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Dn240
4
Apr 2, 2018
Great write up! I have a question regarding quality of mechanical/automatic watches. I own 2 pocket watches that are both over one hundred years old and each only requires a cleaning once every couple of years to keep accurate time. In today’s lineup of new mechanical movements, do I have to sell my car to buy a mech watch that will last a lifetime(with proper care & treatment of course) or can I trust a sub $500 watch given that many watches over a wide money span use the same movements?
Dn240
4
Apr 2, 2018
Dn240I am referring to wrist watches when I speak of a new purchase. I have been thinking of getting an antique mech wrist watch but have noticed there are many micro brands offering seemingly nice watches but I am worried they will not last. You get what you pay for, most of the time, and quality watches are not inexpensive.
Vincent.H
1698
Apr 2, 2018
Dn240Not at all! Many mechanical movements are built to last these days. Just as you can buy a $70 kitchen knife and keep it for an extended period of time with regular maintenance, so too can you buy a mechanical watch that won't break the bank and keep it going for life.
It's a bit hard to tell how long modern movements may last, as many of them have not been around for long enough to transcend generations. I know of many people who have been wearing the same watch with a basic ETA or Miyota movement for years and years. With many watches now using the same movements, what I would expect is that the movements will become easier and cheaper to service. Worst case scenario, some manufacturers now will completely replace a movement instead of repairing (could be good or bad depending on how you feel about this practice).
Vincent.H
1698
Apr 2, 2018
Dn240The question that is more important to ask is how much you are willing to spend on a service. For many high end watches, service costs upwards of $500 are not unheard of. Even a basic movement like an ETA 2824 might be around $100 or more to fully service; if your watch originally cost $200 or so, would that price be too much?
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