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surillious · 16 October 2009, 01:37 AM

For some time now my non-Rolex grail watch has been the Ulysse Nardin Freak 28'800 V/h in 18K rose gold. Just recently I became more seriously interested in purchasing one, and started doing some more research on the model.

Much to my dismay, I discovered that because the movement and case are integrated a typical service bill is around $5000. This finding has completely turned me off ever getting this watch, and I have to say I'm a little disappointed.

Have any of you had similar experiences concerning a grail watch? If so, how did you cope...little blue pills?

For reference, here is a picture I found on Google of the model...I'm sure it's not what everyone would pick, but I really did love it.

WatchTimes · 16 October 2009, 01:43 AM

AMAZING watch but I had NO clue the service bill would be so high, WOW I think that would change my mind as well....

meloncap78 · 16 October 2009, 01:47 AM

That is one amazing looking timepiece. That is an ungodly service cost though. I would have to pass on that as well.

Mosco · 16 October 2009, 01:50 AM

Someone lied to you.... I recently sent in a Freak DIAMonSIL for service, which ran about $550. Key is to get the models with the dual escapement, rather than single. The latter may be pricier, as they're no longer producing it - it was a dud of a movement to begin with. Go with the dual - much more reliable and reasonable service cost!

surillious · 16 October 2009, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosco

Someone lied to you.... I recently sent in a Freak DIAMonSIL for service, which ran about $550. Key is to get the models with the dual escapement, rather than single. The latter may be pricier, as they're no longer producing it - it was a dud of a movement to begin with. Go with the dual - much more reliable and reasonable service cost!

You my friend, just made my day!

I got my information off a google searched review. Boy am I glad I came here for a followup!

surillious · 16 October 2009, 02:09 AM

Greg,

Since you are the only person I know that actually has this watch, what are your thoughts?

When you say that I should make sure to get the model with the dual escapement does that mean that I should be looking at the Freak II, or are there versions of the original that have the updated movement?

What kind of discount can I reasonably expect from an AD? Is their discount structure similar the the mainstream, or more in line with Rolex? Should I consider certified pre-owned?

Bullyterrier · 16 October 2009, 01:52 AM

I don't know, but I guess if you could afford to buy one in the first place then that price for servicing isn't a problem. Like the old RollsRoyce saying, if you had to ask how much it was you couldn't afford one!

Omega_Precision · 16 October 2009, 06:54 AM

Freak is a superb piece.

5k is sounds too high for a simple service.

Greg's price is really reasonable considering I just serviced a Rolex for the same amount.

gaopa · 16 October 2009, 10:01 PM

Oh my goodness! That service cost is ridiculous! Plus, frankly, the look of the watch does nothing for me. Cheers, Bill P.

WatchTimes · 16 October 2009, 10:58 PM

What time is the dial showing?

I never have been able to tell how you really tell time on it.

Sorry to sound so dumb!

ETA

Oooops never mind, never noticed the bigger triangle before...
The rest of the watch had my eyes hostage

Noonan · 16 October 2009, 11:00 PM

It looks to be 10:08 in the pic above.

BigHat · 17 October 2009, 12:59 AM

I always admired UN for their tech strides demonstrated in watch like this. Diamond/silica lube-free surfaces used in some models are just one example.

cody p · 17 October 2009, 03:59 AM

actually, you can find lots of info and reviews if you do a few google queries. seems they ironed out the kinks with the second version.

JJ Irani · 17 October 2009, 04:05 AM

YIKES!!

Everytime I look at such pieces, I wonder what my Gas Meter is really worth!!

DSJ · 17 October 2009, 05:37 AM

Weigh your gas meter, then find out what the scrap value for that weight is going for...

surillious · 17 October 2009, 07:14 AM

JJ, can you post some macro pics of your gas meter? It must be astoundingly beautiful!

16 October 2009, 01:37 AM	#1
surillious "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Gabriel Location: Virginia Watch: 14060M / 16613 Posts: 141	When Grail turns to Fail :( For some time now my non-Rolex grail watch has been the Ulysse Nardin Freak 28'800 V/h in 18K rose gold. Just recently I became more seriously interested in purchasing one, and started doing some more research on the model. Much to my dismay, I discovered that because the movement and case are integrated a typical service bill is around $5000. This finding has completely turned me off ever getting this watch, and I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Have any of you had similar experiences concerning a grail watch? If so, how did you cope...little blue pills? For reference, here is a picture I found on Google of the model...I'm sure it's not what everyone would pick, but I really did love it. __________________ Four-wheel drive pickup I remember his last words: Hold my beer, watch this!

16 October 2009, 01:43 AM	#2
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,787	AMAZING watch but I had NO clue the service bill would be so high, WOW I think that would change my mind as well.... __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

16 October 2009, 01:50 AM	#4
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	Someone lied to you.... I recently sent in a Freak DIAMonSIL for service, which ran about $550. Key is to get the models with the dual escapement, rather than single. The latter may be pricier, as they're no longer producing it - it was a dud of a movement to begin with. Go with the dual - much more reliable and reasonable service cost! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

16 October 2009, 02:09 AM	#6
surillious "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Gabriel Location: Virginia Watch: 14060M / 16613 Posts: 141	Greg, Since you are the only person I know that actually has this watch, what are your thoughts? When you say that I should make sure to get the model with the dual escapement does that mean that I should be looking at the Freak II, or are there versions of the original that have the updated movement? What kind of discount can I reasonably expect from an AD? Is their discount structure similar the the mainstream, or more in line with Rolex? Should I consider certified pre-owned? __________________ Four-wheel drive pickup I remember his last words: Hold my beer, watch this!

16 October 2009, 10:58 PM	#10
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,787	What time is the dial showing? I never have been able to tell how you really tell time on it. Sorry to sound so dumb! ETA Oooops never mind, never noticed the bigger triangle before... The rest of the watch had my eyes hostage __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

16 October 2009, 01:47 AM	#3
meloncap78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Joshua Location: Syracuse, NY Watch: LV C Posts: 2,204	That is one amazing looking timepiece. That is an ungodly service cost though. I would have to pass on that as well.

16 October 2009, 01:52 AM	#7
Bullyterrier "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: . Posts: 1,343	I don't know, but I guess if you could afford to buy one in the first place then that price for servicing isn't a problem. Like the old RollsRoyce saying, if you had to ask how much it was you couldn't afford one!

16 October 2009, 06:54 AM	#8
Omega_Precision Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Henry Location: CA, US Watch: ing basketball Posts: 2,977	Freak is a superb piece. 5k is sounds too high for a simple service. Greg's price is really reasonable considering I just serviced a Rolex for the same amount.

16 October 2009, 10:01 PM	#9
gaopa "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: .. Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 1,820	Oh my goodness! That service cost is ridiculous! Plus, frankly, the look of the watch does nothing for me. Cheers, Bill P.

16 October 2009, 11:00 PM	#11
Noonan Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: US Watch: 3570.50 Posts: 2,156	It looks to be 10:08 in the pic above.

17 October 2009, 12:59 AM	#12
BigHat Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Matt Location: Arlington, VA Watch: Lange One MP Posts: 4,043	I always admired UN for their tech strides demonstrated in watch like this. Diamond/silica lube-free surfaces used in some models are just one example.

17 October 2009, 03:59 AM	#13
cody p "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada Watch: Air-King 114200 Posts: 2,878	actually, you can find lots of info and reviews if you do a few google queries. seems they ironed out the kinks with the second version.

17 October 2009, 04:05 AM	#14
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	YIKES!! Everytime I look at such pieces, I wonder what my Gas Meter is really worth!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

17 October 2009, 05:37 AM	#15
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	Weigh your gas meter, then find out what the scrap value for that weight is going for... __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

17 October 2009, 07:14 AM	#16
surillious "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Gabriel Location: Virginia Watch: 14060M / 16613 Posts: 141	JJ, can you post some macro pics of your gas meter? It must be astoundingly beautiful! __________________ Four-wheel drive pickup I remember his last words: Hold my beer, watch this!

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