Vacheron Constantin

Hi,
I had given my $20 VC Coin watch for service and i have been told that it requires a replacement of balance axis and the charges to replace is close to $3000. Can anyone explain what is a balance axis ?
thanks,
Ovais

The balance axis or (balance staff), is quite simply the shaft that the balance wheel, the roller table and the hairspring are mounted onto. The two ends of the staff have very small tapered pivots that break easily.

 

I truly believe that the charges asked for the replacement of the balance staff (3000$), are ridiculous.  

Your watch probably has the Vacheron calibre 1003. I had for the same calibre my staff replaced from my master watchmaker in Athens for 100 Euro.

With these high restoration costs, I fear many vintage watches will find their way into scrap.  Say, notice all the movements and dials now up for auction minus their cases?

to purchase a watch and scrap it for parts, though the risk is that you purchase a watch or movement with a damaged balance staff.

Bill

"Hi Mr. Ovais,

Sorry for keep on waiting. I got the answer from Vacheron Constantin workshop as below:

Your watch balance axis is completely broken. Therefore it need to replace a new balance axis. The balance axis is a very small part of the movement.
This part (axis) is fitted in the centre of a balance wheel. A balance wheel is a heart of the movement.
If the axis pivot (the very tiny pin on the axis is not visible to naked eyes) is broken then it has to be replaced.
In case if this part is not available, depending on the age of the watch then it is very expensive to make a new one.
Please see the attached pictures. "

$3000 for a new balance staff is undoubtedly a bit much, even if the staff had to be hand made again from platinum rod, which it does not. It is my opinion companies that have been making high end watches for so many yrs must go out of their way, and make the extra effort to provide affordable, easily available service and spares backup to their vintage watches. They should keep in mind most of these customers are their oldest and most loyal clients, and almost always people who want to continue keeping money 'invested' in the brand.
High and unrealistic repair, part replacement costs like this are only going to spoil these old relationships, and get the company a bad name in time to come.
Rishad

Hi,
The service costs is really high and i totally agree with you on how brands should get further loyalty by keeping service costs real rather than over inflated. However in my case iam paying for a new column wheel, new strap, mild case polishing, new hands and an archive certificate. It is a relatively an old watch but currently they are being produced and retailed by VC at a very high price. Keeping in view that it would be a worthwhile investment in a longer run i chose to give it the best treatment by simply giving it to VC boutique in Dubai.
Ovais Patka

Find out from VC whether $3000 includes servicing the whole watch including the case. If yes, then, I think it is alright.

Also find out whether $3000 includes any hidden charges by the boutique, ie. handling charges or admin charges or any charges of that sort.

Regards

Ling

Hi,
It includes a new strap, column wheel, archive paper, case polishing and complete service.