Which watch companies give great servicing for life ?

[jay1988]

I have recently got enough money to buy my next big watch. This will be the first watch I buy for myself so it's very important to me and therefore I don't want to ever flip it as it will stand for something.

I've been considering an AP until I read about their horrendous service when it came to someone trying to service their vintage AP. Obviously Patek is a contender but I could be priced out of that.

I was wondering what other brands were like ? Does anyone have great experience having a pretty old watch serviced from anyone like Omega, Rolex, JLC or a similar brand ?

I'm looking for a watch that I can take to a dealership in 40 years and they can service my watch without giving me a huge bill.

[dddrees]

I would say Rolex would be a contender for sure. They don't guarantee their service for life like a Patek, but like you said that service could actually cost you an arm and a leg.

However Rolex does produce so many watches, that there are also quite a few extra parts availible as well. Plus even if they eventually stop servicing one, you can usually find someone who will.

Besides I think they are still servicing some watches which are 40 years old.


I am looking forward to seeing if any other company besides Patek actually offers that kind of guarantee.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I would say Rolex would be a contender for sure. They don't guarantee their service for life like a Patek, but like you said that service could actually cost you an arm and a leg.

However Rolex does produce so many watches, that there are also quite a few extra parts availible as well. Plus even if they eventually stop servicing one, you can usually find someone who will.

Besides I think they are still servicing some watches which are 40 years old.


I am looking forward to seeing if any other company besides Patek actually offers that kind of guarantee.

A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin come to my mind, wouldn't they offer a service on their vintage models? Perhaps Jaeger Lecoultre as well...

[B. Doggy]

Rolex comes to mind for sure. One of the best service centers around. As far as AP, they'll be super expensive if you don't stay up on the services.

[kilyung]

There's a cutoff point with any brand when a model is considered vintage and expensive to service - even Rolex. It's unrealistic to expect any company to forever support any model for the same cost as a regular production watch. Besides, Hal resolved the issue with AP for his 5402.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by kilyung

There's a cutoff point with any brand when a model is considered vintage and expensive to service - even Rolex. It's unrealistic to expect any company to forever support any model for the same cost as a regular production watch. Besides, Hal resolved the issue with AP for his 5402.

Very true. I have also paid $2500 to service vintage Rolex so don't think they are cheap either. If you want them serviced right by the very best you pay top dollar. As for Patek--a 20 year old 3970 costs $1600 to service which is probably less than most would think or thought. Beware of internet nonsense and do you own homework. You will find much of what you hear/rumors are BS IMHO. As for AP I have had nothing but great experience and just got full service of my RB2 which was $1040 dollars including all parts and shipping. Considering a Rolex costs $750 or so nowadays that isn't at all unreasonable in my mind.

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Very true. I have also paid $2500 to service vintage Rolex so don't think they are cheap either. If you want them serviced right by the very best you pay top dollar. As for Patek--a 20 year old 3970 costs $1600 to service which is probably less than most would think or thought. Beware of internet nonsense and do you own homework. You will find much of what you hear/rumors are BS IMHO. As for AP I have had nothing but great experience and just got full service of my RB2 which was $1040 dollars including all parts and shipping. Considering a Rolex costs $750 or so nowadays that isn't at all unreasonable in my mind.

Thanks, this helps a lot.

Patek are one of the only companies that post prices online. JLC, ALS and VC all ask you to send them information for quotes.

That Patek price isn't surprising because if you look at this great little chart it gives you all the information and 1600 seems about right.

http://www.patek.com/contents/default/en/costs.html

[HL65]

Originally Posted by jay1988

Thanks, this helps a lot.

Patek are one of the only companies that post prices online. JLC, ALS and VC all ask you to send them information for quotes.

That Patek price isn't surprising because if you look at this great little chart it gives you all the information and 1600 seems about right.

http://www.patek.com/contents/default/en/costs.html

I can also tell you ALS charges roughly $1500 for Datograph service so that is roughly same as for complication with Patek. The watchmaker in NY- Alkis is also top notch and extremely helpful.

[rosspanics]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

I can also tell you ALS charges roughly $1500 for Datograph service so that is roughly same as for complication with Patek. The watchmaker in NY- Alkis is also top notch and extremely helpful.

I second this about Alkis in NYC. He's great with Lange (only official service center in the US) and will service other brands too.

[mltworldwide]

has special watchmakers who work only on vintage watches. They will make parts if necessary. Patek Philippe will do old watches.

[LI Matt]

Originally Posted by drster

Patek Philippe will do old watches.

Patek's service policy is: "We will service every watch we've ever made. Period."

[jay1988]

Thanks for the help guys. My parents got me a JLC Reverso when I turned 21 which I'm sure I'll service fine for life no matter what the cost because of sentimental value.

I don't know why but for some reason it's almost as important to me that the first watch I ever buy for myself is one that I keep for the rest of my life. Maybe a new SubC is the best option. I can't see them stopping servicing the 2012 model at any point during my life.

[TSW]

Vintage will always be expensive to service no matter brand.
When it comes to fantastic after sales AP and Rolex are top notch!

[rr-nyc]

Cartier but only if you are in NYC. They have fixed my Pasha at least 3 times after the warranty expired: I dinged my bezel and they replaced it, they replaced my clasp when it wouldn't close properly and they re-aligned my chrono seconds hand back to zero all at no cost.

If you have any Cartier jewelry, they polish it while you wait. They dip my platinum wedding band any time I want at no cost as well

Their watches are nice but obviously not in the same league as the names being thrown around in this thread but if we're only talking about service, you can't beat that