Vacheron Constantin - Question about VC service costs for ref. 4667

Question about VC service costs for ref. 4667

Jan 25, 2011,20:12 PM

Hi, everyone. I purchased a ref 4667 from Antiquorum back in September. The piece was listed as "requiring service" in the auction catalog, so I immediately took it to Tourneau to send to VC for repair. After about 12 weeks and the piece being re-routed from the Texas service center to Geneva, I received the service estimate from Tourneau today.

The quote was $4500 for "required servicing."

Now, I paid about $2700 (plus hammer commission) in September and I can't envision a scenario where shelling out that kind of money for service being a sound investment that will be recouped through increased value of the watch.

Does anyone here have experience with VC service? Is it common for them (or Tourneau) to tack on unnecessary service to boost the fee or am I better off parting with the piece asap? Are there any other service options that might be less expensive?

Comments: view entire thread

Caring for vintage watches can be an expensive proposition...

By: WHL : January 26th, 2011-08:34

and you are correct to think that you won't recoup your investment. Regardless of financial considerations, you have a beautiful watch that exemplifies Vacheron Constantin's watchmaking at it best in the 1950's: thin, elegant, and refined. Once serviced i...

A Dark Secret

By: Tick Talk : January 26th, 2011-11:18

I'm afraid you've found out about the change in vintage restoration prices that occurred a few years ago. I've seen estimates for similar work more than double since 2009. With the high price for gold and the high cost of restorations, I'm afraid that man...

Some advice from a regular vintage collector.

By: mkvc : January 26th, 2011-20:22

1. Find a local watchmaker who can do the work. It will cost an order of magnitude less. The work may not be "perfect," but the watch will function. If it's an old watch it's not going to be water resistant anyway. Also, if it's an pre-quartz era watch it...

Have you had any luck...

By: Tick Talk : January 27th, 2011-07:31

sending watches to VC directly? My experience in North America has been they will only accept watches for service through their outlets or Richemont service centers, and they will not provide parts to 3rd party repair facilities. Last time there was indee...

RE:Service costs

By: Horology75 : January 27th, 2011-23:59

Hi, I can relate to the surprise you are facing. I had acquired a $20 coin watch from a private collector and in quest of making my collectible perfect i took to the VC Boutique and they advised me that it would be sent to Swiss for the needful appraisal ...