Expert: Melvin Mills - 12/15/2009

Question
I have a moonphase ML watch that is about 8-9 years old.  It has only been worn on special occassions and it has recently stopped working.  it stops at 6:20 everyday.  I took it too a local European wacth repairman and he says it has two teeth off of a gear broken.  The estimate to repair was $800...is this reasonable, what would you charge for something like this?

Answer
Larry,

I am sorry to hear about this situation.  Did you drop the watch?

Gears should not break under normal conditions.

$800 might be a little high, but not by much.  Since I have not had the opportunity
to inspect the watch, I am inclined to give the man who did inspect it the benefit
of the doubt.

He will have to buy a new part.  These can be very expensive.  Then, he will disassemble your watch to clean it and find the missing teeth so they don't cause more problems by getting caught in other gears.

He will clean it, re-assemble it, make sure it is keeping accurate time.  When he is finished, your watch will look and work like brand new.  You are in effect buying your watch in brand new condition for $800.

If you have any doubt about the repair, contact the company directly or an authorized dealer.