To service ($900) or not to service

Get a quote from an independent watchmaker in your area. They likely will have lower rates and will not insist on replacing the case.

Unless a movement is particularly tricky or the manufacturer is a prick about releasing parts, I have no idea why anyone feels the need for official factory service. Find a local watchmaker or any number of independent mail-in places if that fails.

How bad is the case corrosion? Let’s see some pictures

I didnt get any. They sent me an email with the estimate but no pics. I'm gonna pick it up and then try an independent watch maker as recommended by CorvettW and PoorMansRolex

Good plan. I can’t imagine the case needing to be replaced and them not showing the damage.

Why does it need a new case?

Wear till it actually stops working

Corrosion. So said the Hamilton repair ppl. They won't do the full service without also me replacing the case.

THANKS A LOT 😀 I'm glad I did this post. I was reluctant to post this topic but I'm glad I did now. I wouldn't have thought to go to an independent shop.

Thank youl!!!! 🎉 I was afraid I'd get flamed for this topic like I'm being cheap or that I didn't take care of the watch well etc. but I'm so glad I posted this and you replied. This is a better 5th option I'm gonna take. Gotta wait for an off day to pick the watch up. Then I'll track down an independent repair guy

What SC did you send it too?

Highly unusal for an approved SC not to provide photos of damage in their estimates.

You should ask for pictures.

The Swatch Company service center in Singapore. Walk-in. They do Rado, Omega, Hamiltons servicings there

Swiss junk. Buy something else. Just because it says Swiss made it doesn't mean quality. Wanted a Hamilton years ago but read about water issues with their Kahki. I moved on.

Establishing a relationship with a [preferably local] watchmaker is an important milestone on anyone’s journey to becoming a watchperson.

✅

Sounds like they are taking the p*ss to me. As others have said, find a local watch repairer, they'll sort it for a lot less. I doubt it really needs a new case, probably something a bit of polishing could fix!!!!

In Mexico a good watchmaker charges U$250 for a full and deep service. If you wish, send it to me and I can help you.

I agree. Sounds like a money grab. Think about all the 50-60 year old Rolexs and Omegas getting serviced. They would never dream of replacing the case. Now if they want to clean it up a bit, I suppose that is another matter. Not to sound too sappy, I would argue your case’s imperfections make it special and tells a story.

Sounds like Hamilton service is corroding your wallet.

Glad to see you giving an independent a try.

Let us know the outcome.

It’ll be interesting if they say the same and the cost.

I think they're telling you they don't want to work on it. What kind of terrible corrosion could a 12 year watch have that it needs a freakin' new case? I have a Seiko 7002 diver that's twice as old, has been serviced by the previous owner, and it have no corrosion and the case looks perfectly fine. I think I'd find a different watchmaker to do the service on the movement.

There is zero justification for this cost. A Chronograph movement will be more complex but $900 is ludicrous.

Do you know exactly what movement it has?

Share pictures of the case.

Seems expensive to maintain, I would sooner invest it in something worth the long-term costs. Unless of course it’s an emotional piece which you can’t put a price on. I totally agree with everyone’s suggestion to get serviced somewhere else and perhaps not as regularly.

You seem to be in a position where you want a new watch and waiting till you old one brakes is very unsatisfying and it is clear you don’t love your Hamilton as much as you ones did so in your place I would buy the new watch

I'll be devil's advocate here and concede that a service center holds everything to the same standard, which is that that of a brand new item. They don't get to make judgement calls about acceptable wear for age and the like. Additionally, they want zero risk of it coming back under warranty, so any potential issue needs addressing. Like, say ooh a speck of rust might one day magically find its way into a nasty area and cause problems. Could happen. Highly unlikely but risk aversion.

You don't need to break it down into so many options. The watch is in need of a service NOW. Do you like the watch and intend wearing it for years to come? Then service it soon-ish. Otherwise you'll just put it off again and again - like home maintenance for stuff that's not quite broken and might cost a bit, so you dither over doing it. Been there, done that. Or if you're kind of over the watch, just let it wear down and die over time. Simple as that!

Do you take your car to the dealership for work once warranty expired?

Likewise, zero reason to send your watch to a certified service center out of warranty. Find a trustworthy local watchmaker.

Unless you just like wasting your hard earned money?

This!

I came here to say this^ excellent advice!

Spend $900 on tools to have a crack

I had a vintage Hamilton RAF chrono that Hamilton wouldn’t even look at for less than £950. I found a local jeweler who had a watchmaker in store and they did the job for £350 including a new crystal. Hamilton will want the watch returned to you like new so they can give you a warranty but your local watchmaker will be able to go as far as you decide. Hopefully you will get it sorted for a reasonable cost

If you find a local watchmaker and don't go swimming with the watch afterwards, you can save a lot of money and enjoy the watch again.