Jaeger-LeCoultre

Tim_M
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On a somewhat softer note...

Since we've agreed that $1,500 is very representative of the service cost of a complicated JLC, I'm not certain anyone here can say with certainty whether the estimate is slightly high or slightly low. Realistically, any estimate that includes comprehensive factory service on a perpetual is going to be in this range.

The difficulty of judging whether your estimate represents the exact price of this service lies in the fact that "service" of a watch is rarely the exact same procedure for every watch, even when the watches are the same model from the same manufacturer. In fact, the more complicated the watch, the more likely it is that any two watches of the same reference number will require slightly different work. Although some elements of service, such as ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication, and regulation are standard, the individual component wear and owner usage habits of a given movement may differ from one watch to another. While cars generally have prescribed maintenance schedules in their owner's manuals, watch service is somewhat more open-ended and contingent on the individual watch's needs.

In other words, one perpetual calendar may require a new mainspring because it was warped; another may require a new set of wheels where lubrication dried rapidly and damage occurred; still another watch may have suffered from trace movement corrosion because its owner lived in a very humid climate; another watch may have suffered a small shock during the engagement period of the perpetual calendar mechanisms, thus necessitating replacement and adjustment of those parts. All of these conditions may have developed unbeknownst to the owners and despite careful ownership practices.

Anecdotally, I have been told by watchmakers that perpetual calendars are among the most involved stand-alone complications to service fully, so slightly lower estimates that you have seen for chronographs, alarms, or dual times may not be useful references.

At this point, it would be best to go forward with the service if you can get in touch with JLC North America in Texas and receive a) a breakdown of how they reached their estimate and b) clarification of whether the estimate included (or excluded) any optional service items. I know that some factories will list certain cosmetic measures as options when the total cost breakdown is given, and these can be excluded if desired.

Best,

Tim