Tag Heuer - am I expecting too much?

[VictoriaYorks]

• duh* typo in title, should have said "expecting"

I bought an Aquaracer watch from the York Outlet shop in August 2010.

In January last year (so less than 18 months later) I started getting the 5 second battery warning so I took it back to York, they sent it away and I had the battery replaced under warranty.

Unfortunately the watch stopped working again a few weeks ago, I didn't even get the 5 second warning this time.

I have sent it back to the LVMH place in Manchester and this morning I've had an estimate of £205(!) for "POLISHED STEEL CROWN SERVICE, Please be advised a service will be required to put the watch back into full working order due to high consumption. If further work is required we will advise."

I've sent an email indicating my unhappiness with this and am waiting to hear back.

Surely since they only had the watch a year ago and the battery has failed already that's something they should do free isn't it?

Edited by VictoriaYorks on Tuesday 12th February 12:47

[VictoriaYorks]

For the new battery? I'd have thought so but it seems like they're blaming the problem on the watch which would now be out of warranty. This is my first Tag and I'm not too impressed by this.

I've had an Omega for years and get the battery changed for £50 a time about every 4 years. Never cost more than that.

[VictoriaYorks]

They're now offering to do the service "as a gesture of goodwill" for the price of a new battery. It's still £65 though which I don't think I should have to pay.
They're saying the watch has "high consumption" which presumably explains it going through two batteries in 2.5 years. I have a feeling if I say to just send it back they will charge me for work done so far.

[VictoriaYorks]

I've written back to ask why this "high consumption" fault wasn't picked up when they changed the battery last year.

And they called me "Mr" in the email title

[VictoriaYorks]

I suppose it's the equivalent of using a main dealer to service your car. I've asked them to send it back to me. They didn't even seem confident that a service would cure the battery drain issue.

[VictoriaYorks]

lauda said:

I have never been impressed with Tag Heuer's servicing. Seems very expensive and takes an absolute age (and half of the paint was missing from the bezel on mine when it can back first time which meant it had to go back again - bye bye for another couple of months).

I also don't quite get the need for servicing on a quartz watch. I've never had my old Swatch quartz serviced and it still keeps perfect time. I'd find a decent independent (I'm sure someone on here can recommend someone) and steer as far clear from manufacturer servicing as possible.

I'm thinking it's just a standard response for them, send it in for a new battery and magically it needs a service.

[VictoriaYorks]

Paul Drawmer said:

Off topic, but I have currently got 4 Christopher Ward watches, and one of the reasons that helps me buy is this:
http://www.christopherward.co.uk/cw360care.html

Yes if only Tags had a 5 year warranty
I can't say I'd rush to buy another after this

[VictoriaYorks]

Yes when I get mine back I'm going to take it to a watch specialist in my local town. I will mention what Tag said about high consumption but I'm willing to bet the battery will last longer than a year.

[VictoriaYorks]

I'm shocked at how many people have had similar experiences from what I would class as a premium brand watch. I would certainly never buy another one again either. I've had an Omega for over 10 years and it has needed two batteries in that time. Never been told it needed a service and definitely not for over £200! I just wish I knew where it was, I've hidden it in a "safe place" and now can't find it

Got my Tag back today so I'll take it in at the weekend for an independent's view.

[VictoriaYorks]

Got a new battery put in it today for £7.50 at my local watch repairers. The guy there seemed pretty bemused by the "high consumption" statement. Even in the 5 minutes I was in there someone else rang the shop to ask about a new battery for their Tag. I had downloaded a 10% discount voucher online thinking it would be more expensive, so even if I have to change the battery every year I could go 10 years for the price of one battery from Tag!

[VictoriaYorks]

jjr1 said:

I am really wanting one of these http://www.beaverbrooks.co.uk/mx5652/tag-heuer-car... but by the looks of it according to this thread I should stay well clear of Tag?

Any alternative suggestions for similar looking watch or is there anyone prepared to defend the Tag ?

My OH bought an automatic at the same time he bought mine and it's been fine, but no battery to go wrong

[VictoriaYorks]

tickious said:

Rolex, Breitling and Omega include a case and bracelet refurb in their service. Cartier and tag don't, or it's chargeable. I'm a Rolex fan, but in my opinion I'd have to say you get the best vfm from a Breitling service as you also get a full new set of hands every time. As for tag I don't think it's really worth sending back to them for batteries, but worth checking that the independents are going to guarantee the water resistance for their £7.50. If not worth keeping it out of water.

Oh it's definitely not guaranteed water tight, they made that clear when they changed the battery, but the closest it gets to water is when I was my hands so it's fine for me

[VictoriaYorks]

I would say just take it to a good independent repairer if it's out of warranty. I get the battery in mine changed at a local jewellers and it costs me under £10 instead of the £65 that Tag wanted. Yes it's not guaranteed waterproof but I don't need it to be.

[VictoriaYorks]

To top it off, the watch that my OH bought at the same time has now stopped working. It's an aquaracer too, an automatic chronograph and no amount of winding or wearing will bring it back to life. Our local independent jeweller has quoted £260 for a service. We bought these watches in August 2010 with money from his grandma's estate. In that time mine has gone through 4 batteries and now his has stopped working.
By contrast I have an Omega bought in 2000 and that has just had its 4th battery put in.
Does £260 sound reasonable for a service? It sounds a lot to me.

[VictoriaYorks]

I don't think quality is something to be ignored when spending considerable sums on a watch.
I would think twice and three times before purchasing another Tag. My Omega has always been fine but that is 15 years old now so I don't know if that makes a difference.
There is a world of nice watches out there. Take the time to read owner reviews and see what they're like to live with.

[VictoriaYorks]

I am in touch with Joe, thanks for all the recommendations