ALS Service Sticker Shock

[PBJ1925]

This is for a GL1 MP - ETA 30-32 Weeks (Little over 2 months to get a quote)



Naturally, I have some questions.

[sski]

wow; looks like they're putting a lot of work in it. presumably it goes over to Glashutte to get this work done? but yes- wow. i bet though- end result will be basically a new watch.

[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by sski

wow; looks like they're putting a lot of work in it. presumably it goes over to Glashutte to get this work done? but yes- wow. i bet though- end result will be basically a new watch.

Yes, currently with ALS in Germany as they provided the quote. I'll probably skip out on the optional cosmetic items as I prefer a little patina but dang that service bill is almost as much as buying a used Glashutte Panomatic Lunar...

[Jmaster]

Is this Grand Lange 1? Still, that’s steep at $4K for a movement overhaul? Depends on the age, that means it’s going to be the on-going costs of owning such a piece. Is PP or VC similar cost for an overhaul? I’ve never own watches at these trinity level watches until recently, but Rolex certainly is a lot cheaper.

[pdnb]

Originally Posted by Jmaster

Is this Grand Lange 1? Still, that’s steep at $4K for a movement overhaul? Depends on the age, that means it’s going to be the on-going costs of owning such a piece. Is PP or VC similar cost for an overhaul? I’ve never own watches at these trinity level watches until recently, but Rolex certainly is a lot cheaper.

4k for Lang1 or GL is brutal. In 2019!I got my Dato overhauled for 3k… so some serious inflation

Can’t compare Rolex geez; ANY competent watch maker can adjust a 3 hander


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[pdnb]

Originally Posted by PBJ1925

This is for a GL1 MP - ETA 30-32 Weeks (Little over 2 months to get a quote)



Naturally, I have some questions.

Was the watch working?


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[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by pdnb

4k for Lang1 or GL is brutal. In 2019!I got my
Was the watch working?


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Yes, working/running well with no issues keeping time. Only doing due diligence as it was in the 5-10 year window that most people would recommend for maintenance. (Granted this is a longer interval than ALS recommends, so almost feel they're sticking me with a bill for a 2 service interval)

Originally Posted by pdnb

Dato overhauled for 3k… so some serious inflation


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Agreed, the quote took me by complete surprise. I thought perhaps $2000-$2500 tops but wow. What's crazy is here's the ALS 'general' pricing from 2022 on service prices:

https://www.alange-soehne.com/attach...N_20220610.pdf

Originally Posted by Jmaster

Is this Grand Lange 1? Still, that’s steep at $4K for a movement overhaul? Depends on the age, that means it’s going to be the on-going costs of owning such a piece. Is PP or VC similar cost for an overhaul? I’ve never own watches at these trinity level watches until recently, but Rolex certainly is a lot cheaper.

Yes Grand Lange 1 Moonphase. I don't own a PP but do have a some pieces from VC. The most I was ever quoted from VC was about $1500. The 4k-7k bill has me re-thinking ALS altogether as this would be considered just a step above a Saxonia, and way below some of their more complicated pieces.

[Moondoggy]

That's ridiculous.

[Watchflair]

Jesus that’s absolutely absurd. I sold my Lange 1 MP back a few months ago - thinking it was the right move after seeing this lol.


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[Russell996]

They are calling it a restoration service and listing a lot of items as needing repair rather than simply a standard service, does suggest there was an issue you perhaps weren’t aware of.

[mongrelnomoad]

PP is about $1500 and their service is flawless.

Not looking forward to getting my Lange 1 Moonphase serviced.

[kunlun]

Two things:

First, don't send in a watch unless it's not running well.

There are exceptions, this likely wasn't one of them.


Second, time to stop playing rugby while wearing your GL1, also stop diving with it.

[gliazzurri]

Originally Posted by Russell996

They are calling it a restoration service and listing a lot of items as needing repair rather than simply a standard service, does suggest there was an issue you perhaps weren’t aware of.

I’d have to agree. If restoration then that is different than disassemble and clean. If paying for a new result then not sure these prices aren’t correct.

[fullofboats]

I paid HKD9,140 for a full servicing for a first-gen Lange 1 in September 2021.

My servicing did not say "factory restoration service (functional)". The USD4k they're quoting looks to be due to something wrong with the watch?

[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by Russell996

They are calling it a restoration service and listing a lot of items as needing repair rather than simply a standard service, does suggest there was an issue you perhaps weren’t aware of.

Possibility for certain for mechanical issues but typically it would show up in the piece being able to accurately keep time. Most stores do a precursory review prior to sending to Glashutte. My pics and condition is described by the service manager as "minor scratches on case and clasp, excellent condition" which tells me this isn't a a quote on physical restoration or perhaps they discovered mechanical.

Originally Posted by kunlun

Two things:

First, don't send in a watch unless it's not running well.

There are exceptions, this likely wasn't one of them.


Second, time to stop playing rugby while wearing your GL1, also stop diving with it.

Only give 5 days a week, and wear playing rugby only on holiday.

Joking aside, I've worn primarily during quarterly business trips, maybe a wedding or two. I agree with your first point, but the time component is what compelled me to send it in this time, with the knowledge it takes ALS nearly a year to get it back.

Originally Posted by fullofboats

I paid HKD9,140 for a full servicing for a first-gen Lange 1 in September 2021.

My servicing did not say "factory restoration service (functional)". The USD4k they're quoting looks to be due to something wrong with the watch?

What's interesting is the top section of the menu is fairly standard ALS, so I wonder if the service manager conveyed to have this aesthetically restored to new visual condition (Hence the optional hands/dials) vs just service the watch and perform the standard cleaning.


Definitely appreciate everyone's input, all possibilities. I sent a list of questions, along with a gentle reminder of the condition of the piece (and pics) for them to explain how they got to this recommendation. Apparently responses are 2 weeks behind, it'll be interesting on what they say.

[bondtoys]

There is a reason why the balance, dial and the entire set of hands must be replaced.
As Russ previously stated, this is far beyond a Standard Service and the extra work involved will be charged.
There is twice a mentioning of „restoration of the finish/decoration“, so it seems that some movement parts have been damaged.
You would get a similar repair bill by Patek for a similar job, if not higher.

I wonder what happened to the watch in the first place.
@OP did you buy the watch new?

[edhahn44]

I’ve actually experienced the same recently. Rate card for standard services increased dramatically. I’ve handed in a (pretty well worn) 1815 and the first quote I got was € 10k. Couldn’t believe it in the first place but they are serious about it.


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[CNY]

Regardless of why, I’d ask if they could just assemble it once for half the labor cost ����*♂️

[Easy E]

Wow, shockingly high. I don’t currently own an ALS, but have been considering a RL (vs a VC 1921). This news gives me pause.

[gliazzurri]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Wow, shockingly high. I don’t currently own an ALS, but have been considering a RL (vs a VC 1921). This news gives me pause.

But how many times are you realistically going to use this exact service suggested? Probably not much in practice. Unless you need a whole overhaul of your watch.

[MILGAUSS88]

I looked at the Lange website, and they have a service price list and a repair price list.

This quote is in line with the repair price list, $3,800.
But the service price list is $1,400, which includes:
Complete service
– Complete disassembly of the movement
– Cleaning of all parts
– Inspection of all parts for signs of wear
– Replacement of movement parts subject to wear and tear due to
mechanical stress and that have to be replaced regularly to ensure
long-term functionality of the watch (e.g. barrel, friction parts)
– Lubrication of all friction surfaces
– Reassembly of the movement
– Inspection of all functions
– Precision adjustment in five positions
– Replacement of all gaskets
– Rate-accuracy and power-reserve check

[MILGAUSS88]

I guess I would ask, why does this watch need repaired versus serviced?

[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I guess I would ask, why does this watch need repaired versus serviced?

Invoice semantics, below is a copy of the verbiage. Here's a pic of the watch, luckily I have both video and pics I took along with the store in case of any odd discrepancies. Few personal details boxed out.

ALS



Rear exhibition back will tell a similar story, as visual/loupe damage would be fairly evident. Not saying there couldn't be mechanical damage, but usually the tell would be how well it would run, wind, etc..

I guess its possible it could've been damage en route to Germany, but will be interesting to see ALS response/and or pics of what they feel is specifically needed.

Naturally I'm 100% ok paying if there is something that's needed, vs recommended, I.E. - Brake pads at 10% vs at 50%.

More I re-read the work order, I can see now ALS could be taking the request as I want it brand new and that pieces should be replaced vs refurbished I.E. replace the hands/dial vs clean the hands/dial. I should've re-read this in more detail at the time of submission.

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I looked at the Lange website, and they have a service price list and a repair price list.

This quote is in line with the repair price list, $3,800.

That's a nice catch, I didn't know they had a separate repair price list, I should've been more specific in asking them to encode as a service vs repair request. I.E. - Oil change, vs a 30k service. Beginning to wonder more if it has to do with the submission invoice and how the SA worded it.

Originally Posted by edhahn44

I’ve actually experienced the same recently. Rate card for standard services increased dramatically. I’ve handed in a (pretty well worn) 1815 and the first quote I got was € 10k. Couldn’t believe it in the first place but they are serious about it.

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Holy smokes, what was their breakdown to get to that number? Did you go through with the service quote?

[MILGAUSS88]

Is it possible the AD requested a "repair" versus a "service" not knowing there was a difference in verbage?

edit
I see you are already questioning that yourself.

[SoylentGreenChi]

This all sounds off - watch was running fine, but now they say it needs repairs, 30-32 week service window, etc. Maybe this was merely a miscommunication, and a regular service will set things right. Fingers crossed. Let us know the conclusion.

[PBJ1925]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreenChi

This all sounds off - watch was running fine, but now they say it needs repairs, 30-32 week service window, etc. Maybe this was merely a miscommunication, and a regular service will set things right. Fingers crossed. Let us know the conclusion.

Agreed, and discussing this in the thread has helped so many thanks on everyones' input.

Thinking out loud, perhaps I should request ALS to:

- Change the order request from repair to service, with a case refurbish request. This should bring down the estimates from 4k to 2k unless there really is some type of damage to the movement. That would somewhat explain the higher quote from ALS, and they're simply executing to the written request.

- This should reduce the optional replacements as they'll be cleaned vs replaced. (I.E.- Hands, dial)

If there is mechanical damage, it'll be interesting as I'll defer to ALS expertise but I'd like to better understand if its due to wearables, environment, me, or some x factor.

Makes for an interesting end of the year.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by PBJ1925

Agreed, and discussing this in the thread has helped so many thanks on everyones' input.

Thinking out loud, perhaps I should request ALS to:

- Change the order request from repair to service, with a case refurbish request. This should bring down the estimates from 4k to 2k unless there really is some type of damage to the movement. That would somewhat explain the higher quote from ALS, and they're simply executing to the written request.

- This should reduce the optional replacements as they'll be cleaned vs replaced. (I.E.- Hands, dial)

If there is mechanical damage, it'll be interesting as I'll defer to ALS expertise but I'd like to better understand if its due to wearables, environment, me, or some x factor.

Makes for an interesting end of the year.

My response would be exactly the same as yours. Sorry about the unpleasantness. ALS is quite wonderful, though, and it must be pure joy to wear the watch. Good luck!

[CFR]

Sorry to hear this.

I agree with what you're doing. If I were you, I'd tell them to forget about any "restoration" and just confirm the price for standard movement servicing with case refinishing. That's all I ever have them do.

One thing that caught my eye was "tiny spots between two dials at 6 o'clock." Hopefully they can clean those. Otherwise, if they bother you, Lange would need to replace the dial.

Also, just FYI for future reference, Lange can service that movement in NYC, either at the boutique or at Swiss Watch Repair Corp. No need to send it back to Glashutte unless there's something unusual going on.

Good luck with it!

[RW16610]

Hopefully having this changed to a service vs. a repair as you and others have pointed out significantly brings this down. That original quote seems astronomical so I hope this can be resolved to your satisfaction very soon.

[PhilLynott]

Yeah something definitely not right here hope you can get it resolved in a somewhat timely manner and not have to wait another 2 months just to get the correct quote.

Best of luck!