| Author | Message | ||
     Bteran New member Username: Bteran Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2014 Rating: N/A |
Hello, I would very much appreciate any help/feedback to identify the model and date of this JL watch that my parents bought about 30 years ago. Additionally, I am thinking of sending it to JL HQs in Switzerland for them to repair and restore anew. They have informed that this process is costly and time consuming. Do anyone have any experiences to share on this? Many thanks!! Benjamin  | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6188 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Don't send it to CH, the repair cost of around $1500-2000 will outweigh the value of the watch. The case reference number should be on the back of the watch for further identification. | ||
| Bteran New member Username: Bteran Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2014 Rating: N/A |
Hi Zaf, Thank you for your prompt answer!! The case reference number is (5001.42) 1448456. Does this add any light on its date and model? On the other subject, the local JL office representatives just told me that they had to send it to CH as they could not open it (there was a rusty screw or something of the sort) and they deem that it needs a full repair. They tell me that the estimate amount for the repair would be approximately US$7500. You seem a knowledgeable person on this subject. I really want this watch to at least work properly as it is not only a beautiful piece but also a family memento I would like to keep. What do you recommend me to do? Thank you very much once again!! Best, Benjamin | ||
| Ilja Moderator Username: Ilja Post Number: 410 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Do not believe what JLC personnel tells about servicing a vintage product, they are clueless and greedy. There are some exceptions, like very significant parts are missing, or it is a high price collectable watch, but usually a vintage watch is serviceable by any skilled local watchmaker, in case movement parts are indeed needed those can be found by either buying a donor watch or locating the parts on the market. | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6191 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
$7500!!? Seriously? It really should not be over $400 for a normal service if no parts are required, afterwhich it gets tricky, you have to find them, but you can easily buy a watch that has the same movement and cannibalize it for parts and still be $5500 less than their quote. $7500 is just nonsense. | ||
| Bteran New member Username: Bteran Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2014 Rating: N/A |
Thank you both for your answers. I agree with you completely, that amount is nonsense. That is the amount that an official rep office in Argentina told me. I guess that when a friend of mine drops by in Switzerland he will drop it by in JL HQs to obtain an appropiate quote for its repair. Zaf, with the reference number, can you tell me which model and date is my watch? Many thanks, you have been enormously helpful!! | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 6193 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
Sorry but I only have info before 1975, your watch is later. Do not bother with JLC I can tell you in advance the service is $1500-2500. |