Hi guys,
I am just after some servicing advice for a vintage (1967) JLC memovox. I have been to two respected watchmakers/repairers based in the Sydney for quotes to have my watch serviced. For some context, the watch is working and ticking away, but I have been told that it hasnt been regularly worn for at least 10 years I received it as a gift from my uncle a few weeks ago (Hence the need for a service). The first quote I received was from a watchmaker, while friendly, did not expect the watch and said that it would cost $1,500-$2,200(AUD) {$1,700(USD).. as it would need to go to JLC in Switzerland. The other watchmaker is actually taking some time to inspect the watch/mechanism and give a free detailed quote in the next couple of days. He did also warn that it would probably cost at least $1,000 (AUD) and didnt mention anything about sending it to JLC. While I know Im probably not the type to have the privilege/financial position to own a JLC (being a uni student & young worker), I do want to be a good custodian of the watch, I would love to wear it on a daily basis and I dont want to potentially damage it further.
My two questions are: Do these sound like reasonable quotes for a service of the memovox mechanism? The first quote $2,200 involved the dial restoration, new glass, new hands, new crowns etc... & I only wanted the mechanism checked, why strip away the history!? The second question Are there reliable options overseas that may be able to do a service for less?
At the end of the day, I dont think I am naïve enough to think I can get a service for less than around $500USD or so but would like to know if I had other options available before I put down the hard earned cash!
Many thanks.
I am just after some servicing advice for a vintage (1967) JLC memovox. I have been to two respected watchmakers/repairers based in the Sydney for quotes to have my watch serviced. For some context, the watch is working and ticking away, but I have been told that it hasnt been regularly worn for at least 10 years I received it as a gift from my uncle a few weeks ago (Hence the need for a service). The first quote I received was from a watchmaker, while friendly, did not expect the watch and said that it would cost $1,500-$2,200(AUD) {$1,700(USD).. as it would need to go to JLC in Switzerland. The other watchmaker is actually taking some time to inspect the watch/mechanism and give a free detailed quote in the next couple of days. He did also warn that it would probably cost at least $1,000 (AUD) and didnt mention anything about sending it to JLC. While I know Im probably not the type to have the privilege/financial position to own a JLC (being a uni student & young worker), I do want to be a good custodian of the watch, I would love to wear it on a daily basis and I dont want to potentially damage it further.
My two questions are: Do these sound like reasonable quotes for a service of the memovox mechanism? The first quote $2,200 involved the dial restoration, new glass, new hands, new crowns etc... & I only wanted the mechanism checked, why strip away the history!? The second question Are there reliable options overseas that may be able to do a service for less?
At the end of the day, I dont think I am naïve enough to think I can get a service for less than around $500USD or so but would like to know if I had other options available before I put down the hard earned cash!
Many thanks.