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... 

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. Th... 

$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... 

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 h... 

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 tha... 

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