Watch servicing...

[catso]

So, we are told by manufacturers to service mechanical watches every 5 years though, personally I would wait until there's a problem and, so far that's just the one time - my Wife's Rolex which started losing time and randomly stopping after around 15 years or so.

Today I was clearing some stuff out of the garage and came across a box with some old watches in it, watches that I hadn't seen for over 40 years: there is an old Seiko 5 that was my daily in the late 70s - early 80s until I dropped it in the street and both the minute and second hands fell off, a Rotary quartz that was bought for me as a gift and an old 'Services' (Swiss Made) watch that my Dad gave to me in the early 70s, I don't recall if it was originally his or my Grandads but either way I reckon it's got to be at least 70 years old?

Anyway this Services watch has never been serviced and given it's age plus the fact it's been languishing in a box for the last 50 odd years, I wasn't particularly hopeful it would work but, yesterday I wound it up, set the time and date and this morning it's still spot on, 5 year servicing pah!

Gratuitous pic of said watch, now fitted with a leather strap that I had lying around;

Edited by catso on Saturday 29th August 09:35

[Billy_Rosewood]

Similarly I have an old Rotary flyer watch from around the 60s/70s that's never been serviced and works perfectly. My grandad used it daily for many years. I use it now and again to keep it in use.

It still works perfectly but I'd like it serviced. Not sure what the best option is for a watch like that? Back to Rotary? Or a vintage watch specialist?

[Drawweight]

I’ve got a Tag Heuer that has more or less sat in its box for the past 12 years.

It doesn’t run so I’m assuming the battery is goosed. I took it up to a TH shop and they wanted £290 for a basic service plus extra for any work needed. I’m expecting the battery to have leaked so was expecting some damage.

So I’ve sent it to Tag Works with a price of £240 including battery damage. I was a bit unsure but it’s in writing. Got to say the correspondence has been unbearable so I’m hoping for a good outcome.

[bazza.]

When I sent watches which have been left for years without being serviced and have stop for no reason
it normally works out more expensive to fix or if its a rare model were parts are hard to find and so very expensive
The customer ends up not having the work done