Jaeger LeCoultre Servicing/Overhaul

The new york times published an article three years ago about the servicing cost of watches titled The Watchmakers' Time Bomb. As a collector, it's certainly not news that servicing is a costly but necessary evil. There's really no good answer as to how much servicing should cost, it's anyone's guess. With the increasing number of in-house movements left and right with few shared parts, manufacturers can charge whatever they want for service and get away with it. Standard rates are sometimes published, but parts are always additional. Having just sent in a JLC Master Ultra Thin for service, I've listed the options below (prices are quotes assuming no parts required)

JLC in Le Sentier: 300-800 dollars, includes polish, new gaskets. 120 dollars for refused estimates. Has access to all parts, price range probably reflects replacement of crown which they JLC likes to do to "ensure water resistance."
Time: 7-10 months

Independent #1: 395 dollars, includes polish, new gaskets, new mainspring if needed. Free estimate.
Time: 2 weeks

Independent #2: ~1000 dollars, includes polish, no replacement of gaskets. Free estimate.
Time: ~2 weeks

Independent #3: "We suggest you send it to JLC due to the delicacy of the movement" - At least they're honest

Independent #4: 295 dollars, +50 for polish, new gaskets. Free estimate. "We do not go crazy on the polish like JLC does"
Time: 3 weeks

I think it's a no brainer that I went with the last choice. The independents are all extremely well reputed and dependable, but access to parts can be problematic. Although JLC is the subject of this example, other high end watch brands have a similar problem.

All photos courtesy of JLC