[stuartj]

This is really a vexed question.

Skills with mechanical watches are scarce, hence the price to work on them is high. See RPKESQ’s list. A service is a disassembly and replace parts, all hand work by a watchmaker. If you don’t like it, buy a Casio, drive a Toyota -it’s the cost of ownership thing. I paid MORE for a repair to a vintage 1951 Seamaster than I paid for the watch because it was, IMO, worth saving. There are good local watchmakers- the problem is finding them, and then what recourse you have. I’ve had very a very bad experience with a small watchmaker who irreparably damaged a case. Ive also had a very expensive watch go missing in transit- that is another benefit of using authorised service. Much as I was annoyed to lose the watch, it was their problem. So obviously, keep shipping to a minimum.

Some people say watches should be serviced regularly. I service them when they stop. I’ve just had an IWC chronograph come back from factory service at the type of price you mention. When I got it back, it went straight back to them because it wasn’t right, which was disappointing. I suggest you go to Timezone, and see if anyone can recommend a service other than factory which is convenient for you. Otherwise, send it to the Auth Agent and suck it up…..