Going to leave this piece of work here..
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: In Positive G
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: australia
Bought a Rolex Submariner 10 yrs ago and have worn it ever since. First service after 5 yrs cost AUD1000. Present service will cost AUD6000. Not worth it by a long shot. It's going up for sale. I'll use my smartphone now like all the spikey hairs!
Joined: May 2002
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From: up here, everyone looks like ants!
The irony that IWC is a Swiss company, and that Switzerland was "neutral" in WW2 and offered neither sanctuary nor succour to downed allied aviators isn't lost on me.
I'd never buy one, on principal.
I'd never buy one, on principal.
Joined: Mar 2006
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Western Europe
Capt U
Well said. Same reason I won't drink Guinness!
Well said. Same reason I won't drink Guinness!
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: UK.
And those Irishmen who came to fight on the Allied side were treated abominably when they returned to The Republic.
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Honkytown
You're showing your ignorance.
Automatic watches certainly do need occasional servicing.
AUD$6000 is a joke, however. As it's a second service, I assume it's out of warranty - therefore nothing to be gained by sending it to Rolex.
There are some very talented watch repair guys - they'll do a better job, source Rolex parts, regulate the spring more accurately, and send it back looking like new. All for a fraction of the cost.
Automatic watches certainly do need occasional servicing.
AUD$6000 is a joke, however. As it's a second service, I assume it's out of warranty - therefore nothing to be gained by sending it to Rolex.
There are some very talented watch repair guys - they'll do a better job, source Rolex parts, regulate the spring more accurately, and send it back looking like new. All for a fraction of the cost.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 210
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From: UAE
Had a Seiko for 14 years. Cracked face glass, got full of water and stopped working. Took it to Seiko Bahrain. Fixed next day for $30US. Had 3 batteries in its lifetime and keeps time to 1 second a week. You can keep your Rolex.
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Blighty
Breitling want HK$5500 to service my Aerospace. It's in the draw in my bedside locker and has a flat battery and will stay there. The $880 Seiko (which keeps better time) is doing me fine in the meantime.
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Nippi
I am guessing that the aerospace service will have its guts changed. Not sure the age of your watch. Breitling also pressure checks it and replaces all the rubber seals etc. A simple battery change should not cost $5500 HK.
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Hong Kong
Automatic watches, like bottled water, are a complete marketing con - the market was almost killed by the advent of the digital watch, until the marketeers re-invigorated it. It has always struck me how absurd it is to pay for the complexity, unreliability, inaccuracy and servicing hassle of an automatic mechanism that you never even see, when a quartz mechanism that is more reliable, much more accurate and needs less servicing can be had for a fraction of the price. (apart from Breitling that is - some sucker has to pay for all that advertising and the airshows)
My (dead) Swiss automatic that has cost me thousands in servicing will remain in the drawer - next watch will be a quartz, probably Japanese.
My (dead) Swiss automatic that has cost me thousands in servicing will remain in the drawer - next watch will be a quartz, probably Japanese.
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 419
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From: Retired-ville
I too am normally presented with a hefty servicing bill when I take my Breitling in.
However, I find if a tell them all I want is a battery change and replace the seal, strangely the watch keeps working, it stays waterproof, mine keeps excellent time and I don't end up paying exorbitant service fees.
If it !!!!s itself in the future, a whole new movement, according to a colleague who had his replaced, is not far off a couple of hefty service fees. I'll take that risk.
However, I find if a tell them all I want is a battery change and replace the seal, strangely the watch keeps working, it stays waterproof, mine keeps excellent time and I don't end up paying exorbitant service fees.
If it !!!!s itself in the future, a whole new movement, according to a colleague who had his replaced, is not far off a couple of hefty service fees. I'll take that risk.
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,148
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From: Brexitland
My watch is engraved 'cos my Dad ( now deceased) bought it for me. It never leaves my wrist and rarely needs servicing. When it does, like my favourite car (100/4 Healey), it will be serviced. Of course!