Any time a watch stops working, the dread can kick in. What’s wrong, why won’t it run, why is it keeping such poor time? You bought a quality timepiece and repairs are not that tough, however the cost can be quite high, especially from the manufacturer themselves. There is always the ability to find a quality watchmaker in your state, however, servicing directly with the manufacturer has many benefits as well.
The main benefits include parts availability, complete knowledge of the movement, and manufacturer warranties which will also help if you decide to resell the watch. But do you know how much each manufacturer charges to service your precious timepiece? Once you know what to look forward to, there are two general steps you can take for manufacturer service. First, you can mail it directly to the service center or second, you can drop it off at the Authorized Dealer or Boutique.
The majority of major luxury watch brands have service centers right here in the United States. Once the watch arrives at its destination, a meticulous inspection will take place. Many repairs will be done right here, however certain parts may be an issue. If that is the case, the manufacturer may send it to headquarters, most usually Switzerland, if they have the parts shipped to them.
The best part of the ordeal is the manufacturer will clear the repairs with you before performing them. An estimate will be provided and you will be able to decline some or all of the repairs if you so choose. It’s up to you if repairs will proceed.
Once repairs are performed, the watch will be sent back to you with any part that was replaced during the service. Normally you will be able to decline cosmetic repairs, but watch hands and dials are often replaced during the service which not everyone is a fan of. To some, this exchange of parts makes a watch not original, and loses some of its value. Hopefully if all goes well, you won’t need additional parts not covered by the service fees.
One negative example I personally have is with my Omega Speedmaster Mark 40. The lume on the hands have some nice patina, however when Omega services these watches, they won’t reinstall any hands so I will be forced to get the watch back with new hands. I will receive the old hands back though so I have the ability to have a quality watchmaker restore the watch to original.
General Service Steps by the Manufacturer
- Disassembly of the Case
- Disassembly and cleaning of the movement
- Replacing worn components
- Reassembly and lubrication of the movement
- Adjustment of the movement and control of its parameters
- Cleaning and refurbishment of the case and bracelet
- Reassembly of the case and renewal of the water resistance
- Quality control checks to make sure service was completed properly
Cost of Full Service by Manufacturer
There are a couple things to note about this list. First is, not all manufacturers list the service prices so the information isn’t readily available. Second, this assumes the best case and that the watch does not need any parts replaced. Many manufacturers will attempt to replace non broken parts as they can be considered wear items such as the crown, the crown tube, and the crystal.
OMEGA Service Cost
Non-Chronograph Watches:
- Quartz:
- Non-Precious Material Price (Crown made of steel including plated steel, titanium, ceramic): $500.00
- Precious Material Price (Crown made of silver, gold, platinum, palladium): $600.00
- Mechanical:
- Non-Precious Material Price: $700.00
- Precious Material Price: $800.00
Chronograph Watches:
- Quartz:
- Non-Precious Material Price: $600.00
- Precious Material Price: $800.00
- Mechanical:
- Non-Precious Material Price: $900.00
- Precious Material Price: $1,100.00
This table indicates the different pricing tiers based on whether the watch is a chronograph or non-chronograph, the mechanism (quartz or mechanical), and the material of the crown.
OMEGA offers a 24-month warranty on its services. If a fault covered by this warranty arises, OMEGA will repair or replace parts at no cost. This warranty does not cover normal wear, accidents, or negligence. It becomes void if unauthorized individuals work on the watch.
BREITLING Premier Heritage B25 Datora 42 | 18k Red Gold | Silver Dial | Ref. RB2510371G1P1 | Full Set
Sold by Hudson Watch Exchange
Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Limited Edition No. 11 of 25 in 18k Gold
Sold by Mechanical Art Timepieces
Breitling Service Cost
RECOMMENDED PUBLIC PRICES (UNITED STATES) (Prices are VAT exclusive, and packaging & shipping are not included.)
MAINTENANCE SERVICE
- Mechanical:
- Selfwinding watch / GMT: USD 170.00
- Chronograph: USD 220.00
- Chronograph (Breitling caliber): USD 220.00
- Chronograph with complications: USD 220.00
- Chronograph with perpetual calendar / split second: On estimate
- Quartz:
- Analog: USD 170.00
- Analog / Analog-Digital Chronograph: USD 220.00
- UTC / CO-PILOT: USD 90.00
EMERGENCY SERVICE
- Emergency: USD 530.00
- Emergency II: USD 780.00
COMPLETE SERVICE
- Mechanical:
- Selfwinding watch / GMT: U