would cost me several thousands. Definitely not a cheap hobby which is why I'm only prepared to service the watches that are special to me.
Wish I lived Stateside for this: those prices are very reasonable so I'd use Delray, no questions asked. Need to find me a good independent watchmaker here in the UK. Recommendations gladly received.
Good content Fed, thank you. The more complicated the more money. Beer budget here.
Right on - demystifed, so helpful. Excellent, thanks Fed & Hans
Great video Fed but still a little fuzzy on when to do a service. I'm a collector so wear my watches in rotation perhaps for a day or a day/night once a week or in some cases every 2 weeks. Doing it this way and not using winders should put off needing a service for perhaps 5, 8 even 10 years correct? I did have a chronograph serviced after 5 years but wore it every day. Sorry to generalise but if it's not loosing or gaining time and everything is okay with it...does it really need a service?
Mark Playford same here I have 3 luxury pieces 2 new one recently serviced use them in rotation 1 every weekend i think you can easily extend the intervals to 10 years
Federico, great video. My only question about Servicing is polishing. A lot of us buy watches for the movement but also the look. Do you guys polish up the bands and case in addition to the movement.
thank you Federico for this video, very useful indeed. I have the swiss made ETA 7750, glad to know it's not expensive and in category 2 at round $450.00 for service...
Good and informative. Make me a little less afraid of getting watches serviced. Thanks
I’m aware Hamilton’s H-10 movement is basically a modified ETA 2824, but is servicing the same & the cost?
Federico... No wrist watch check???
I liked this video. I had no idea on what service costs would be. Nice job as usual.
Thanks
Lol... I totally forgot! Rolex Hulk!
Thanks again for a very interesting discussion, Federico. However, it seems to me you’re talking a specific case in regards to the four levels of pricing. While I have no experience in this arena, I believe that there are watchmakers who charge extra for a higher class watch. There have got to be some who charge more to do a Patek than a lowly Rolex.
I did have an experience last year that shows how differently watchmakers price their services. I bought a vintage 1947 Omega in good condition, but there was dirt on the inside of the crystal. The first watchmaker I called told me it was $500 to takeoff the case back! Parts would be extra. I called another watchmaker who charged me $20 to open the watch and clean out the inside of the crystal. He also told me he would be happy to service the watch for $90 (parts included), when it was needed, and that it was not needed at that time. Guess where I’m taking my watches now?
His prices seem on par with the type of place he runs. Personally, I like the places that are run out of small shops that the main thing they do is jewelry/watch repair. Charging $350 to clean a watch, when most people have watches that they paid less than $350 for, seems like it instills a thought of, just throw it away and buy a new one.
@@Nothingtoya True that, but he's not typically serving
I just picked up a rado purple gazelle.problem is it can not be hand wound,also socond hand does not stop in time set position. they say it was restored. and the watch is not hand wound just shake. has an eta 2789-1 what do you think? I'm sending it back. Thanks great show.
My Casio G-Shock , my Citizen Eco Drives , my Seiko Solar and my Steinhart GMT don't need to be serviced . I have a friend who drives a BMW 5 series ...... Well , $ 350 .00 and oil change . They use magic oil .
Your friend is lying to you, I own the v8 version of the 5 series, 550i, the local bmw dealer charges $125 to change the oil…😂
Because I like you and because I'm in a smaller market what you're quoting here is your market or similar because it simply doesn't apply where I live.... and I'm not going to some start up. That being said, you're spot on when it comes to the level of work based on movement. Keep up the great work!
If you guys are working on an IWC, and it needs a part, do you replace worn part with IWC part, and is it important to have parts replaced with it's brand parts? Thank you...
Here in the UK, costs are becoming prohibitive mainly due to more and more just buying a quartz, when it breaks throw it away and buy another quartz so watch servicer's are becoming less common and so they charge a lot. I collect Soviet watches primarily and have had to learn how to do simple to medium tasks as I do it all on my meagre disability income so I am in the process of having to by necessity learn how to service myself because I can't afford £200 a go.
I have a SEIKO automatic 5 (200mts) diver watch, the watch is 13 years old and the only time I sent it to be serviced was about 10 years ago, now the watch is starting to go very fast and it's difficult to set the time, date and day as the "crown" is worn out and there are times I cannot even put the right time; the full service is £270 English Pounds and I bought the watch for £245 English Pounds 13 years ago on eBay from a watch shop online ............... my question is: is it really worth to send the watch for full service or should I buy a new one??............. the watch has that kind of sentimental value but to "service it" has to be fully restored and it got a lot of scratches and I think the crystal has to be changed for a new one; I was just wondering if it's better to get a cheaper watch instead.
My one vintage and everyday watch is a vintage tissot PR516 mechanical hand wind with no date that needed service because the button you push to release the stem was stuck pushed down. Before this though the watch was running great, anyway it cost me $450 Canadian and it was a terrible experience. The watch runs great but it’s not the right crown, the tissot crown that’s on it is a bit to small and the rubber in the crown rubs a bit causing it to be a bit stiff when winding. So stiff it does not do that little spring back it use to do when ever I wound it. I really hope that it does not have problems in the future because of this wrong crown. I also bought a like new case and crystal/glass off eBay and now it looks and runs awesome, only down side is a paint chip on the minute and hour hand that I would luv to get fixed. I was thinking of adding some touch up pain on the chips but I’m worried it will look worse. Does your shop repaint hands and redo loome? My glow in the dark lasts a couple seconds at best. I know my watch is not a high end watch but it’s a family watch and I really luv the look and feel. I have been thinking of buying a vintage chronograph PR516, it’s such a beautiful watch. They go for over a grand on eBay and then I’ll have to pay for service so it won’t be cheap, but this time I’ll send it to you guys lol.
Since en ETA 2824-2 can be bought for $150. Would it just be cheaper to replace the movement than to service it?
in some watches, yes, absolutely. In others where it is modified, no it wouldn't.
Another excellent video. Thanks Fed.
Very educational video, thanks Federico, this is some thing I’ve been wondering about.
Great topic and video Fed!
One of the best yet.
Great content (as usual). Does the servicing you do include refinishing the case and bracelet?
it almost should
Good information, actually I was considering if buying a Frederick Constant watch from a pawnshop but I was wondering how much will cost me a service
love your honesty and sincereness keep up the good work
I bought an old Seiko 5 / 7009 from India for £13 including delivery (Ebay). A really nice looking old Seiko. My local jeweller / watch shop quoted me £139 for a service. I'm half tempted to squirt GT85 in it and just wear the thing hehe.
I just got my my first mid-range luxury watch a Breitling SuperOcean II. It was my dream watch, loving it, but I'm scared of what the maintenance is going to cost me. Federico what kind of minimum maintenance should I have done and how often? Thanks, great video.
Hey Fredricko, thanks for another great video! Are there any brands that necessitate sending to the manufacturer? For example I always heard one needed to send a JLC watch back to JLC.
What category would a freak X or full freak be?
Federico, can Delray service the Seiko MM300 and it’s 8L35 movement? I don’t have one but that always seems to be a concern for owners or potential owners.
Do you service Omega Planet Ocean Co-Axial movement? And in which princerange do they fall?
I'm going to contact Delray and talk about if you can handle my Eterna Matic Kontiki, I'm Offshore, gettings from Honduras.
Why is omega charging differently btw non precious metal and precious metal watches?
Very useful information
Great video. Do you just repair movement or do you do case repair/polish, dial cleaning, and crystal changing as well? Thanks
everything except dial restoration (but we do clean it).
What is the average cost? Is it categorized like movement service as well? How long does it usually take? Thanks
Hi Fed, what about Omega 2500 co-axial movements? Any experience on these?
Fed! Thanks for such a great video! Very informative! Just to clarify, would a 3 hand swiss movment w. Date, in house or not, fall under your $450+parts category?
Excellent video, thanks Fed
Eckspecially! I caught you just like my kids use to catch me.. good video.
Super usefull. Thanks
I believe Seko charges about 151$ for servicing the 7S26 movement of the Seiko 5.
Hey Fed. Very informativ. Always look forward to your videos
Do you guys service and repair seiko 6139 chronographs? And im assuming you can find all original parts.
Great video mate
how about spring drive?
Really useful vid Fed. I found it very informative. Thanks
thanks so much Steve!
This is a really helpful video. Thank you Federico!
I was hoping to have my Tissot Visodate serviced soon. Maybe I’ll go with you guys Fed! Thanks.
Great video Fed. Great info
Cool video - I really thought "service" would be more expensive... Thanks!
Had my UTS diver (2012)(ETA 2824) recently serviced by my local watch repairer (Port Hueneme, CA). Wore the watch daily so needed the tuneup. $350. Mr. Uchida stated the movement was good as had been upgraded from basic 2824, should last another 10 years. One suggestion to all. I found out three of my watches did well to be demagnetized. Too many items around the house, work (think computers, etc), that can cause this. I had been losing upwards of 8 minutes a week when I had my UTS tuneup. My goal is to pass along this watch to my son. Regards.
I wonder how you could have access to original parts. I've heard several independent watchmakers complaining about the behavior of the big brands, wich cut off any supply.
Easy, we order them from watchmakers who have access...
Thanks.
Just had an IWC serviced by them. Watch is running great and super fast turn around.
Makes sense now
More Hanzy. :D
Love the video, it was very helpful and encouraging. And now that I know my grail piece will only cost $450 to service, I’m gonna speak with my wife in the morning about selling our cars, moving some investments around, and.........! ;)
Informative, thanks Fed.
Where would my Timex weekender fall into, looking to service it soon.
Aypz, That's a cheap disposable quartz! The best service is buy a new one!
Another very useful and informative video. I payed about $1000 from my Rolex AD to service my 25 year old sub with date about a year ago. The insert on the bezel ring was chipped, that was replaced. Seals all replaced and water pressure tested w/the test slip indicated pass. Replaced the hour hand w/the Mercedes hand. Plus, I got all the old parts back which I really appreciated. Fed, even though no “wrist watch check” looks like your still sporting that nice “Hulk” ;-)
I have citizen ny0040 so it's better to buy another than pay for service?
The Rolex AD wanted 1100 to service my Submariner, the independent watchmakers quoted me anywhere from 200 to 500.
Good video there Sir.
hi Federico, in your opinion what category is the Rolex Explorer II
Great and informative video. Many thanks.
I need a 7750 serviced how do I get this done
I’ve loved watches my whole life and decided to dig a bit deeper in some vintage timex’s while the price of them to purchase can be dirt cheap hearing these type of service prices is scaring the crap out of me lol guess I’m going to have to start taking them apart myself 😅
*Some* vintage Timexes might not be worth servicing due to a lack of jewels on them. They just wear out.
Fed. I would want to know the amount of watchmaker time for the levels of service, i.e. looking for wear and the strip down, reassembly and an idea of the expense of equipment employed.
Could you cover the labor time for the different service levels?
I have a Starking I really like. I can’t see paying too much to service it, but I’d hate to let it go.
I really want to know how much an FP Journe service cost.
Very Helpful.
Falls an Omega 8900 co axial movement in category 2?
Question - with a 2824, for example, isn't $350 fairly close to the price to simply swap out the movement? If that's true, why would one pay a rate that might be a fair percentage of even the total watch price when that situation presents itself?
Fed I have a question. I heard somewhere that manufacturers like Rolex were not shipping parts to independent watchmakers anymore. The idea being that 'If you want your watch serviced or fixed, you have to send it to an AD or the manufacturer'. Is this a trend? Is there any truth to it? Thanks for your awesome videos.
What about a grand seiko Hi Beat ? I keep seeing them and they say it need to be Serviced
Good info! Are the new Tudor movements similar enough to Rolex that they would be serviceable by an independent shop that does Rolex? If so, I imagine that would put those movements in your “category 2”
Fantastic topic and thank you
Great video lots of good information.
If you shop around you can find watch makers that do amazing work for a fair price. Rolex charges 800 bucks for service. I found a wonderful watch maker that charges 200 bucks for full service including polishing. They also do watch stretch on jubilee bracelet for 150 bucks, in only 2weeks. He used only Rolex parts and let me know how he was progressing. 40 years as a watch maker and also in the United States.
Great content!