Jaeger-LeCoultre

The long wait and the rather expensive servicing charges can all be put up with as long as the watch is serviced properly.  The US$600 or US$1000 servicing fee which is charged dependent upon model and type of movement is to support the running costs of the service centre.  Therefore, unfortunately the charges will only go up in the future instead of heading south. 

 Years ago, I had a Rolex serviced at the service centre,  it cost around US$250.  I have heard the current standard service fee is more or less the same, although I read Nicolas mentioned in another post it was a lot more.  The thing was the Rolex returned to me with a scratch on the crystal.  It was spotted straight away and the service centre agreed to replace it.  I have also heard nightmares from friends who had their watch serviced at other service centre.    One may come to think Omega offers 4 years of warranty, but I have heard a really ridiculous experience.  An Omega owner had issues with his watch, it was sent into the service centre, later he was told there was something wrong with some parts and would need to be repaired.  This guy then discovered his watch was still under warranty so he claimed the service under warranty.  He was then told there was nothing wrong with the watch and it was returned to him. The standard of services really needs to be improved in the watch industry.

My own experience with JLC was also a rather disappointing one.  A JLC was overhauled, when it was returned there were dust spotted on the dial and hands with dirt.  Overhaul was conducted by JLC service centre and the following were the exact wording I was given by a JLC shop assistant who was responsible for returning serviced watches to customers:

1.  the watch maker/technician inspects every single watch before returning to customers at the length of 12 inches, as long as it looks good, it passes the test.  

2.  it would not be appropriate for the watch maker/technician to open the watch and remove the dust as that will make the watch non-water resistant because the ring will fail as a result of it.

3. the hands do not have dirt, they have oxidized.  There is nothing can be done about it apart from you pay another US$180 for them and it will take 4 weeks to get them in.

I could have been a happier customer, if they just removed the dust and tried to clean the dirt on the hands.  If the hands really have marks because of oxidation, I can then be given a quote for a replacement.  What also annoyed me was the watch was inspected before any work would be carried out.  Why did not the centre (whoever was responsible) informed me the hands already oxidized.  Of course, it turned out the hands were not oxidized.

After spending numerous phone calls with different people at JLC, they eventually agreed to remove the dust and clean the dirt.

Nicholas was right about getting to know about the service level of manufacturer and their service centres before making a purchasing decision.

But even JLC which do not seem to have a lot of issues or problems in servicing watches can see their standards deteriorate.  Wrestling with service centre unfortunately is something we have to do at times which is very discouraging and it definitely erodes the reputation of a brand.  After what happened, I must admit I am becoming more careful and selective before I purchase a watch.  There is always a question of quality in servicing  lurking on my mind.

Sorry this has been a long response.

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