To Service, or Not To Service?

[badnavigator]

I have a couple expensive (by my standards) reps on order, one with an Asian 7750 movement, and another with a 7753. I believe I've read on here a couple times that often, they do not leave the factory properly oiled, etc., and could fail if left unserviced. On the flip side of that coin, I've spoken to a few watchsmiths in my area who, while willing to work on reps, have all cautioned me that because of differences in the manufacturing standards of the reps, it's possible that things could go wrong, and no guarantees that the watch won't break on them as they try to service it. Which makes me a bit nervous. None have been rude or unfriendly about it, but simply stating the facts, as they see it...

So I guess my question is, assuming these are talented and skilled watchsmiths (and they certainly appear to be, having been in business for decades with excellent reputations), is it worth the risk to have a new rep serviced, or is it best to leave good enough alone if it arrives in working order?

 

[joegrimm]

well from my reading it seems to be a split descision, some people say to have it serviced immediately and some people prefer to wear them till they crap out and then have them serviced. either way i guess its just a personal preference. me personally i would wear them and if it seems like they run fine then leave it alone untill something goes wrong.

 

[SMIDSY]

personally I get work to check all my watches over and get the timings. If theyre alright then a simple regulation will last me - if theyre crap I generally stick a swiss 7750 in as frankly for 200GBP it's worth every penny.


where are you based? if UK I'll get some readings for you FOC and then you can see whether or not you need a service.

basicaly amplitude and not timekeeping IMHO are the deciders

 

[svenkramer]

I'm curious on this subject as well. I have a smp 2824 for a while now and it runs great. Few seconds a week even. So why does it need service?

On the other hand. I have an avenger 7750 on order. Is has an amplitude of just 250. Does that mean it needs service? And how expensive is it?

I will follow this thread with a lot of attention

 

[badnavigator]

Thanks for the info, guys! And thank you very much for the offer, Smidsy. Unfortunately, I'm not in the UK, but in the US.

As for the service in question, while I would love to make sure the watch is regulated and keeps accurate time, I'm actually more concerned about the watch to stop working altogether.

I'm not sure if it's a valid fear or not (newbie here, who just ordered somewhat expensive toys), but I'm concerned that without a service (oiling, etc. in addition to regulation), that the movement could seize up on me after some time, even with just normal wear. Am I just being paranoid?

 

[d4m.test]

+1. At times, it's a matter of personal choice & luck. Go with your impressions.

dave

ps: joegrimm: Your avatar is riveting! Wife? GF??

 

[SMIDSY]

On the other hand. I have an avenger 7750 on order. Is has an amplitude of just 250. Does that mean it needs service? And how expensive is it?

I will follow this thread with a lot of attention

OK so an amplitude of 250 isnt great to be honest.... however when fully wound that may be higher... amplitude does drop if it's not fully wound so check it fully wound... if it's still about 250 ish then yes I'd consider a service

Thanks for the info, guys! And thank you very much for the offer, Smidsy. Unfortunately, I'm not in the UK, but in the US.

As for the service in question, while I would love to make sure the watch is regulated and keeps accurate time, I'm actually more concerned about the watch to stop working altogether.

I'm not sure if it's a valid fear or not (newbie here, who just ordered somewhat expensive toys), but I'm concerned that without a service (oiling, etc. in addition to regulation), that the movement could seize up on me after some time, even with just normal wear. Am I just being paranoid?

paraniod! erm yes it can stop but it's unlikely... more likely it'll keep terrible time then you'll know to get it serviced

 

[badnavigator]

Thanks again, guys. Sounds like there's no real rule of thumb... Considering the cost of a service compared to the cost of the watches themselves, I think I'll play it by ear once I get them. Unless they keep horrible time, I'll wait on getting them serviced. I'll treat them with care, and hopefully they'll last a long time without any problems. If something comes up, I know there are also a number of talented watchsmiths right here on RWI to go to!