Service Price - Hamilton Khaki Automatic

In the UK my watchmaker charges £290 ($377) to service an automatic Chronograph. With an independent watchmaker the brand of watch doesn't effect the service price so much as the brand & type of movement,  so a manually wound 3 hand movement is usually the cheapest type to service & as they get more complicated they get more expensive. The cheapest quote may seem the best but you do need to make the watchmaker is experience with the type of movement you have (probably a Valjoux 7753) has a good reputation & will do a good job. Hope this helps!

Just remember:

Low price 

Good quality repair

Quick to get it back

You can only have 2

It’s not about it being a Hamilton, it’s more about the Valjoux chronograph movement inside, which is used on even high end Breitlings (albeit with greater decoration/finishing).  $180 seems absurdly low for a chronograph service.  I’d be wary about them doing the job properly.  I recently serviced a Longines Master Complications chronograph with a Valjoux 7751 and it ran around $450-$500 to service through Longines.  That’s what I’d expect for yours as well, since the movement is about the same.  Also, parts may have broken if it’s stopped dead.

You're 100% right, it's about the movement not the brand. Go for either shop 2 or 3, and pick the one that has the better reviews and customer feedback. That watch has a Valjoux 7750

Hey, you're the one that got a chronograph. Did they crack a case or is this a blind estimate? Ask what it entails, how long it's warrantied. If they don't sound forthcoming, run.

I've paid more to get a hand wound three-hander running at a fancy, thorough place that insisted on getting everything in as close to new condition as possible. The rationale is that you are then happily set for the full period. A less complete service may have you back again and again as parts that were "good enough" stop being so. My dad complained of an auto shop that would replace a single spark plug. Got you running cheap, but not for long.

You don't get what you pay for in all cases, but typically you do. The valuation of money, time, and frustration is yours to make. 

Thanks for the feedback and yeah, that makes a lot of sense. fyi - going down the rabbit hole researching Valjoux 7753 movements - this world is sooo fascinating! ✨

I'll take the first two pls.

Thanks for the feedback and great to know. This is my first time having to get it repaired so have no comparisons for reference. Also thanks for the warning. The $180 estimate came from a pretty shady shack so will pass on him.

good to know and yeah, all three of these were blind estimates.

Also keep in mind, if they open it up and a part needs to be replaced, the price can potentially go up for the repair.

Price doesn't always = quality.  I recently got quotes to service a simple 3 hand Lindburgh & Benson with basic ETA movement.  1 place quoted me $395 after giving me the dog & pony sales pitch about how he trained in Switzerland, came working on Rolexes in Beverly Hills, etc.. he even came out with a soak basket with a dismantled piece he was in the process of working on.  Andhe gave me that "You get what you pay for." Comment.  I found the next guy that cracked it open, TOLD ME when and where I had it last service because he knows that other guy. He serviced it for less than $200 in 17 days and that included replacing a broken gear in the auto train. I had it back for about 2 weeks and it's running fine.  So don't judge by price and store front alone. 

I'd think $500 high for a basic time only with date but chronographs are always gonna run high. I'd say research the cheaper shop to see what their customer satisfaction and turnaround time is like

Great idea to use them as the benchmark. I‘m pretty sure there’s a swatch group service center in LA as well.

From Mido's site.  They're part of Swatch.

That makes me want to get an Ocean Star GMT even more...

From Hamilton's site.  Not that much more than Mido

Nice! Thanks for the help @eddieincorona 

This gives me a great starting point on price expectations.

FWIW I got a complete overhaul on my Hamilton Chronograph with the H-21, cost me 450$ + 3.5 months through an AD (Bucherer).

That looks to be an older model (no khaki on the dial) and probably needs a full service if it's not been serviced before. If that's the case 450-500 from a reliable watchmaker is par for the course.

I assure you the 180 quote is from a hack and will end up costing you 5 times that to make it right.

Based on new info will definitely go with Swatch Group servicing.

Beautiful watch. I had mine serviced and it was close to number 1. go with 1 or 2. Cheaper doesn’t mean low quality per se. Go with the best technician - go with their reviews. 

That estimate does not include parts I bet. Quitting could be main spring , broken pivot from impact or jewel. Bent gear from fiddling with it at the wrong time window 

Yeah, I would too. Even if you paid for postage and insurance to & from Hamilton's service center, you'll probably still save a few $$.  Dude, you're in LA.  There's a SC in Culver City, same one as Mido.  LOL.  You can just drop off and pick up yourself.  Hit me up if you want to use the guy that serviced my L&B.  He's in Corona.