| Author | Message | ||
     Ilja Probst Moderator Username: Ilja Post Number: 79 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
I used to deal a lot with JLC�s German headquarter, providing restauration services fro vintage watches. Well, I have send them 2 watches for repair estimation 4 weeks ago, both were forwarded to LeSentier: A stainless rectangular Etanche in running condition, unfortunately having a dead dial. Estimated Price for service: EUR 1,613.70 Estimated price dial refinish: EUR 637.33 Both prices subject to aditional 16% VAT so the grand total is EUR 2634.39 A 1940�s Reverso in similar condition came out with a grand total of EUR 2,650.09 Curiously, a rectangular double date that will be finished in about 4 weeks was estimated about ONE year ago at grand total of EUR 1,618.76 including a NOS dial... So how can they increase the pricing with nearly 65% within one single year? Not to speak about a Deep Sea Alarm they have serviced coming back in unacceptable condition with a polished to death engraved caseback and freshly serviced movement losing 25 minutes a day. When I now see JLC is doing a "strategic alliances" with Aston Martin, resulting a Polaris re-edition in aweful useless dial layout and hands (IMHO), I ask myself where this former respected brand is going to end. Ilja | ||
| Clavi Unregistered guest Rating: N/A |
Well, to me there is a clear message from JLC here: "stop bothering us and wasting our precious time with your old watches" I have always read about the astronomic prices asked for restoration in le Sentier... This seems however to be a general trend among the watch industry (I have read several stories of people sending their Rolex in decent condition to Rolex in France for routine service and who get an astronomic quote which includes full replacement of the case at a cost of 500� or Rolex will not guarantee the service because they claim the watch won't be water resistant unless this change is done ! ) I think JLC has never really cared for its heritage, which contributes to the relatively low market value of vintage JLCs (good and bad for us collectors depending on where you stand). And I fully concur with you on your comments on the pointless AMVOX and it's poor design. I think JLC took a wrong turn (from my aestethic point of view) since the day they hired this nice looking young woman as designer. I think she probably lacks of background in terms of horology, as her non-ergonomic and incoherent designs prove. However, I don't know how the Compressor line does, but I wouldn't be surprised if the sales are good... From a marketing / shareholder perspective, they are probably right. And of course, we are not the target market of JLC (who cares about watch collectors in this industry anyway... we never bring money to the firm... unless we use them for restoration of course!!!) | ||
| Zaf Moderator Username: Zaf Post Number: 739 Registered: 05-2003 Rating: N/A |
This is significantly more than even Patek Philippe charges. I don't understand this policy from JLC. |