Independents

This is an update to post originally dated June 7 and 12.

The watch sits at the PA service center since June 19. Last message is "parts stuck at customs..." on June 26. Nothing since. I was promised watch will be fixed and back to me by first week of July.

This has been an awful experience from the get go since March. Two lessons learned. 1. Never buy an entry level watch again from any brand. 2. After receiving my order of RM 67-01. I am going to stay away from independents.

I sure hope they will remedy the situation somewhat, but I likewise wouldn't harbor illusions that all corporate service centers do excellent work! I just didn't get the implication regarding Mille, did you have a positive experience with them?? Cheers, Filip

I was so upset that my post wasn't clear. The experience with RM is fantastic so far. I hope the watch live up to the boutique experience.

to post as many images as you like of your 67-01, it's easily my favorite Mille in his current lineup. Cheers, Filip

but I am not in the mood to compare who Is worse. perhaps lesson two should say "stick with Swatch or Casio".

Not fun but unavoidable mostly.

Quoting you: "Two lessons learned. 1. Never buy an entry level watch again from any brand. 2. After receiving my order of RM 67-01. I am going to stay away from independents."
I don't think entry level or mid level or high level that the experience is always going to be consistently good. Why are you saying to avoid entry level? Seems like you should stay away from all levels?

I'm not contesting that the 67-01 is entry level. I'm saying that Taipeigirl89's claim where s/he gets bad service because s/he is buying entry-level pieces is unsubstantiated. S/he does not have enough evidence to say that if s/he bought a more expensive model that her service would necessarily be better. Frankly, this whole post is a new poster making illogical complaints about brands. And normally we don't allow new members on WatchProSite make disparaging complaints - especially ones that are unsubstantiated as this. Furthermore, the more expensive of a watch one buys, the more complex the watch is, which means even more failures are likely to occur, which means Taipeigirl89 will have even more opportunities to be disappointed. A BMW 7 series with a complex computerized air suspension with a computerized active roll control is simply going to be more complex and have more failure points than a 3 or 5 series with a complete passive suspension.

You don't have to tell me small brand / big brand or "entry level" vs whatever the opposite of that is doesn't really determine level of service, service sucks all the way around

That service isn't great all around regardless of the brand and watch you have - it's all mediocre.  I'd also go as far as to say that the assumptions and over-generalization really doesn't help.  But that'd be unsolicited advice.  

Taipeigirl89 is not exactly right with her logic to make this comparison.

And is the Moser issue because of the watch model being entry level?  Why would a complicated watch make a difference?

with H Moser, I begin to think my awful experience could be due to the inexpensive watch I had purchased that they couldn't be too bother about?

You have not indicated any evidence to support your thinking that Moser would treat you any differently if it were a more expensive watch.

but in a way, I am glad that I am not the only one. pathetic of me, isn't it?

I’m waiting on a package from the UK right now, it was handed to FedEx Thursday and it still hasn’t gotten onto a plane yet. Custom made pieces for wedding presents; the couple’s wedding is in 2 weeks…

Keeping my fingers crossed for you that this situation is remedied quickly 🤞🏻

As others have mentioned, I don't know if I would agree with your takeaways. New watches from both big and small brands can have problems, entry level or not. My Grossmann Tefnut had a visible piece of dust in the movement when I first received it. Although it took a few months, they took it in for service under the warranty and the watch came back perfect. Similarly, a new Omega Aqua Terra I purchased for my father a while back had a more serious mechanical issue with the automatic winding. They also took a took a few months to service it, though the watch eventually came back in perfect working condition as well. I would recommend to always be aware of the return policy of where you are purchasing from, and be very careful to inspect the watch when you first receive it before removing any stickers. 

For the year of 2024 I’ve had it in my possession for less than 14 days.
Sent it into service on the 3rd of Jan. got it back end of May.

Wore it for 10 days, a piece on the case holding the straps in fell out.
It’s back at JLC still and no indication of when it’ll be back of if they even looked at it.

Can’t wait to see the RM and good luck I hope it comes back soon.

I am convinced. Swatch or Casio going forward. no more servicing, repairs, or waiting for parts.