Service on a Tudor Big Block in NYC?

[cgrey2]

I have a circa 1990 Tudor Big Block. It was keeping good time; however, the chronograph hand wasn't resetting to zero and eventually came off. I brought the watch to the Tudor boutique in NYC, initially not realizing that it would be sent to Tourneau for service. I've received an estimate: complete service plus replacement of crown, crystal, movement parts, tube and gaskets - all for a hair under $1000. As the crystal and Rolex crown are original, I'd like them not to be replaced, unless they are replaced with identical parts. They also marked case refinishing as necessary. It hasn't been polished yet, and while scratched, I don't mind how it looks and the edges of the case are crisp. I haven't approved the repair yet. Should I decline and take the watch to the Rolex service center instead? I will of course follow up with these questions to both Rolex and Tourneau service. Before I make a decision, is there anything else I should be aware of?

[Easy E]

No way, zero percent would I let them refinish the case. If you are ok with having it refinished I, personally, would only have the RSC do it. My vote is send it to RSC

[enjoythemusic]

Tourneau has a less than positive history earned over many, many years. Tudor directly is your best bet.

[sportsfan0704]

Take it to Rolex directly and do not polish. You can walk in to the service center in midtown.

[cgrey2]

Thanks all. I'm going to take it to the Rolex Service Center in midtown.

[mtherrmann]

cgrey2, how did service at the Rolex Service Center in NYC turn out for you? I'm asking because I just got my second Tudor back from service in the past 1.5 years and BOTH times the watch came back damaged. The first was my OG Black Bay 58...Went in like new but was running 5 seconds a day slow and had a short power reserve. It was under warranty. Came back with a cut into the case back from the opening tool that went the entire circumference of the case back. Just got my 79220B back today and there are scratches on the dial between the 5 and 6 o'clock marks. Totally unacceptable and now I will be looking for alternative to the NYC Rolex service center.

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by mtherrmann

cgrey2, how did service at the Rolex Service Center in NYC turn out for you? I'm asking because I just got my second Tudor back from service in the past 1.5 years and BOTH times the watch came back damaged. The first was my OG Black Bay 58...Went in like new but was running 5 seconds a day slow and had a short power reserve. It was under warranty. Came back with a cut into the case back from the opening tool that went the entire circumference of the case back. Just got my 79220B back today and there are scratches on the dial between the 5 and 6 o'clock marks. Totally unacceptable and now I will be looking for alternative to the NYC Rolex service center.

Henry Ly at WatchMakingProject.com is where I've taken my high-end watches and he always does great work for a fair price for what he's doing.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by mtherrmann

... now I will be looking for alternative to the NYC Rolex service center.

Always had great results with RSC Dallas.

[dchang81]

Why would a Tudor boutique send it to tourneau???

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by dchang81

Why would a Tudor boutique send it to tourneau???

I think Tourneau (now Bucherer) actually operates the Tudor boutique. I'd go to RSC with it (unless you can find a good independent).