Which is more cost effective in terms of service?

Ironically I just changed my 2541‘s battery today for a total of $1 (5-pack of batteries for $5). if you don’t actually need a service every time the battery needs changing, it’s gonna be way cheaper for the quartz. even if you want to get the seals replaced and pressure tested with each battery change, I imagine it would still be much cheaper. 

Last time I took my 2221.80 in they changed the battery and did a pressure test. They never said anything was wrong so I didn’t ask if I needed the seals changed. 

I think quartz wins this on the averages; but while the Co-axial may have a 7-10 recommended interval, I've read it can go much longer. 

Yeah, definitely not something that needs doing if you’re not diving in salt water often. What did they charge for the battery change and pressure test?

Perhaps not quite the ez quartz win it seems?  Most of us have several watches we wear and the ones rotated out for a week or 2 sit idle.  Due to each not being worn for more than a few months of the year, that ten year service might be closer to 30 + 

The quartz watches, worn or sitting idle for weeks, burn through batteries endlessly.  And they likely will need a service every 10 or 15 years if a daily wear since they’ve still got a gear train, dial, hands, etc..

The full service costs aren't that different. Omega recommends 450 € for the quartz service and 550 € for mechanical. The local watchmakers I know charge less - but in a similar ratio.

There are a lot of variables - do you change batteries yourself? How often do you want your watch to be serviced? Do you need it pressure tested? So the answer what's more cost effective is very individual I'd say

Quartz hands down, as you can (usually) do it yourself. Just make sure to get decent silver-oxide batteries!!, not those dollar-store babies. Ask me how I know.

Agree 100%. Quartz servicing usually involves only the purchase of a new battery, but a mechanical service can include replacement parts  and labor costs

Quartz is always cheaper to maintain. Of course, I am not talking about FP Journe level quartz.

One thing to mention to quartz movement owners, and I talk by experience: when your battery in your watch is dead, even if you don't want a new battery yet, remove the dead battery from your watch or it will start to rust.

Cheers

No doubt that a quartz watch is way cheaper to maintain BUT it also has less resale value in most cases. 

Based on my experience quartz watches can run for 35 years without any service. Battery changes every 3-4 years for a better movement are cheap, and can be done at home.

Also keep in mind that a decent quartz movement is far more robust than a mechanical one. 

quartz movements do not need servicing unless it's out of spec or broken. A mechanical movement needs servicing because its components are under tension, have fast moving components and heavily rely on oils and friction to keep time. Most quartz watches have none of these issues and it's probably more harmful to take them apart on a regular bases. What usually makes a quartz watch fail is a case that's not properly sealed or damage from improper battery changes. A well taken care of quality quartz will last a lifetime and beyond.