Unusual, I would ask for more clarification

Dec 20, 2016,21:59 PM
 

1) Within a full service, the manufacturer will be happy to swap out a number of movement parts, provided they are worn/damaged/have functional issues/etc.  Most times, these are the occasional wheel, mainspring, setting parts, screws and the like.  I'm surprised that they're quoting for a train wheel bridge and an oscillating weight.  Something seriously bad would have to happen to warrant replacing these two components.  What was the original reason for bringing in the watch for service?  Maybe the oscillating weight scraped against the bridge and caused significant damage?  Anyhow, I've seen it go both ways on repairs.  Some manufacturers will just replace them for free and not even mention it to you; others will add the prices of bridges/rotors to the repair. 

2) Every high-end Swatch Group repair I've dealt with has included a light refinishing of the case and bracelet as part of the complete service.  Normally if they have to charge, it's because there's something special with the case construction or finish.  To me, the Fifty Fathoms looks very standard, so I agree with you - it should be covered. 

I'd give them another call and see what their reason is for quoting you for those two points.  #2 seems like it should be free.  #1 might just be a policy thing.  It seems to me that the Switzerland service level should be identical to what Swatch Group Canada has listed.  Good luck!


More posts: Fifty Fathoms

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Blancpain / Swatch Group Service Concerns - help would be appreciated

 
 By: tcpx : December 19th, 2016-09:14
Hi All, I was hoping that somebody can point me in the right direction here. Around a month and a half ago, I had sent in my Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary for servicing by the Swatch group service centre in Canada. It has been a lot of back and... 

Hi, Tcpx

 
 By: AlexSunrise : December 20th, 2016-11:05
First and foremost, congrats on owning a 50th anniversary Fifty Fathoms. Do please share photos of it once you have it back from servicing. Now, onto your concerns, I would politely ask the person helping you in Switzerland to specify any different criter... 

Bluntly

 
 By: bill5959 : December 20th, 2016-16:12
you are screwed. Swatch group has no respect for its customers. For years, collectors have not sent their watches to any Swatch facility because they do as they wish. If you have any watch that you wish to limit the work on, you likely have no control. Th... 

Unusual, I would ask for more clarification

 
 By: jayeyedoubleemmwhy : December 20th, 2016-21:59
1) Within a full service, the manufacturer will be happy to swap out a number of movement parts, provided they are worn/damaged/have functional issues/etc. Most times, these are the occasional wheel, mainspring, setting parts, screws and the like. I'm sur... 

A very unsettling situation which I hope will be properly looked after

 
 By: agyzace : December 20th, 2016-23:20
My own experience with Blancpain servicing is by far the best among the likes of JLC, PP, etc. Costs, timing and quality of work always meant I got my watches back as good as new and with reasonable costs and prior transparency, while waiting time was alw... 

Positive discussions with Blancpain Switzerland

 
 By: tcpx : December 21st, 2016-07:29
All, Thank you for all of your responses and for your insights regarding the service. I had been given the opportunity to further speak regarding the matter with several individuals directly at Blancpain's HQ in Switzerland and they were kind enough to pr... 

Terrible story but not unique to Blancpain.

 
 By: Bounce781 : December 26th, 2016-18:59
I have recently sent my Glashutte Original watch for a service as it stopped running (I suspected a snapped mainspring). The quote I received listed a "dial replacement" - $550 and Gold rotor weight replacement - $1200. Both of those are absolutely unnece... 

Hello TCPX - couple questions

 
 By: Robapril : February 19th, 2017-09:39
Hi there just reading your post and looking to confirm - they told you that all Blancpains go back to Switzerland? Was there any additional costs associated for shipping charged to you other than the regular service fee? How long altogether are they sayin... 

They do go back to Switzerland

 
 By: tcpx : February 24th, 2017-20:18
Hi Robapril, Yes indeed - I was advised that all of the Swatch group "prestige" brands (ie: anything above Omega such as Breguet, Blancpain, etc.) do have to be sent back to Switzerland which definitely is good news as the watch will be in more experience... 

Leman Series

 
 By: Robapril : March 5th, 2017-17:44
I have a Leman Flyback Chrono Grand Date. Good news that they go back to Switzerland. Hopefully service is completed quickly. When it returns I would be interested in hearing how satisfied you are with the service.

She's back!

 
 By: tcpx : March 23rd, 2017-18:46
Just wanted to share that my fifty fathoms is back (see my post below), and I'm more than happy with the overall service and work done on the timepiece. Good luck with getting your piece service as well!

Aaaand it's back!

 
 By: tcpx : March 23rd, 2017-18:24
I just received my timepiece back today -- wow am I truly ecstatic to have it back! The watch looks and feels great, and I have to say that I'm very happy with the service and communication from Blancpain! Now here are some pictures: ...  

Sharp!

 
 By: Robapril : April 2nd, 2017-05:58
It looks great for sure. I appreciate you sending the update on your experience. I have been waiting before deciding what to do with mine. Not looking forward to having it gone for a long time but I would definitely rather have a perfect result than a qui...  

Finally back in my hands for Blancpain Switzerland

 
 By: Robapril : September 22nd, 2017-18:48
Well I got a call yesterday that my watch had arrived and promptly went to pick It up today from the Blancpain Service Centre in Toronto. Very impressed! It came fully wrapped and in a soft case. On removal of the wrapping my watch looks better in every r...