Vintage watch servicing

[Ambulance Chaser]

I just bought a vintage Girard-Perregaux gold dress watch off the 'bay. The watch is gorgeous, but is running fast -- gaining 4 to 5 seconds an hour. The power reserve seems to be a bit low -- 24 hours on a full wind. Does it sound like this watch needs service (despite the seller saying the watch was recently serviced), or is it operating within the acceptable range for a vintage watch? Should I wait a little while for the watch to "break in" on my wrist before thinking about having it serviced?

 

[TCN]

If it were me, I'd give it a few weeks of constant wear and chart how it's running versus time.gov. Then take it in to a good repair facility for regulating.

Four to five seconds per HOUR is an excessive deviation. I would think that for a vintage, dress, non-COSC watch, you should expect plus or minus 20 to 30 seconds a day, but others here will undoubtedly know better where this particular watch should be.

 

[Alan B.]

I bought a vintage Hamilton off eBay and took it to my watch repairman. It needed servicing but it should be considered part of the purchase price of getting a vintage watch. Any vintage watch, consider tacking $100-$150 on for a service. If it's a good watch, it's well worth it.

 

[gdl203]

If it is running 2 mins fast per day, it sounds like it needs servicing (or at least to be regulated)

I would NOT go to a random neighborhood watch repair shop. I suggest contacting Jack at Industrial Watch Works in PA ([email protected]) or ask for a recommendation on TimeZone for a reputable watch repair shop in your area

 

[imageWIS]

God, I can't believe I'm recommending them, but I think RGM is the best watch repair service when it comes to GP in the US. They had, or had the GP repair concession in the US.

Jon.

 

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

God, I can’t believe I’m recommending them, but I think RGM is the best watch repair service when it comes to GP in the US.
Probably the most expensive one too?

 

[farfisa23]

Wanna Buy A Watch in Los Angeles does great work. Not inexpensive, but well worth it. They also have an amazing selection of watches and antique jewelry too.

www.wbaw.com

 

[Cantabrigian]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

God, I can't believe I'm recommending them, but I think RGM is the best watch repair service when it comes to GP in the US. They had, or had the GP repair concession in the US.

Jon.
Bad experience?

I spoke w/ them a few months ago and came away with a lot of confidence in their ability.

I finally talked the official service center into doing what I wanted since they were cheaper but I'd trust them w/ pretty much anything.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

I spoke w/ them a few months ago and came away with a lot of confidence in their ability.

I've used RGM three times to my complete satisfaction. Competent watchmakers are not inexpensive.

 

[TCN]

Originally Posted by Cantabrigian

Bad experience?

I spoke w/ them a few months ago and came away with a lot of confidence in their ability.

I finally talked the official service center into doing what I wanted since they were cheaper but I'd trust them w/ pretty much anything.


Jon, I'd be interested in hearing your experiences with RGM, either here or via PM if more appropriate.