FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
You already seem to have given yourself an answer after asking the question... Having a service center (or AD) handy is not strictly necessary but obviously helps, so that's no doubt *a* factor to consider before purchasing a watch.
Something else you seem to imply is that you'd be buying this GP second hand. Sometimes buying from a grey dealer is the only option, but that in itself already makes things more complicated (if you buy new from your trusted AD, among many other perks you are welcome to drop by any day if you have issues with your timepiece -- regardless of warranty times).
Most importantly for me, when I buy a watch, ALL aspects that I consider relevant for that specific purchase have to come nicely together in order for me to pull the trigger: so I guess my best advice is, don't buy any watch (in-house or otherwise) unless/until all conditions that are relevant to you are satisfied...with no compromise ;-)
Cheers.
Guys, be honest : would you buy a watch with an in-house caliber that only can be serviced by the factory..
Given the condition that there is no authorized service in your country? Which means that if anything happen with your watch, be it still in guarantee period or not, you have to send it to other country or straight to Switzerland. Then you have to deal wi...
I would not do it but i think there is no real reason for it because you can send an insured package
And the effort is not that big actually. But i would not buy a watch on a bracelet without an ad nearby.
You already seem to have given yourself an answer after asking the question... Having a service center (or AD) handy is not strictly necessary but obviously helps, so that's no doubt *a* factor to consider before purchasing a watch.
Something else you seem to imply is that you'd be buying this GP second hand. Sometimes buying from a grey dealer is the only option, but that in itself already makes things more complicated (if you buy new from your trusted AD, among many other perks you...
Thanks for the advice. You are right that..
My enjoyment of the watch maybe ruined , or at least, annoyed, if something went wrong and I get difficulties when service it. My impression is that GP is not popular in Asia. The number of ADs and SCs are very low , even in popular countries like singapo...
Do you want a popular watch or that GP?
Had never any issue with different GPs. But for me it is easy as I usually go to Switzerland several times a year. Often drop a watch for service on my way and pick it up a few weeks later.
Correct. There is a consequence for anything.
So I have to think if its worth to have a hassle in servicing, compared to the beauty of the watch. Decision, decision...
Confidence
One would require a lot of confidence in the manufacturer to order such a watch. I would be reluctant
Precisely. I dont think I have it (now).
Speaking of confidence, do you guys have experiences in caliber 3300? Is it complicated, means that it cannot be serviced by a competent, independent watchmaker?
I would trust GP quality control enough not to worry too much..
..about servicing the watch in the nearest SC available. SG is not far, treat it as a short holiday trip... 🌴🍻
Hahaha...good point. But after drop the watch,
The service time usually at least one or 2 months with in-house calibers (from my experiences). So after 1 or 2 month I have to fly again to pick up the watch )
There are high end shippers who can send a watch overseas safely for a price
Consider that a modern movement will not need servicing for at least 5 years. However, buying sight unseen may mean the watch does not arrive in working order, so consider well.
Yes, buying pre-owned and have it shipped here is always risky
However, if I buy new, I don't mind to fly to Singapore/thailand. The problem is the service. Even brand new watch can be a "lemon" if I get unlucky. That's when it hurts
I have had several watches go to the factory in CH because they couldn't do something here
And, not once did I have good luck with the quality of their service and the watches were always gone several months at a time.
Wow, that is unfortunate. I feel bad that you never had nice and smooth experience.
Do you refer to GP watches or in general? Thanks