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Automatic Watch Service Interval/Providers

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Hi Everyone! I have recently (throughout 2019) acquired several automatic watches and have been reading about "service intervals" and the like. I was wondering what most of you do (or plan to do) for service on your automatics.
  • Do you have a local watchmaker/repair store that you trust to service your watches?
  • Is it possible to service the timepieces yourself (via YouTube videos/online resources)?
  • Is there a reputable online shop that can provide this service?
I've seen numerous shots at Jomashop's service, so I'm guessing that's a resounding NO! for them. I'm guessing for higher end pieces (Omega, Rolex, Zenith, and beyond), it's probably wise to spend the ~$300 on sending it to them or taking it to an authorized dealer for service. What about the many microbrands we see here on MD/Drop that are building watches around the Miyota and unbranded Seiko movements?
  • I've seen the toss/rebuy if the watch is cheap enough (here I'm thinking a lot of the Ingersoll's, Seiko SNK's, etc. we've seen lately)
  • These seems like good watches to take apart yourself and learn from, if you're into that kind of stuff and willing to invest in ($$$ and time)
  • What about mid-grade stuff like Vostok, Melbourne, Hamilton, Tissot, etc.?
  • Is your best bet to go to an authorized dealer for service or take to a local watch shop?
Thanks for your thoughts. I just wanted to get a sense for what resources were available before I get deeper into the rabbit hole and end up with $1000 in services on my $1000 in watches in 5 years.
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RayF
22220
Jan 7, 2020
Damn--they need "service"? Well, lucky for me, I've got plenty of tools. I'll probably be okay...
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RayFHoly crap!! A "Drop" wrench!! I never saw that pop up!! Nice picture though! Solid layout and great lighting. Sorry for posting this 5 times. Not sure what happened. Wrote it on the 5th and when I checked on the 6th and didn't see it, so tried again and again to get it posted. I guess they ALL decided to post. Anyway, I did look into tools, but it seems like some training is necessary as well. I guess I was just wondering if there was a general price point where things go back for service vs. local shop vs. internet shop. In reading, it seems like a service is essentially a full break down and rebuild and typically runs $60 - $100. That's not much for a $2,000 watch but on a $100 - $300 watch, its pretty significant. Do you service your own watches @RayF? If so, do you have set intervals or just when you notice issues? Do you actually break it all down or is it relatively easy to drop in a new movement?
RayF
22220
Jan 8, 2020
Warlock983Yeah that wrench was from back before they changed their name from Drop Forged, to just Drop--you know, 'cause it's more, you know, whatever--right? Unlike Drop I have no intention of fixing what's not broken, and if something does break, I'll deal with it then. So far as I've heard, no one has mentioned having their sub-five hundred dollar watches serviced on this site. I'm pretty much in the that boat--most of mine are Divers and most of those are low to mid-rage Seikos. So when it comes to fancy stuff like "Services" I say: "Services?! We don-need-no-estink'n SERVICES around here!"
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