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Old 20 November 2011, 01:01 AM   #1
Keeperoftime
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Service issues.

Alright guys. So, a few weeks ago I purchased a TT Sub. I know it is not quite vintage (U-Serial) but since I consider myself a vintage Rolex-guy, I am posting this here. I brought it to a watchmaker and was charged $650 USD for a servicing. Please keep in mind the watch was working properly but needed a servicing. The bezel was also missing the pearl (not a huge deal on vintage pieces, but on a more modern piece just completely polished/detailed a much needed trait) According to the watchmaker,the extra bezel insert (from the jeweler I bought it from) I gave him didn't fit.

OK... Do you think it is acceptable the watchmaker charged me $650 although the estimate was originally 500 and he did not order a bezel insert! I told the watchmaker that I definitely needed a pearl and he mentioned he could order one separately (Just the pearl)--Is this right? Otherwise I would have to pay $90 for an insert.

I am quite upset, as I also had another watch being serviced that the estimate of repair would be 250 and ended up at $550.

Please note the watchmaker does very good work and has a Rolex account. The store he works at has over a 113 year history etc. I just feel a bit cheated.

Thoughts?
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Old 20 November 2011, 02:05 AM   #2
Clay
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Servicing is a tricky question....

An estimate is just that...An estimate....

That being said, I just sent my Zenith Daytona off for servicing.....

I was told "exactly" what a routine service included and was given an "exact" price for such.

I was told that if any additional parts were needed, they would be extra and I would be told what they would be and how much more it would cost before they proceeded with the service.

I don't think you could ask for more then that....

To my way of thinking, anything less then this kind of treatment is unacceptable!!!

There are watchmakers out there that, in my opinion, way over charge...

The Rolex movement is not rocket science and any good qualified watchmaker (with a Rolex parts account) should have no trouble servicing a Rolex, despite what some my want you to believe...
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Old 20 November 2011, 06:20 AM   #3
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If they keep you posted along the way for additional charges that's cool, but to hit you with a bill on the day you pick up your watch, that's bad business IMO.
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Old 20 November 2011, 06:49 AM   #4
CaveDiver
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The standard practice I discovered:
1) Watchmaker examines the watch and provides estimate including parts.
2) Watchmaker provides a written estimate parts and charges
3) Any discoveries during the service are covered. That is why during the estimate process there is a partial disassembly of the watch so key areas can be evaluated. The watchmaker then has a good idea from experience the state of the watch.
4) I believe that is part of the reason Rolex RSC’s punt on vintage watches as they may run into surprises that require parts they may or may not have access to.


Any work done without your approval is not good business. If this happened to me, I personally would feel like I was part of a bait and switch.
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Old 20 November 2011, 07:59 AM   #5
Keeperoftime
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Anyone know a good watchmaker in Houston? It's the closest "Big" city.
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Old 20 November 2011, 01:37 PM   #6
Warnsboy
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Much like buying is researching, trusting in, and buying the trusted seller, obtaining service deserves the same diligence. You have to trust your watchmaker. Once the caseback is back on and the watch back in your hands you have no way to tell what has been put inside.
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Old 20 November 2011, 02:02 PM   #7
cruvon
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While the price looks reasonable on what a service plus a few parts cost, think he should have informed you of any additional charges before putting in any parts or doing anything extra. Not good business policy for sure.
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Old 20 November 2011, 11:11 PM   #8
Keeperoftime
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warnsboy View Post
Much like buying is researching, trusting in, and buying the trusted seller, obtaining service deserves the same diligence. You have to trust your watchmaker. Once the caseback is back on and the watch back in your hands you have no way to tell what has been put inside.
I agree, however my watchmaker should know if I spend $650 on a piece and want it "restored", the pearl should be put in place in the bezel. This sort of thing makes me not trust his judgement. In any event I appreciate your feedback. I'll have a talk with him the coming week and get it all sorted out.
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Old 20 November 2011, 11:32 PM   #9
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At the very least I would be asking for a detailed account of the extra charges and I would make it clear that any future business dealings will require additional costs above the original estimate to be presented in writing for approval.

Good luck!
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