Broad generalizations being made.

I think the car engine comparison to a watch movement is actually quite accurate. A car engine will continue to run until it doesn't. Sometimes there are tell tale signs that something is wrong and sometimes the issue is suddenly discovered and it is too late. Why run the risk of costly repairs? A simple maintenance service can easily eliminate huge issues. For example a broken timing belt will render a running engine a paperweight in seconds, while the maintenance job to change it may only be $1000 dollars.

A watch will work until it doesn't. Imagine all the gears and springs and screws that must function perfectly for the watch to work. Now imagine the incredible precision needed for the watch to function at COSC standards. 86400 seconds a day and the watch has to be perfect between 86396 and 86406 of all those seconds.

If so much money is being spent on these watches, why not have it serviced regularly instead of playing the service game and seeing now long you can go without a major failure? Furthermore, how do you know most owners of high end watches aren't collectors? How many people can really justify spending more on their watch than mode of transportation?

Sending your watch directly to Geneva for repairs and maintaince

By: fallanden_ch : July 21st, 2011-00:44

Has anyone noticed that the magic that comes out of a fresh sealed Patek Philippe watch seems to be a one time affair? I have had poor experiences with some repairs or maintenance done at the official U.S. repair facilities. I have had a particular high e...

What you should consider...

By: mac_omega : July 21st, 2011-01:39

Hi, What you should consider: 1) risk of oversea shipping 2) high costs - I must admit that I do not know if it is cheaper at Stern or not Concerning service intervals: If you wear the watch on a regular basis or you have it on the winder all the time I w...

I fail to....

By: MiniCooper : July 21st, 2011-05:49

see the point of this thread.... You have not tested the competence of Patek's service in the US but you would like to sent it to Switzerland because a watch from a different manufacturer that you never worn was sent to service in the US was not probably ...

My Point Being

By: fallanden_ch : July 22nd, 2011-01:35

I ask this as a general question? Not just related to Stern and Patek, but for all high end watches. It seems the care that is put into the initial build is is far greater than the attention to perfection in the repair and maintaince department. I wonder ...

Have sent Pateks to USA service center and...

By: enjoythemusic : July 22nd, 2011-05:59

Have had a few Pateks serviced over the years by H. Stern in NYC (Patek's official United States service center) and all have been done with just as high a level as the factory in Switzerland. Mr. Jarred is head of servicing and a true gentleman, as have ...

Thanks

By: fallanden_ch : July 22nd, 2011-18:42

Thank you for your advice and reassurement of the quality of Stern's care for our watches after sale needs.

Pride in watch NOT being serviced?

By: mjnoumoff : July 23rd, 2011-06:37

I fail to see what glory there is in not having a watch serviced and it continuing to work. For example, what is the point of having the oil in your car changed or the timing belt changed if the car is still running? The service is usually done as a preve...

Comparision with cars...

By: Expat : July 23rd, 2011-07:30

My opinion is that maintanance on a watch is grossly overrated. First, I hardly see any one complaining that their watch isn't running anymore after 20 years or so. (if it wasn't serviced). I have two mechanical watches which have never been serviced, the...

Two views on service

By: watch-er : July 23rd, 2011-11:11

The manufactures all suggest 5 years or so. Most watch people I know all say never go into a watch if it's working properly, as you can do way more harm than good. Good point I never connected the routine maintenance requests as a ploy be companies to pay...

I agree to compare to an automobile is silly

By: fallanden_ch : July 24th, 2011-19:39

I tend to agree that I have yet to find people complaining that their watch isn't running after X amount of years due to lack or service if their was no compelling reason to service the watch in the first place. The flecks of dust, micro swirls, and other...

Broad generalizations being made.

By: mjnoumoff : July 25th, 2011-15:36

I have some sympathy for your concerns

By: Nomer : July 23rd, 2011-05:13

My general experience has been that service levels for repairs generally do not mirror the high level of quality control that is in evidence with new watches. While not conclusive I have been surprised to see in my own situation over the years, crowns tha...