TAG! You’re IT. Servicing and maintenance on Tag Heuer
I just got this baby back from Tag after sending it in for a servicing quote. I bought it in 2019 and it is my first big boy watch. (I haven’t had to get a watch serviced yet, for context, still only 4 years into my collector journey.) I’m new to this!
I read that you want to typically send in for service every 4-5 years as a rule of thumb, so naturally thought I would get ahead of the game to take proper care of my first born child, the aquaracer.
The quote they sent back was astronomical ($1,100) which was insane because I bought the watch for $1,800 back in 2019. I promptly asked them to send it back without the service so I could weigh my options.
Any suggestions on cheaper ways to take care of, maintain, and service a watch without spending essentially what the watch cost on it?
Well, servicing cost can be considered in annualized terms so it’s less psychologically difficult to bear. Like you spend 200$ a year to keep watch running between service. Still, this sounds bit expensive.
I guess you can try to search for a local watchmaker that would be credible (maybe even post question on WC) and likely it will be much cheaper (still, I would guess 600$+). But it is matter of trust when servicing an expensive watch and maybe some implications if you decide to service with TAG directly later on.
Ouch, use the money to buy a new watch
$1100 to service a Calibre 5 is a complete rip off. Its a ETA2824 in reality, you can get it serviced outside for less than $400. If you are not going to change the crystal or any other parts, the additional costs would be still under $500 for a Tag. A movement service along with new gaskets and seals, that is all you need.
Post a question or update the post with suggestions for a good watchshop that are credible around your area, you will get much better options.
Also if your watch is running completely fine, keeping up with the accuracy you have experienced over the years and there is no drop in power reserve then you don't need to send it for a service this soon. If you swim or expose the watch saltwater often then a service to change the seals would be a good idea.
Absolutely get it serviced by an independent. According to Caliber Corner the Caliber 5 is either an ETA 2824 or a Selita SW200. Depending if it’s 25 or 26 jewel variant. It’s a top grade movement with a customized rotor. You could put a new movement in for under $400.
Honestly, if it’s running well and keeping time just enjoy it. I think, and this is just my opinion, maintaining service intervals is more important for bespoke in-house movements. Where repairs and replacement prices get way above average. With a movement that can be replaced at or below the cost of service, it’s not that critical.
I service my watches with the brand service centre but that is my preference. I will inform that certain very good busy watchmakers are charging more even for ETA movements because they know what the ad and brand guys are charging for me not worth the saving of a few hundred dealing with independents who might cut corners just a little. As with so many guys have commented already unless you need to service to keep valid a warranty agreement I would not bother until something goes wrong but that again is choice. I have been collecting a long time own too many watches for regular services.
Don't waste your money mate. I've owned TAG's for over 20 years and never bothered with the serving. It gets to a point where the cost can't be justified, especially at TAG store prices. If you feel you really have to get it serviced because it's losing excessive time, then I'd take it to a generalist service centre so you can save yourself a lot of money. At the end of the day it's a fairly standard movement that most service centres can handle. I've got a Carrera that I plan to get the crystal replaced on soon and I might finally get it serviced at the same time, but that won't be in a TAG service centre.
I would wait until it stops keeping time properly & then get it serviced by an independent watchmaker. It should cost around £200, it's a ETA 2824-2 or Selitta SW200 inside so any reputable watchmaker will be able to service it.
As others have said, this isn’t an in-house movement.
No special tools, parts or skills. Any decent watchmaker can service it for around £200-£300.
If you dive with it, best to get it serviced now because of the seals and gaskets. But if you don’t dive with it and it’s keeping good time, don’t bother servicing it yet. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
1100€ for a Tag Service is bullshit unless they want to change dial/hands or the crystal. They have hard prices that are to be followed by retailers and whomever sends them in. They also always give a detailed cost estimate; either ask where that price is coming from or drop it off at Tag themselves. This should only be around 350-500 if nothing major (case, dial, crystal, etc) needs changing
new seals is all you need if you get it wet. they start to go at 6 years. watch lube after 10 years.
There are a lot of great watch makers that could and probably would do a better job in my opinion. That’s also the issue with Marie nice from Rolex not just the pricing. But if they deem your dial incorrect, your case too scratched they will swap it out and polish your watch to factory new. A service on that tag, with the modified ETA that’s inside (correct me if I’m wrong) should be max $300. Your about outside of the warranty window, I’m not sure if they give you another 2 years warranty after service like Rolex. But then you have to as yourself if 1500 is worth the additional movement warranty. I personally do not.
I'm sorry, this is a cheeky reply. How to avoid the service costs? Buy the same Aquaracer but in quartz as I did. Battery change every two years. That's it!