Yes, I wouldn't recommend opening a Rolex at home. This being said, It would be kind of weird sending an Invicta for service, as for that price you could probably buy a new one. So there is something great about buying a cheap watch: you can use it without fear, open it, explore it, learn from it, and replacing it easily if something went wrong. Regards.
An Invicta uses a Seiko NH35 movement. You can get that for $30 on the web. It probably makes more sense to just replace the movement every 5 years than to fiddle with the parts of the movement.
Thank you, Armand, for a valued video. All of your comments and suggestions rang true to me. Having said that, I have just sent off for repair an old Ingersoll watch that has a pin-lever movement. This is not a valuable watch in market terms but it has some sentimental value. I have not used the service provider before but I have used my discretion based upon my assessment of his online presence and comments. I hope my trust in him will be justified.
Good informations, thank you. But do you really think, that following the servicing intervals, given by the manufacturer, is always a smart move? I could image that they are highly influenced by marketing and sales. Companies like Rolex make excellent money with their service centers. I think it's nearly impossible to present a worn Rolex in a Rolex boutique without hearing: "Needs a service."
Really good advice Armand. Imho reasonable periodic service makes sense, especially if you purchase a valuable timepiece pre owned and plan to wear it under active conditions, and are uncertain as to the history of your timepieces care.
I have a vintage Bulova automatic from 1950 . It is running 1 min fast a day . I did open it up . The movement is clean but the inside of the case looks bad and there is no gasket . I only paid $80 for it . Should I get it serviced ? I have a few swiss watches and a few Japanese watches I wear . Thanks .
I wish you would make a video running down the "average" cost of particularly popular movements. Seiko, ETA variations, Rolex ECT. That was folks are more aware of the actual cost of the watch with servicing down the line. Also good guide lines on not getting ripped off.
Armand, another great video. What is the watch at 17:00, and what is the story behind the wire? Is that a lead piece to minimize corrosion in salt water? I've never seen a photo of a watch like that. Cheers
Good advise to be sure watches are properly serviced. Some may be fortunate to have a reputable watchmaker in your neighborhood who has a reputation for excellent work and lists the watch brands and types the watchmaker services. Naturally a fully properly equipped facility is mandatory and history of excellent work. This avenue can save time, significant money, and is an alternative to consider. As a watchmaker no work is performed on anything that I’m not experienced, trained, have the proper equipment and tools as well having full access to the required service parts. Be sure if going this way these parameters are considered. With a local watchmaker a relationship can be developed and benefits to look at your items in your collection, to receive the attention they need, when they need it.
I think it a bit much to say car servicing is akin to watch servicing, and to not service a watch is preposterous. A car is religiously serviced, so people do not die. A watch is serviced because it is showing signs that it needs a service. Someone’s one gets lucky and services after 20 years, like I did. If there are no signs - don’t service.
What to do with the cheaper watches? I own several automatic watches with prices under 500£ and typical service prices around here are around 100-200 £. It doesn't seem worth it? Should I just buy new ones or wait for something to break?
Yeah, i'd say if there's no emotional attachment to the piece just let in run and decide whether to service or get a new one once it breaks. Otherwise if you do want to keep it forever better to look after it properly
Is service interval a function of time or function of " mileage "? If I buy 10 automatic watches today and use them equally (of course one at a time with no automatic winder for the remaining 9)would I still need to consider servicing them all in the year 2028?
Great informative video. Armand, PM me if interested. I was in charge of the Vacheron Constantin after sales service center in New York as their Technical Director. Thank you for educating our aficionados.
You didn’t address the ridiculous amount of time it takes to have your watch serviced not so much of a problem with a low grade watch at a local watch repairer but a major problem with the larger manufacturers like Rolex and Omega, Breitling etc. Omega 6 - 8 weeks . The same for Breitling. Rolex currently up to 3 months. The Swiss watch industry works on a different time scale than the rest of the business world. Sent a seamaster off to Omega for service it was 3 weeks to get an estimate and provide Authorisation for the service / repair. 6 weeks later I’m still waiting for my watch. Imagine leaving your car in for a service and 3 weeks later your told you need a service sir and by the way you will need new spark plugs oh and don’t worry sir we will have you back on the road in another 6 to 8 weeks and we think that’s very good after sales service and you should be very pleased that you spent so much on our product. The fact that we can’t be bothered having enough mechanics to actually do the work in a respectable timeframe should not annoy you.
Have a Longines hydro crono & the service price where I purchased the watch was AU $800+ (& the book says service at least every 2 years), or do you just get a new watch every 5 years🤔 (Have found a better service price since)
+Simon Crawford: Yes, I must admit that the price given sounds pretty excessive bearing in mind that I would expect to pay approximately £250 or thereabouts for a full service in the UK.
Simon Crawford that amount is highway robbery. Have you tried somewhere like watchtech here in Brisbane? Unfortunately at least here in Brisbane there are not too many capable independent watchmakers capable of servicing a watch properly.
Bob FromBrisbane , cheers (I am on the Goldy) down to $600 locally, so getting better (& a Longines only Jewellers) Don’t know if I find better🤔, but thanks anyway 👍
I enjoy your videos, but not this one. You said a lot, but didn't address pricing or service times. How much does servicing cost? I know this is a broad answer that depends on lots of specifics. So, give examples of basic simple ETA and in house movements to set the stage. Then, give examples of more complex watches, all the way to super complex. In each example, tell the watch, the movement, how long since purchase or previous service, why it was sent in, what the watch maker did, the time, and the cost. Others have done this successfully, but not completely, so I know you can cause you're great. Doing it like this allows for the listener to frame in their expectations, and better understand the cost of ownership before a purchase.
I looked on Google and currently I looked at gnomnom because I was on the site theirs is about 350, saltzman in Rhode island is about ,350 and one other I can't think of said about 350. That's for service might need parts and such so cost varies and who's to say these won't go up sooner rather than later and hell Rolex is like 6-800 if not more I have heard as high as 1200 for service
Armand you constantly come up with brilliant and highly informative videos - well done, keep up the great work.
Yes, I wouldn't recommend opening a Rolex at home. This being said, It would be kind of weird sending an Invicta for service, as for that price you could probably buy a new one. So there is something great about buying a cheap watch: you can use it without fear, open it, explore it, learn from it, and replacing it easily if something went wrong. Regards.
An Invicta uses a Seiko NH35 movement. You can get that for $30 on the web. It probably makes more sense to just replace the movement every 5 years than to fiddle with the parts of the movement.
Thank you, Armand, for a valued video. All of your comments and suggestions rang true to me.
Having said that, I have just sent off for repair an old Ingersoll watch that has a pin-lever movement. This is not a valuable watch in market terms but it has some sentimental value. I have not used the service provider before but I have used my discretion based upon my assessment of his online presence and comments. I hope my trust in him will be justified.
If nothing is broken nothing needs servicing. Thats just my philosophy anyway but it has worked flawlessly for 20 years.
Good informations, thank you. But do you really think, that following the servicing intervals, given by the manufacturer, is always a smart move? I could image that they are highly influenced by marketing and sales. Companies like Rolex make excellent money with their service centers. I think it's nearly impossible to present a worn Rolex in a Rolex boutique without hearing: "Needs a service."
Many great points. I have a Sinn as well, and when it's due for service it's only going to one place!
guys, if u are subscribed at least put down a few likes, the number of likes compared to subscribers is not reflective of Armands great work
Watches should ship with a service history book like vehicles do, then you could keep track and know what condition it was in when buying second hand.
malthus101 I also agree. Would be better than keeping receipts if you are even given one
Thank you for another informative and interesting review Armand
Thanks for another informative video. It's a topic don't readily available but most important .
Really good advice Armand. Imho reasonable periodic service makes sense, especially if you purchase a valuable timepiece pre owned and plan to wear it under active conditions, and are uncertain as to the history of your timepieces care.
Thanks Armand, another informative video!
Hi Armand. I love your videos! I Was wondering where I can go to get an old Swiss Universal serviced. Where would you recommend I take it? Thanks!
Great video and information. Loved the photos as well.
I have a vintage Bulova automatic from 1950 . It is running 1 min fast a day . I did open it up . The movement is clean but the inside of the case looks bad and there is no gasket . I only paid $80 for it . Should I get it serviced ? I have a few swiss watches and a few Japanese watches I wear . Thanks .
I wish you would make a video running down the "average" cost of particularly popular movements.
Seiko, ETA variations, Rolex ECT.
That was folks are more aware of the actual cost of the watch with servicing down the line. Also good guide lines on not getting ripped off.
Armand, another great video. What is the watch at 17:00, and what is the story behind the wire? Is that a lead piece to minimize corrosion in salt water? I've never seen a photo of a watch like that. Cheers
i would like to point out that i welcome & appreciate the timestamps in the description (besides the always great content)
Good advise to be sure watches are properly serviced. Some may be fortunate to have a reputable watchmaker in your neighborhood who has a reputation for excellent work and lists the watch brands and types the watchmaker services. Naturally a fully properly equipped facility is mandatory and history of excellent work. This avenue can save time, significant money, and is an alternative to consider. As a watchmaker no work is performed on anything that I’m not experienced, trained, have the proper equipment and tools as well having full access to the required service parts. Be sure if going this way these parameters are considered. With a local watchmaker a relationship can be developed and benefits to look at your items in your collection, to receive the attention they need, when they need it.
Than you!! Very valuable information!!
Thanks Armand...great information!
I think it a bit much to say car servicing is akin to watch servicing, and to not service a watch is preposterous.
A car is religiously serviced, so people do not die.
A watch is serviced because it is showing signs that it needs a service.
Someone’s one gets lucky and services after 20 years, like I did. If there are no signs - don’t service.
Good interesting stuff, thank you 👍👍
Good info. Would like to know the price range for service in general. I am in the USA. Thanks
James Luciani yes Omega chronograph Flightmaster and Rolec Datejust would be a good example.
Slatzmans comes recommend by several people. They have prices on their site.
What to do with the cheaper watches? I own several automatic watches with prices under 500£ and typical service prices around here are around 100-200 £. It doesn't seem worth it? Should I just buy new ones or wait for something to break?
Yeah, i'd say if there's no emotional attachment to the piece just let in run and decide whether to service or get a new one once it breaks. Otherwise if you do want to keep it forever better to look after it properly
Is service interval a function of time or function of " mileage "?
If I buy 10 automatic watches today and use them equally (of course one at a time with no automatic winder for the remaining 9)would I still need to consider servicing them all in the year 2028?
Oil gets dry over time no matter what.
Hi, @Armand The Watch Guy! Could you please recommend a good watchmaker in UK? London preferably, so I can go and have a chat in person.
Great informative video. Armand, PM me if interested. I was in charge of the Vacheron Constantin after sales service center in New York as their Technical Director. Thank you for educating our aficionados.
You didn’t address the ridiculous amount of time it takes to have your watch serviced not so much of a problem with a low grade watch at a local watch repairer but a major problem with the larger manufacturers like Rolex and Omega, Breitling etc. Omega 6 - 8 weeks . The same for Breitling. Rolex currently up to 3 months. The Swiss watch industry works on a different time scale than the rest of the business world. Sent a seamaster off to Omega for service it was 3 weeks to get an estimate and provide Authorisation for the service / repair. 6 weeks later I’m still waiting for my watch.
Imagine leaving your car in for a service and 3 weeks later your told you need a service sir and by the way you will need new spark plugs oh and don’t worry sir we will have you back on the road in another 6 to 8 weeks and we think that’s very good after sales service and you should be very pleased that you spent so much on our product. The fact that we can’t be bothered having enough mechanics to actually do the work in a respectable timeframe should not annoy you.
This may be due to the fact that accuracy checks are taking place in various positions.
Great Video.....
I Will say this........
If you Buy a Ferrari......
Get it Serviced By Ferrari........
Protect your Investment......
Have a Longines hydro crono & the service price where I purchased the watch was AU $800+ (& the book says service at least every 2 years), or do you just get a new watch every 5 years🤔 (Have found a better service price since)
+Simon Crawford: Yes, I must admit that the price given sounds pretty excessive bearing in mind that I would expect to pay approximately £250 or thereabouts for a full service in the UK.
Simon Crawford that amount is highway robbery. Have you tried somewhere like watchtech here in Brisbane? Unfortunately at least here in Brisbane there are not too many capable independent watchmakers capable of servicing a watch properly.
Armand The Watch Guy, Thanks!. Have got to $600 with an authorised dealer, so not far of,👍(thanks again!)
Bob FromBrisbane , cheers (I am on the Goldy) down to $600 locally, so getting better (& a Longines only Jewellers)
Don’t know if I find better🤔, but thanks anyway 👍
I enjoy your videos, but not this one. You said a lot, but didn't address pricing or service times. How much does servicing cost? I know this is a broad answer that depends on lots of specifics. So, give examples of basic simple ETA and in house movements to set the stage. Then, give examples of more complex watches, all the way to super complex. In each example, tell the watch, the movement, how long since purchase or previous service, why it was sent in, what the watch maker did, the time, and the cost. Others have done this successfully, but not completely, so I know you can cause you're great. Doing it like this allows for the listener to frame in their expectations, and better understand the cost of ownership before a purchase.
I looked on Google and currently I looked at gnomnom because I was on the site theirs is about 350, saltzman in Rhode island is about ,350 and one other I can't think of said about 350. That's for service might need parts and such so cost varies and who's to say these won't go up sooner rather than later and hell Rolex is like 6-800 if not more I have heard as high as 1200 for service
First