Source
r/Watches•
securetree

[Question] Fair price for Speedmaster repair?

Hey r/Watches,

Recently, my 1yo Speedmaster's chronograph start/stop pusher stopped working. I sent it in for repair, and the repair place quoted me ~$500, most of which is a full service.

Their reasoning was that the only way they could stand by their work was if they included a service. Is this reasonable? Should I try other repair places instead? My understanding was that a newer watch didn't need everything involved with a service, but I could be wrong.

Posted Dec 28, 2017, 8:23 PM UTC

110
ArkJasdainWatchmaker•

Given that it's 1 year old it should be covered under warranty unless the pusher or damage is caused by user abuse or misuse. If purchased from a grey market dealer without a warranty, then I guess you get to use the money you saved over going to an AD to get it serviced.

Their reasoning was that the only way they could stand by their work was if they included a service.

Very reasonable. From the shop's perspective, if they did the job to "only" repair the first issue, what if another issue pops up along the way, or shortly thereafter? Since they were the last ones to touch it they get an angry client coming back in saying they messed it up. It makes sense and is justifiable that in order for them to be sure the whole watch is working and in good order that they have to do the complete job.

Frankly, if a shop does piecemeal repairs they are likely skipping the details and not being as thorough as they should be. Especially with a watch there could be many more potential problems hiding that won't present immediately, and you won't find them just going in to do one small thing.

5
securetreeOP•

Per the advice of r/Watches, this was a calculated risk. Gray market cost + full service is still notably less than going through an AD. If I had to do this again, I'd buy "like new" from one of the reputable dealers (I even have one in my city) for around gray market pricing but with a decent warranty.

Your final paragraph is very good information. I had hoped that a piecemeal repair was possible and responsible, but if it's not then I guess that's the cost of owning an expensive chronograph.

Thanks for your help!

1
MangyCanine•

Probably. With an older watch, that makes sense. With a newer watch, they're probably concerned that broken pieces or extra wear products (e.g., ground off metal dust) are in the movement, and they can only guarantee that all of these are removed if the watch is fully disassembled (a servicing). Also, they probably want to insure that everything is really fixed, by inspecting all of the parts (again, a servicing).

$500 for a servicing is a great price. It's also dirt cheap if it includes replacement pushers and crown (these are apparently only sold as part of a set, and not separately).

2
securetreeOP•

Thanks for the perspective! I'm still relatively new to watches and I thought I'd double check, because $500 is a lot to spend unnecessary. Glad that I'm at least being reasonably quoted though.

1
Ho_moon_ar•

Isn't it covered under warranty with omega for 2 years?

2
bagofquarters•

Not if he purchased from grey market.

2
securetreeOP•

I got it on Jomashop and they really don't have much of a warranty.

2
toxicavenger70•

You got it from Jomas, It might have been a returned watch or one that had a long shelf life and the oils in it are thickening. The last Speedmaster we serviced was around $380 if I recall.

2
stainedglasstrout•

$500 is low end for a full chronograph service. I would try to price an Omega service, vs. like 3/4 recommended watch shops and go with whatever makes you feel comfortable.

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securetreeOP•

Good point - as far as I know, Jomashop and many other dealers take leftover stock from ADs, which means it might have been sitting for a while. It looked new when I bought it - I hope they wouldn't resell a used watch but I bet I couldn't spot a good refinish.

1