Opinion: Watch Service Experience? Interval Recommendations?
Hi Watch Fam!
As a new enthusiast, I did not consider watch service a factor before purchasing a watch until I experience the need for one. So I wanted to know your experience and knowledge about watch service:
- When - the service interval? How often?
2. Who - authorized service centers vs local watchmaker?
3. How was your personal experience with your watches?
Thanks you all!
A little backstory:
I purchased my first watch, a pre-owned 2018 Seiko SARB033, to commemorate my graduation last summer. I love it so much that I wore it everytime and everywhere. At first it has a really good accuracy of around -4 to +4 seconds. However I started realizing that it is slowing down until last March where it is -60 seconds a day. I then brought it to the authorized Seiko service center in Hong Kong (picture 3) and paid HKD650 (~US$83). After around 3 weeks I finally received my watch and couldnt love it more!
So it got me thinking more about watch service, how often should we do it and whom should wr do it with.
🇮🇩🇭🇰 New watch enthusiast & accuracy snob from Indonesia! Want to learn more about horology with fellow enthusiast! Proud owner of Seiko SARB033 & Casio GW-M5610
Maybe it's not the "best way", but I tend to wait until something isn't quite right. I've never used an authorized service center, but my watches tend to be out of warranty, anyway.
I've had good luck with getting recommendations from other folks here on the forums. Al from Archer Watches has done a great job for me in the past, as well as sending a really neat document with high quality macro shots of every step of the process.
Terry from Toxicnatos/UTE watches used to have a good guy, too. I broke an older Seadweller surfing a couple of years ago, and they got it fixed & serviced (without f'ing it up with polishing or anything) for way less than 1/2 of what Rolex would have charged me.
I have a friend that spent ungodly fortunes sending things in for factory service at recommended intervals. This would be understandable if he kept them or sold for profit, but I don't think this ever happens. He just keeps getting screwed with outlandish bills for overmaintenance. I believe he wised up and found an independent guy and realized he had been getting ripped off royally.
I've had repairs done, but have nothing old enough to warrant service yet. But unless there is a serious problem or I really, really, want to preserve the hell out of an item, I'm going to the best local guy that will do a satisfactory job at a reasonable cost. Only in the absence of a local or independent person of decent repute would I bother with authorized service.
I've been told to return with my recently repaired vintage items in two years, and I have a feeling I'll be stretching that to around five years. Let sleeping dogs lie and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" seem to be common tenets on this stuff unless there is severe investment involved or a piece is known to be very susceptible to problems.
Of course a drop or two or other bit of hard luck is certain to happen, so I doubt I'll be one of these people that goes decades without service.
Service cost is in direct proportion to the value of the watch generally. A Seiko or Citizen can go in and get a whole new movement because the part is cheaper than the labour to clean it. at the other end Rolex AD service starts around $800.00. Anything in between can go to local service shop. Most watches just need cleaning and lube. Look for the nerdiest looking dude that looks at everything at noze distance and talks to himself.
im new to this hobby but this is what i believe:
For budget/affordable mechanicals as opposed to luxury watches, don’t get them serviced until you actually notice a problem. If you have a common third party movement, pretty much any watch repairer can fix it. Check out reviews and ask around for the best spots near where you live.
For high-end luxury watches with in-house movements, stick with the service center recommended by the brand. However, you still don’t really need to bring it in until you notice issues. If you want to bring it in on the recommended service schedule, you can but you are likely wasting money.
One exception: if you are going to do actual diving or snorkeling or swimming with a watch that you care about, have a watch repairer check and fix the water resistance if necessary before doing so. Seals and gaskets can wear out over time. Don’t take a brand new vintage diver on your next dive trip without getting it checked first.
Maybe it's not the "best way", but I tend to wait until something isn't quite right. I've never used an authorized service center, but my watches tend to be out of warranty, anyway.
I've had good luck with getting recommendations from other folks here on the forums. Al from Archer Watches has done a great job for me in the past, as well as sending a really neat document with high quality macro shots of every step of the process.
Terry from Toxicnatos/UTE watches used to have a good guy, too. I broke an older Seadweller surfing a couple of years ago, and they got it fixed & serviced (without f'ing it up with polishing or anything) for way less than 1/2 of what Rolex would have charged me.
Yeah it seems like a common practice to not fix it if its not broken. In your experience does that do more harm to your watch? Or does it have no bad repercussions?
I have a friend that spent ungodly fortunes sending things in for factory service at recommended intervals. This would be understandable if he kept them or sold for profit, but I don't think this ever happens. He just keeps getting screwed with outlandish bills for overmaintenance. I believe he wised up and found an independent guy and realized he had been getting ripped off royally.
I've had repairs done, but have nothing old enough to warrant service yet. But unless there is a serious problem or I really, really, want to preserve the hell out of an item, I'm going to the best local guy that will do a satisfactory job at a reasonable cost. Only in the absence of a local or independent person of decent repute would I bother with authorized service.
I've been told to return with my recently repaired vintage items in two years, and I have a feeling I'll be stretching that to around five years. Let sleeping dogs lie and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" seem to be common tenets on this stuff unless there is severe investment involved or a piece is known to be very susceptible to problems.
Of course a drop or two or other bit of hard luck is certain to happen, so I doubt I'll be one of these people that goes decades without service.
I am all for local independent watch service as well, could save a lot of money while supporting local watchmaking and service skill and industry. How was your experience with a local independent service? How do you know you can trust the person will not change the parts of your watch (especially high end pieces)?
Service cost is in direct proportion to the value of the watch generally. A Seiko or Citizen can go in and get a whole new movement because the part is cheaper than the labour to clean it. at the other end Rolex AD service starts around $800.00. Anything in between can go to local service shop. Most watches just need cleaning and lube. Look for the nerdiest looking dude that looks at everything at noze distance and talks to himself.
An authorized service seems to be very expensive, its a hidden cost watch enthusiast can easily miss when trying to go into luxury time pieces
im new to this hobby but this is what i believe:
Well I am an accuracy snob, so i do care about the movement and their "health". For local watchmakers, any recommendations in Indonesia?
For budget/affordable mechanicals as opposed to luxury watches, don’t get them serviced until you actually notice a problem. If you have a common third party movement, pretty much any watch repairer can fix it. Check out reviews and ask around for the best spots near where you live.
For high-end luxury watches with in-house movements, stick with the service center recommended by the brand. However, you still don’t really need to bring it in until you notice issues. If you want to bring it in on the recommended service schedule, you can but you are likely wasting money.
One exception: if you are going to do actual diving or snorkeling or swimming with a watch that you care about, have a watch repairer check and fix the water resistance if necessary before doing so. Seals and gaskets can wear out over time. Don’t take a brand new vintage diver on your next dive trip without getting it checked first.
Thank you for your great recommendations! Would you still recommend service centers for well known luxury timepieces with in-house movements (ie. Rolex and omega) that is common throughout the industry?
I have six watches at the watchmaker's. I have not had fewer than two at the watchmaker's in more than two years. It is the "Vintage Tax."
There are many people more knowledgeable than me, so take this with a grain of salt.
I haven't had any bad outcomes yet, but I gravitate to fairly easily reparable 3 hand watches.
It's possible that the watchmaker could decide that it needed a new movement (probably $75ish for the 6r15 in your Sarb), rather than just a service.
They probably ran your watch under a demagnetizer and/or turned the adjustment screw. It was already open, so replacing the movement probably wouldn't have added much in terms of labor.
I am all for local independent watch service as well, could save a lot of money while supporting local watchmaking and service skill and industry. How was your experience with a local independent service? How do you know you can trust the person will not change the parts of your watch (especially high end pieces)?
Well, the only place I've used so far was actually pretty dang equivalent to authorized as they have multiple trained employees and accept work by mail, they insist on making everything as new and all that. This was fine for the nicer pieces but junker stuff is going to a one man shop that should be less fussy and frilly.
It seems to be almost exactly like the difference between going to the car dealer or a local garage. The former will offer a nice intermediary customer service, do everything by the book with OEM parts and be as expensive as possible but you're covered. Less frills and fuss with the local but some things might be over their heads but it should cost less and they won't ultimatum you like they own your item.
Thank you for your great recommendations! Would you still recommend service centers for well known luxury timepieces with in-house movements (ie. Rolex and omega) that is common throughout the industry?
Better to ask someone who owns those than me.
When I sold luxury watches, one of my colleagues was the son of a watch repairer so I learned a lot from him. I also would hear stories from customers. However, I’ve never personally owned a watch with an expensive in-house caliber so take my advice with a grain of salt.
A big issue is availability of parts. For complex, in-house movements (which I don’t own), I would never go to a random watch repairer. Don’t bring a perpetual calendar or something like that to a random watch guy.
Part of why I like owning good third party movements is because they are cheaper to repair and don’t need to be sent to Switzerland or Japan.
The price to have you watch serviced by Seiko (USD 83) was not bad at all, I would pay around USD 130 in the US. That being said, I haven't owned my mechanical Seikos long enough that they ever saw a service. I have however the tools and finally the skills to feel comfortable replacing the movement myself, if necessary.
Basically, I would have my Seikos serviced eventually, and would replace the movements of my other watches with NH35/NH36 movements myself.
Other watches, as well as vintage watches, are another story altogether, as others have pointed out. I heard that you are not a true owner of a Speedmaster until you were able to afford a service. 😉
I just got my Speedy but have a feeling I will send it to Omega when it’s time for a service.
Good local watch maker for me , when there is an issue. Otherwise If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Well I am an accuracy snob, so i do care about the movement and their "health". For local watchmakers, any recommendations in Indonesia?
since im new to this hobby im not at 5 years cycle yet 😂. last time i checked i need to service my watch at 2024, i would look into it when the time comes.
I have six watches at the watchmaker's. I have not had fewer than two at the watchmaker's in more than two years. It is the "Vintage Tax."
I was about to go into vintage too, as the entrance price for the watch is much lower. However what I realize is that there are also other hidden cost, especially in terms of servicing 😭
Well, the only place I've used so far was actually pretty dang equivalent to authorized as they have multiple trained employees and accept work by mail, they insist on making everything as new and all that. This was fine for the nicer pieces but junker stuff is going to a one man shop that should be less fussy and frilly.
It seems to be almost exactly like the difference between going to the car dealer or a local garage. The former will offer a nice intermediary customer service, do everything by the book with OEM parts and be as expensive as possible but you're covered. Less frills and fuss with the local but some things might be over their heads but it should cost less and they won't ultimatum you like they own your item.
Yeah this make sense, considering some cheaper options for my seiko bester next time. First time is always a learning chance
Better to ask someone who owns those than me.
When I sold luxury watches, one of my colleagues was the son of a watch repairer so I learned a lot from him. I also would hear stories from customers. However, I’ve never personally owned a watch with an expensive in-house caliber so take my advice with a grain of salt.
A big issue is availability of parts. For complex, in-house movements (which I don’t own), I would never go to a random watch repairer. Don’t bring a perpetual calendar or something like that to a random watch guy.
Part of why I like owning good third party movements is because they are cheaper to repair and don’t need to be sent to Switzerland or Japan.
This is so true, theres a lot of hype for in house movements. Of course they are great but this luxury also comes with a big price tag when it comes to service. It actually opened my eyes to not look down on ETA, Miyota, and other movements
The price to have you watch serviced by Seiko (USD 83) was not bad at all, I would pay around USD 130 in the US. That being said, I haven't owned my mechanical Seikos long enough that they ever saw a service. I have however the tools and finally the skills to feel comfortable replacing the movement myself, if necessary.
Basically, I would have my Seikos serviced eventually, and would replace the movements of my other watches with NH35/NH36 movements myself.
Other watches, as well as vintage watches, are another story altogether, as others have pointed out. I heard that you are not a true owner of a Speedmaster until you were able to afford a service. 😉
Yeah, it is not much here, and they gave a guarantee of 1 year as well for the movement. My brothers told me that its weird that my seiko is running so bad considering usually seiko is a workhorse (not the most accurate but still not -60s/d).
Where did you learn to do all the restoration and service yourself?
You're not joking about Seiko authorized repairs. Looking at the cost of sending my SNK809 in for normal maintenance is what started me on the journey of doing my own service, which has been far more rewarding than I ever thought.
How has the watch service been for you? Any tips if I wanted to start on my seiko watches
I just got my Speedy but have a feeling I will send it to Omega when it’s time for a service.
With a speedy, i would agree as that piece is more complicated and requires extra care so that you can pass it on to the next generation
With a speedy, i would agree as that piece is more complicated and requires extra care so that you can pass it on to the next generation
I definitely don’t plan on selling it so investing in a good service doesn’t bother me.
I sent a Grand Seiko quartz special Anniversary edition in for repair in the EU in November 2021, and it is still not finished. A very expensive QUARTZ Seiko, using caliber 9F, which is a great, yet standard Seiko movement....! Easy, right?
No...First there was no reserve circuit part in the EU, then it was Covid in Japan that prevented shipping the needed part for 3 months, then the part arrived but then it took 6 weeks to find the part in a large shipment container, then in final re-assembly the hour hand got scratched, and they now have to order a new one. Maybe I will get it back in May if I have any luck.
Thank god it was not a Seiko spring drive or a mechanical 🤪 !
Thats unfortunate :( I am also an adamant GS fan but i am reconsidering a purchase right now due to their complexity (especially high beat and spring drive) that requires them to be shipped to Japan for service.
How has the watch service been for you? Any tips if I wanted to start on my seiko watches
I haven't had the guts to pull open my 809, but I've worked on other movements to get a feel for it, including two Seiko 66B movements (used in Westclox watches of the 60s/70s).
Next stop is grandad's 1915 Hampden pocket watch. THEN I'll do the 809.
Baby steps. Patience is key.
Yeah, it is not much here, and they gave a guarantee of 1 year as well for the movement. My brothers told me that its weird that my seiko is running so bad considering usually seiko is a workhorse (not the most accurate but still not -60s/d).
Where did you learn to do all the restoration and service yourself?
Actually, if we are talking about a straight replacement of an 4R35/NH35 movement, there isn't really that much to learn. A 30-minute video should cover it, because conceptually it's a very simple process. The problem is working at that small of a scale, which simply requires practice. Since you seem to live close to HK you are pretty much at the source of the components necessary. @LumeShot has a number of videos on his YouTube channel, and I would get an inexpensive watch with a NH35 to start with, so young an practice modding it. It will take a number of tries to get everything right, but things will become easier quickly.
hello, i see you are based in HK? am currently in HK too. welcome to the watchfam!
for servicing, i can recommend u cheaper options in the future - i don't think there's a need to go to authorized service centres unless it is a very complicated movement and expensive piece. you can PM me on IG thewatchpanther and w can chat there.
cheers!
I wrote a post on my experience here: Story Time - Watch Servicing Experiences | WatchCrunch
But to address your questions...generally I have been told by multiple ADs and watch enthusiasts to either service the watch when it ceases to keep good time, or it's been 10yrs. The experience I posted was for my Breitling Colt which is still in for service but it has been almost 10yrs and it wasn't keeping time. So far things have been fine. I took the watch to my AD who took a look to see if they could do the work with their master watchmakers, but they decided it'd be best to send it to Breitling's service center in Connecticut. I gave it to my AD in mid February 2022 for reference. I plan to continue to take my watches to my AD they are great and family owned and operated.