Affordable (?) High Horology
Hi all! Happy Thanksgiving (US holiday).
Today I’m wearing my Girard Perregaux Richeville chronograph which came back from service a few days ago. I thought it might be useful for some people (especially newer enthusiasts) to know a bit about that.
From time to time I see items regarding‘affordable high horology.’ Yes, but, service is something that needs to be considered. Servicing my basic three hand with date watches, and even my Hamilton chronograph (valjoux 7750), are between 200-400 USD. But, as you go up in horological stature the servicing options will become more limited.
For example; I haven’t had direct experience with Zenith El Primero or the newer Omega co-axial movements. But my understanding is not every watchmaker can service those. Likewise a spring drive has only one option. My local watchmaker would not do my GP, and neither would the other watchmaker I used where I previously lived. So, off to the GP service center it went. That really means it went to Switzerland to the factory.
Fortunately for me, I’m in a position that the cost wasn’t an issue. But, you should be aware that the 200-400 cost to service a basic ETA or Seiko movement is not going to cover high horology brand watches. Note that while GP is certainly high horology, my particular model isn’t really. It is nice, but not especially complicated.
Anyway, the total cost was just under $1200 and took just less than 3 months. So, when you see something about‘affordable high horology’ just know servicing may be more expensive than entry level brands; mainly (?) due to restricted options.
So here’s a challenge to end on a lighter note. What collection would you get for 1200 with the following guidelines.
New watches - no used.
You can include watches you currently own that you bought new at the price paid.
You do not have to include tax or shipping (too many variables on those)
Grey market sellers are ok.
Mine are in a picture. CW Trident GMT for which I pact $755. Seiko Sarb033 at $312 (yes well before it was discontinued), and the leftover amount I’d use for a Gshock square which are easily under $100.
Let the crunching begin!
The first watch I remember was a late 1970s automatic diver with a world time bezel. I was taking scuba lessons and my dad got it for me. I ended up with a PADI advanced open water qualification. So I...
Thanks for sharing!
Like for a car or a house, servicing should better be anticipated a little when beginning to buy a certain level of watches. Thanks for sharing your experience, your GP is really cool.
I would go for a Traska Seafarer or a C.Ward C60 Trisent 300 with those 1200$
Like for a car or a house, servicing should better be anticipated a little when beginning to buy a certain level of watches. Thanks for sharing your experience, your GP is really cool.
I would go for a Traska Seafarer or a C.Ward C60 Trisent 300 with those 1200$
Very cool choices!
Casio A168, funky pink Q timex Malibu, Bulova Jet Star and Timex Marlin.
You’re making me second guess my saving up for a Hanhart 417 or a Railmaster lol.
You’re making me second guess my saving up for a Hanhart 417 or a Railmaster lol.
🥳 don’t equate high horology with luxury. Many luxury watches (my Breitling for example) use pretty serviceable movements. My Breitling has a ETA 2892 which my watchmaker did without any issues. I’m not sure abthe railmaster but my older Omega used the same ETA as my Breitling. Just be sure what movement and if your watchmaker can service it. 🤗
🥳 don’t equate high horology with luxury. Many luxury watches (my Breitling for example) use pretty serviceable movements. My Breitling has a ETA 2892 which my watchmaker did without any issues. I’m not sure abthe railmaster but my older Omega used the same ETA as my Breitling. Just be sure what movement and if your watchmaker can service it. 🤗
The Railmaster uses the coaxial movement now. It’s part of the reason I want one. And I need to find a watchmaker around here. The only places we have are jewelery stores and I haven’t walked in one yet so I need to establish if I can bring my stuff in there and have them service them.
The Railmaster uses the coaxial movement now. It’s part of the reason I want one. And I need to find a watchmaker around here. The only places we have are jewelery stores and I haven’t walked in one yet so I need to establish if I can bring my stuff in there and have them service them.
Yea, I’d check around. If the have a certificate for Swatch Group they should be able to do it. I believe the certificate number is 21. Something like that.
Last week i met one of my client which happens to own a few rolex for a long time and i ask did you got it serviced from ad? He says yes, overhauled cost about 1000$ 😅. Which made me thinks thats a lot of dinero omg. And to answer your question i would buy sinn 556 i guess, and save that 200$ for servicing my car or a beer 😁
Last week i met one of my client which happens to own a few rolex for a long time and i ask did you got it serviced from ad? He says yes, overhauled cost about 1000$ 😅. Which made me thinks thats a lot of dinero omg. And to answer your question i would buy sinn 556 i guess, and save that 200$ for servicing my car or a beer 😁
Yea; I just had to put new tires on mine. 🫣
Very thoughtful sharing, Tyler 🤝
Indeed, it's a great point to factor in servicing costs when owning high-end horlogerie timepieces.
Back to your question, I'd go with Hamilton khaki murph which cost less than 1200 anyday!
By the way, your GP is super gorgeous! 👍
I think this comes in on budget, but I would go for a baltic hms03, glycine combat sub and a Casio Oceanus t200 for a dress/dive/everyday combo.
Well, what I actually did was get my GP serviced recently for the $1200! 😉Still, worth it!