JLC Master Chrono

[poocherama]

Evening,

A disappointing afternoon.

My JLC Master Chronograph, delivered on Wednesday and proudly posted on the forum, has stopped working - in entirety.

The watch is brand new and has a warranty. Should I be contacting the seller who sourced the watch through an AD, or should I take it straight to the Boutique on Bond Street?

Cannot believe it's lasted all of 5 days.

All advice welcome

P.

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Update.

I took it to the JLC boutique on Bond street this morning. They were helpful and had their watch maker have a look at it on the premises. He couldn't work out the cause of the fault so its been despatched to the main UK service centre for further inspection. They'll then tell me whether it can been fixed there or needs to be sent on to Switzerland! Apparently I should know fairly shortly. In any event I can't see this being a 5 minute job!

P

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yeti said:

Richard is a first class watchmaker, qualified right up to tourbillon level. If he couldnt wrk it out (albeit with a quick look with the movement still in the case I'd imagine) then this is a worry

Sounds ominous...

On a separate note I just reviewed the receipt from JLC for the repair. Estimated return 30th June! The manager of the boutique said it should be quick, I dread to imagine what their interpretation of slow is...

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sparkyhx said:

why is it being repaired and not replaced!!!! a few months old and maybe a repair but 5 days ownership is taking the *iss. i'd kick up a right royal stink. Did you pay by credit card? If so claim the cash back unless they give you a new one.

I agree. However I bought it off a dealer who sourced it from an AD in Barcelona, brand new with guarantee, the JLC Boutique knew the AD.

I phoned the dealer the day after the watch broke, he offered to have it back and send it off, no offer of a refund then him sending it back to the AD to sort out between themselves. Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Argue with a dealer for days/weeks about who's responsibility it is to sort the watch as its under a manufacturers warranty, or just get on with having it repaired? If I'd bought it directly from the Boutique I'd be screaming bloody murder. If something out of the ordinary invalidates the warranty for whatever reason, we then have a different situation.

You pays your money and takes your chances.

In the meantime I've been considering an Omega SM 300, one of the NOS ones, anyone know of a good place to pick them up?

Edited by poocherama on Thursday 13th March 17:03

Edited by poocherama on Thursday 13th March 17:04

Edited by poocherama on Thursday 13th March 17:16

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NeMiSiS said:

You are invited to write to Richemont CS and vent your displeasure, I would, whether I bought the NEW watch from a UD or an AD.

http://www.richemont.com/corporate-social-responsi...

Thanks, I'll do just that. No complaint contact details though, just the standard contact form! Anyone have a better more direct line in?

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Update - I tracked down a contact email address on watchuseek. JLC customer services replied within 48 hours and confirmed the watch was a priority and that it should be with me by 28th March. Not a bad result all in all. Will keep you posted as to when it actually arrives!

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Update - My watch was returned to me last Thursday, 3 week turnaround, all in all not a bad result.

P

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RichB said:

ooking at this thread as a result of a post you made on the "Grail Watches" thread. So Mr Pooch, what was the final story? You obviously got your watch back but what did they tell you about it stopping?

Bump.

I never did find out. I will now though, the bloody thing has bust again! It's keeping time but the chrono function is buggered. Say what you like about Rolex but my 9 year old datejust, which has never been serviced, hasn't missed a beat.

I'm looking for a new watch this year and I'd been considering JLC's in gold, not anymore....

Daytona perhaps?

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Staggering. I've just heard from JLC. They want over £800 to repair a watch that is less than a year old, has failed twice and is still under warranty. Apparently it's my fault. Does anyone understand the diagnosis? If they won't repair it under warranty should I take it to an independent?

'Following careful examination of your watch by our Master Watchmaker, diagnostics show that the pusher has
received an impact. This impact has damaged it and caused the movement to malfunction. We therefore conclude
that it is necessary to replace the crown and to perform a complete movement service in order to return your
watch to full working order.

Diagnostics shows that the necessary work is due to accidental damage and therefore we regret that it is not
covered by the guarantee. '





Thank you for sending your Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece to us for inspection. Following careful examination by our
Master Watchmaker, we recommend the following:

The following interventions and/or components are necessary :

Complete service £740.00

- Complete dismantling of the case and movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning of the case
- Replacement of all gaskets and screws
- Movement cleaning and oiling of components and replacement where applicable
- Escapement and regulation checks
- Dial and hands fitting
- Watch re-assembly
- Water-resistance test
- Movement regulation and Power reserve check
- Control the functioning of the watch for at least 48hrs
- Adjust the clasp

Handling & freight charges £14.40

Replacement of the pusher £80.00
______________________________________

Total : £834.40
______________________________________

The aesthetic interventions and/or components below are suggested options:

Polishing (best possible)- We offer this service complimentary, please specify within your reply should you wish to proceed with this service.

- Polishing of the various elements of the watchcase

Following careful examination of your watch by our Master Watchmaker, diagnostics show that the pusher has
received an impact. This impact has damaged it and caused the movement to malfunction. We therefore conclude
that it is necessary to replace the crown and to perform a complete movement service in order to return your
watch to full working order.

Diagnostics shows that the necessary work is due to accidental damage and therefore we regret that it is not
covered by the guarantee.

We note that your watch is scratched and shows signs of general wear and tear. We therefore suggest to
undertake a professional case polish in order to restore the aesthetic appeal. Please be advised that the polish will
be as best possible, it may be difficult to remove heavy dents or scratches without compromising the shape of the
timepiece.

The approximate completion time will be 8 weeks from approval of the estimate depending on availability of
parts and final quality control.

This estimate is based on an initial inspection. If any additional parts are required, we reserve the right to
re-estimate. Should a new part be required, please note that we will retain the used part.

Please be advised that this quotation is valid for two months.

We remain at your disposal should you have any further queries. We look forward to receiving your response.

We thank you for your continued trust and valued custom.

Edited by poocherama on Monday 19th January 11:42

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PJ S said:

Well, did it receive an impact? Think hard.
And when was the last time you used the chronograph? Was it working perfectly then?

JLC watches (if not their movements) are known to be fragile – so none of this unfortunate escapade is in the least bit surprising.

Nope, i'm pretty fastidious about looking after my watches. If it can't be worn regularly without breaking there really is little point in owning it.

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Update.

Never heard a thing from the JLC Boutique, nada, complete radio silence. However I e-mailed the random address provided by a member of watchuseek that helped resolve the first issue I had with the watch. A month later they reply. A month. In a nut shell 'go fk yourself pal'.

So it seems the only way I can communicate with a supposed luxury goods company is through a 3rd party website.

I'm now bored with the whole saga. It's a broken watch after all not a broken person.

As I have no intention what so ever of being fked further by the stty stick that is Richmont group I have a question. Can I get it repaired independently or is the POS destined to be consigned to the back of my sock draw?

P

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andy_s said:

^ piss poor.

Wandering around the shops today seeing the obscene amounts of money charged for new watches nowadays in general made me feel nauseous, I couldn't bring myself to justify anything like those prices without having the feeling of being ripped off. Royally.

I'll stick to vintage, at least the depreciation is minimal and anything interesting can quickly be liquidated.

Sympathies OP, V poor show from a prime watch house.

Thanks Andy.

Echoed your sentiments exactly over on watchuseek. I bought a 1968 Omega SM 300 last year, fabulous watch, great service and, to date, keeping time nicely.

I too can't help feeling a little like a mug with regards the JLC. C'est la vie.

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dom9 said:

I am guessing that Variomatic on here (regular watch forum poster, check out his profile) might be able to do it.

If not, he'll certainly know an independant who can!

I am sending him (Joe) a watch today and he has a great reputation on here

Many thanks, I'll send him and email.

P

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PJ S said:

pooch – did you get my email?
If not, check your junk folder.

Nope - I just realised that the e-mail linked to my PH account is an out of use one. Please could yo send it again?

P

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yeti said:

The boutique is not what it used to be; the manager left, as did her successor. You profile says you're in London, you need to go down there and state your case. Ask for the names of the people you need to contact at the very least.

If you didn't drop it, stick to your guns.

And no, indies will not be able to get parts to repair it, JLC control the supply as they make everything in-house of course.

Thank you for this Yeti. I'll bear it in mind as I continue in my struggle for Justice!

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gvij said:

Why did it break the first time and why did they fix it for free? JLC/PP are known to have weak fragile movements. Between that and parts unavailability they arent really viable as keepers unless having more money than sense or knowing what to spend it on at least!

I've asked them this several times now, it would seem relevant to me contesting their current diagnosis! I'll await an answer with baited breath!

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How about one of these as a replacement?

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Riff Raff said:

I had a 15300, and I bitterly regret selling it. Build quality is astonishing, it's a design icon, and for most people in the street, it flies under the radar.

It does wear a bit bling though, because the bracelet is all flat facets that catch the light like a 70's disco ball.

I'm half decided to buy another 15300, as the 15400 might look a bit oversized to some.

I think the 15300 would suit me better size wise, although I've yet to try one on. The finish looks beautiful. I'd love to go down the 15202 route but don't think I couldn't justify the extra expense.

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yeti said:

Interesting news! And yes, hopefully they will be able to focus a little harder on their after sales...

Indeed, the manager mentioned this, it's on the corner where the old WoS shop was (now on Regent St). He also mentioned that my watch would be returned through WoS if the existing boutique had closed by then!?

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GCH said:

poocherama said:

yeti said:

Interesting news! And yes, hopefully they will be able to focus a little harder on their after sales...

Indeed, the manager mentioned this, it's on the corner where the old WoS shop was (now on Regent St). He also mentioned that my watch would be returned through WoS if the existing boutique had closed by then!?

That now closed WoS (if we are thinking of the same one, up near vuitton) is a Patek boutique now.

Edited by GCH on Thursday 12th February 13:45

Indeed, I've just been past and seen it!