Collecting new watches..

[leslie]

Dear Bros,

I was thinking of adding another new watch to my collection but has yet to do so after 2 years..I think the reason partly was due to the servicing and maintenance cost which occurs once in 6-7 years..Cleaning a standard chronograph cost $400 and above and getting a rolex sports model done at RSC cost $800 above..

Anyone here felt that the rising maintenance cost was part of the reason that deters you from buying more watches?

[zidaneong]

Dear Bros,

I was thinking of adding another new watch to my collection but has yet to do so after 2 years..I think the reason partly was due to the servicing and maintenance cost which occurs once in 6-7 years..Cleaning a standard chronograph cost $400 and above and getting a rolex sports model done at RSC cost $800 above..

Anyone here felt that the rising maintenance cost was part of the reason that deters you from buying more watches?

Partly, that's why i maintained at 3 watches at a time. The maintenance is on the high side these days especially sending to RSC.

[leslie]

Bro,

I know there are cheaper options by sending the watch to outside watch makers.. But I always try to opt for official agents if possible.. but limitation are the pricing they charges, the price to service a few times can actually get u a new watch..

[trailblazer]

I had a similar conversation of sort with a close frd just 2 wknds ago on servicing costs being a part of ownership for watches. It was a conversation that baffled me, not that this is a new topic to me but more of his response.

He has several nice pieces ranging from Rolex to Pam to IWC, but he is simply nonchalant about upkeeping or having its servicing intervals met with any merticulousness, and that baffled me..REALLY.

I do not have many pieces, its either I like them up close and personal or maybe its because I cant afford more yet. But to me, factoring into the costs of maintenance is not an option as these timepieces are creation of art..It will be an insult to the watch maker if these are not taken into good care..IMO

Yet having said that, I also prefer to have a regular or alternatives to where and who I can bring these watches for its routine servicing and maintenance..From my experience, having a regular specialist on your watches is like going to the same Medical Doc who knows your medical history and records..that, to me, works both ways..of course on accounts of trust, dependability and relationship.

So, upkeeping these babies is not an option

[hypersocial]

Partly, that's why i maintained at 3 watches at a time. The maintenance is on the high side these days especially sending to RSC.

I have to agree 3 luxury watches will be my ideal too. Hopefully after my desired AP ROO, I will STOP BUYING!

[leslie]

I always thought of nothing when buying a new watch. But when time comes whereby the watch is running 3-4 mins off timing per day, it's time to bring the watch down for servicing. Then I will feel the pain in my wallet. Paying close to 1k to service a watch which cost $6k (when I purchase in year 2006) seems abit too much.

[triton]

another way to do so is keep switching your watch collection. wear it for like 3 years then sell. this way there is no servicing costs involved. then when buy, buy preown which is less than 1 year old.

this way of buying preown, the watch depreciation is slightly lower compared to buying brand new.

[leslie]

another way to do so is keep switching your watch collection. wear it for like 3 years then sell. this way there is no servicing costs involved. then when buy, buy preown which is less than 1 year old.

this way of buying preown, the watch depreciation is slightly lower compared to buying brand new.

Bro,

Problem is when I bought a new watch, I will not bear to get rid of it. That is why I am still keeping a couple of watches that I seldom wear at all..

[Banker]

So far, all my watches are in good working condition and keeping accurate time. All my Subs and Daytonas are all as accurate as ever, even the oldest one bought in 1985. The only one that has given me a "problem" is the yatchmaster. The crown's thread has deteriorated and was sent for servicing this morning. It's 9 years old. And the RSC charged me $1160 for the service package and refurbishing the bezel.

The funny thing is that I do not think about the servicing cost at all when I buy a watch because I never service them. Well, I do expect that this is not ideal, but I am a firm believer in the adage of why repair if it's not broken. Perhaps it's because I alternate wearing the different watches daily which explains the excellent working conditions they are in. But make no mistake about it, if it's not working well, I will not hesitate to have it serviced back to original condition. Thankfully, this is a very rare occassion.