Independent Watchmaker vs Authorised Centre: Which to Choose?

When your luxury watch needs servicing, the first question is: authorised centre or independent watchmaker? The answer depends on your specific situation.

Authorised Centre: Pros and Cons

Advantages: Original parts guaranteed, official brand warranty, standardised procedures.

Disadvantages: Higher costs, long wait times (6-12 months for Rolex), tendency to replace more parts than necessary, no direct contact with the technician.

Qualified Independent Watchmaker: Pros and Cons

Advantages: Competitive costs, faster turnaround (2-4 weeks), conservative approach preserving original components, direct communication with the master watchmaker, photographic documentation.

Disadvantages: Workshop warranty (not manufacturer), quality varies between professionals, may invalidate active manufacturer warranty.

Our Recommendation

Choose the authorised centre if: your watch is still under manufacturer warranty, or you need official certification for insurance.

Choose a qualified independent if: the watch is out of warranty, you want a conservative approach, reasonable costs and timing, and a personal relationship with whoever touches your watch.

Request a quote and compare it with the authorised centre. The choice will be yours, in full transparency.