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Old 16 October 2009, 01:37 AM   #1
surillious
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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.
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Old 16 October 2009, 01:43 AM   #2
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AMAZING watch but I had NO clue the service bill would be so high, WOW I think that would change my mind as well....
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Old 16 October 2009, 01:47 AM   #3
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That is one amazing looking timepiece. That is an ungodly service cost though. I would have to pass on that as well.
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Old 16 October 2009, 01:50 AM   #4
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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!
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Old 16 October 2009, 01:57 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mosco View Post
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!
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Old 16 October 2009, 02:09 AM   #6
surillious
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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?
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Old 16 October 2009, 01:52 AM   #7
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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!
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Old 16 October 2009, 06:54 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 16 October 2009, 10:01 PM   #9
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Oh my goodness! That service cost is ridiculous! Plus, frankly, the look of the watch does nothing for me. Cheers, Bill P.
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Old 16 October 2009, 10:58 PM   #10
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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
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Old 16 October 2009, 11:00 PM   #11
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It looks to be 10:08 in the pic above.
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Old 17 October 2009, 12:59 AM   #12
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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.
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Old 17 October 2009, 03:59 AM   #13
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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.
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Old 17 October 2009, 04:05 AM   #14
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YIKES!!

Everytime I look at such pieces, I wonder what my Gas Meter is really worth!!
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Old 17 October 2009, 05:37 AM   #15
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Weigh your gas meter, then find out what the scrap value for that weight is going for...
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Old 17 October 2009, 07:14 AM   #16
surillious
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JJ, can you post some macro pics of your gas meter? It must be astoundingly beautiful!
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