Emil Wojcik recounts his highly positive experience with the Jaquet Droz NYC boutique after his discontinued Date Astrale model underwent servicing in Switzerland. His post highlights the exceptional customer service received and the successful restoration of his unique timepiece.
I highly recommend the NYC boutique after my very pleasant experience, with a special thanks to Marcia, who was not only extremely personable but also a perfect spokesperson for the brand. She updated me regularly throughout the process and when JD was participating in the Only Watch auction she sent an invitation, although I was unfortunately unable to attend.
After deciding I wanted a JD about a year and a half ago, I needed to find a model that fit 'me'. Although I really like the Grand Second, and basically every other model for that matter, I wanted something that was out of the ordinary even for Jaquet Droz, yet very simple and elegant (there are plenty that fit that description but most are far above my comfort level, price wise). So an internet search turned up this discontinued model, the Date Astrale. So pre-owned was my only option. I knew it should be serviced when I first bought it but wanted to wear it for a while first since it was running well although the amplitude was low and it was losing a few seconds a day. Back on the timer when I got home today and amplitude is back up where it belongs and it's at a perfectly acceptable +2 seconds a day.
I found the wait of around 4 1/2 months to be within expected norms and I was actually expecting it to take a bit longer. Pricing was also very fair, including a new, longer strap that fit me better than the original which was a bit worn anyway.
