tag heuer owners - watch servicing?
14 November 2007, 11:01 AM
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tag heuer owners - watch servicing?
where do you get your tag heuer watch(es) serviced? mine needs some minor attention 
14 November 2007, 11:04 AM
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As it's a TAG why not just take it to one of these sort of places?
The Watch Lab | Quality Watch Repairs
Most modern TAGs aren't worth very much anyway particularly if they are one of the popular battery operated models.
Of course if it's a vintage or high end auto you might want to take better care of it.
The Watch Lab | Quality Watch Repairs
Most modern TAGs aren't worth very much anyway particularly if they are one of the popular battery operated models.
Of course if it's a vintage or high end auto you might want to take better care of it.
14 November 2007, 11:09 AM
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not one of the popular battery operated models and took a while to find, so i would like to take it to either an "approved dealer" or to tag heuer themselves. i was hoping someone else here had been in the same situation.
tried calling tag heuer but the person i needed to speak to [at their "uk office" with london phone number but address in the midlands somewhere (
)] is out of the office until tomorrow...call me impatient 
didn't want to trawl through yell for local jewellers as they will all try and sell me their own "service and/or repair package"
tried calling tag heuer but the person i needed to speak to [at their "uk office" with london phone number but address in the midlands somewhere (
)] is out of the office until tomorrow...call me impatient didn't want to trawl through yell for local jewellers as they will all try and sell me their own "service and/or repair package"
14 November 2007, 11:11 AM
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What's actually wrong with it and what model is it? I might know a watchmaker who can help.
14 November 2007, 11:11 AM
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just checked your link nacro. thanks for that - i see they are specialists. there isn't one near me, but i notice they offer a postal service, so that may be worth bearing in mind 
14 November 2007, 11:24 AM
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it's a blue carbon faced 2000 auto. losing a minute a day roughly, so i think it just needs a clean.
14 November 2007, 11:25 AM
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i just read your location - lol, turbo snakebite! friend of mine used to drink stella and black smirnoff ice
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14 November 2007, 11:29 AM
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14 November 2007, 11:30 AM
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Sent mine to LVMH Watch & Jewellery, 16-18 Harcourt Street, Worsley, Manchester. Tel: 01204 861168.
Only needed a battery however this is the only place listed in the owners manual in the UK.
Turn around was extremely quick, no issues at all.
Only needed a battery however this is the only place listed in the owners manual in the UK.
Turn around was extremely quick, no issues at all.
14 November 2007, 11:33 AM
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thanks hg - probably goes to lvmh.
mal - quite right it's manchester not midlands, but that's who i called. i'll hang on and make the call tomorrow then. cheers
mal - quite right it's manchester not midlands, but that's who i called. i'll hang on and make the call tomorrow then. cheers
14 November 2007, 11:38 AM
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Just go to wherever is most convenient.
14 November 2007, 11:52 AM
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![[Davey]'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23806b84' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>[</text></svg>)
If its a Quartz watch then just take it anywhere.. The ETA quartz movments are only worth af ew quid anyway, if its not keeping good time just get it swapped out.. If its an ETA auto then any decent independant watch maker can help you..
14 November 2007, 11:52 AM
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If it's losing a minute a day it will need a full service, that isn't just a regulation issue. Also giving a watch a 'clean' wouldn't do anything to improve accuracy. A proper strip down and relubrication of the movement will do. Assuming it's the non-chrono this watch just has a generic ETA movement in it which any local watchmaker will be able to service perfectly well.
Just go to wherever is most convenient.
Just go to wherever is most convenient.
14 November 2007, 11:59 AM
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As it's a TAG why not just take it to one of these sort of places?
The Watch Lab | Quality Watch Repairs
Most modern TAGs aren't worth very much anyway particularly if they are one of the popular battery operated models.
Of course if it's a vintage or high end auto you might want to take better care of it.
The Watch Lab | Quality Watch Repairs
Most modern TAGs aren't worth very much anyway particularly if they are one of the popular battery operated models.
Of course if it's a vintage or high end auto you might want to take better care of it.
14 November 2007, 12:01 PM
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stupid question perhaps, but what's ETA? is that the part manufacturer?
it's an auto by the way
edited to say having had a quick look around the web, i believe the movement is "Calibre 5 2824-2 ETA"
it's an auto by the way
edited to say having had a quick look around the web, i believe the movement is "Calibre 5 2824-2 ETA"
Last edited by richardg; 14 November 2007 at 12:05 PM.
14 November 2007, 12:03 PM
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I have a twenty year old copy that keeps perfect time, one of my kids has it, they dont wear it as its too big but how can a copy be more accurate than the real thing ?
Going to get a real one for my fortieth (which is still a little way off), any recomendations, will prob buy it from Geneva.
Going to get a real one for my fortieth (which is still a little way off), any recomendations, will prob buy it from Geneva.
14 November 2007, 12:09 PM
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Simon
14 November 2007, 12:10 PM
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I have a twenty year old copy that keeps perfect time, one of my kids has it, they dont wear it as its too big but how can a copy be more accurate than the real thing ?
Going to get a real one for my fortieth (which is still a little way off), any recomendations, will prob buy it from Geneva.
Going to get a real one for my fortieth (which is still a little way off), any recomendations, will prob buy it from Geneva.
i had "rolex" datejust like that when i was at school. paid £30 for it and 2 years later i sold it to another classmate for £65 (i was worried the battery would run out and i wouldn't be able to get it replaced
)mine was a present for my 30th from family. it's a nice watch and was heavier than i originally thought it would be, but i'm not all that impressed with the power reserve compared to a seiko kinetic for instance. that said, i don't know a lot about watches, but i do know what i like! all in all, i'm very pleased with it - have a good look around the web at all the manufactures and you'll stumble across something that catches your eye
. did that for mrsg last year and although she liked the links i emailed to her from the tag heuer web site, she sent me one back which she liked more
14 November 2007, 12:13 PM
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Certainly I'd be unhappy about someone putting in a generic ETA ie unsigned movement, into my branded watch despite them being essentially the same thing. These low end TAG's have polished rotors and TAGHeuer embossed into them. I'd want the same movement putting back in. It is a bit misleading to suggest however that they are significantly superior to the generic movements as seems to have been said above.
A better solution all round would be full strip and service of the movement IMO. People who believe you can clean and relubricate the movement without a full strip down are kidding themselves or liars out to make money from you.
In this case as I've already said I would just find a good local watchsmith/maker and have him perform a full service and reseal. Shouldn't cost more than £80.
14 November 2007, 12:17 PM
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not one of the popular battery operated models and took a while to find, so i would like to take it to either an "approved dealer" or to tag heuer themselves. i was hoping someone else here had been in the same situation.
tried calling tag heuer but the person i needed to speak to [at their "uk office" with london phone number but address in the midlands somewhere ()] is out of the office until tomorrow...call me impatient
didn't want to trawl through yell for local jewellers as they will all try and sell me their own "service and/or repair package"
tried calling tag heuer but the person i needed to speak to [at their "uk office" with london phone number but address in the midlands somewhere (
)] is out of the office until tomorrow...call me impatient didn't want to trawl through yell for local jewellers as they will all try and sell me their own "service and/or repair package"
This link will explain the craic with regards to ETA (Valjoux, Omega & Swatch).
Simon
14 November 2007, 12:18 PM
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Regulation is possible of course however if it's losing a minute a day then that suggests the problem lies somewhere else.
Certainly I'd be unhappy about someone putting in a generic ETA ie unsigned movement, into my branded watch despite them being essentially the same thing. These low end TAG's have polished rotors and TAGHeuer embossed into them. I'd want the same movement putting back in. It is a bit misleading to suggest however that they are significantly superior to the generic movements as seems to have been said above.
Certainly I'd be unhappy about someone putting in a generic ETA ie unsigned movement, into my branded watch despite them being essentially the same thing. These low end TAG's have polished rotors and TAGHeuer embossed into them. I'd want the same movement putting back in. It is a bit misleading to suggest however that they are significantly superior to the generic movements as seems to have been said above.
clearly you wouldnt swap out with a Loose pack..
14 November 2007, 12:21 PM
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Essentially the same thing I know but how naughty is that? I can imagine many so called 'watchsmiths' doing exactly what you've described.
14 November 2007, 12:22 PM
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These are the people referred to by one poster as 'the manufacturer' and by me as 'Duval' (their old name).
14 November 2007, 12:25 PM
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Simon, I'd be interested to know why you think it's nonsense. As I said in my post I could well imagine unscrupulous people doing this.
It's almost as if you believe there is a core difference between the generic ETA movements that are sold to places like China and those that undergo minor cosmetic modification and get stuck in low end TAG watches. I didn't think that was the case and while we're on the subject I didn't think anything other than the badge engineered mass market TAG's used ETA calibres.
It's almost as if you believe there is a core difference between the generic ETA movements that are sold to places like China and those that undergo minor cosmetic modification and get stuck in low end TAG watches. I didn't think that was the case and while we're on the subject I didn't think anything other than the badge engineered mass market TAG's used ETA calibres.
14 November 2007, 12:25 PM
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thanks for the wiki link simon. helped a lot. i couldn't find reference to a "Calibre 5 2824-2 ETA" though. anyone know where that movement sits in the 2824 "hierarchy"? lower end i assume
you've lost me already with the technical stuff - i just drive the damn thing!
you've lost me already with the technical stuff - i just drive the damn thing!
14 November 2007, 12:30 PM
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Traditionally firms like Omega numbered their calibres: 601 and 861 etc. Now that many manufacturers use ETA ebauches they still apply their own names, sometimes appended with the ETA model number. So: a Calibre 5 (TAG-Heuer SEL?) is a manufacturer enhanced or complicated ETS 2824-2 base ebauche.
14 November 2007, 12:38 PM
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Simon, I'd be interested to know why you think it's nonsense. As I said in my post I could well imagine unscrupulous people doing this.
It's almost as if you believe there is a core difference between the generic ETA movements that are sold to places like China and those that undergo minor cosmetic modification and get stuck in low end TAG watches. I didn't think that was the case and while we're on the subject I didn't think anything other than the badge engineered mass market TAG's used ETA calibres.
It's almost as if you believe there is a core difference between the generic ETA movements that are sold to places like China and those that undergo minor cosmetic modification and get stuck in low end TAG watches. I didn't think that was the case and while we're on the subject I didn't think anything other than the badge engineered mass market TAG's used ETA calibres.
It is true that I have a soft spot for some TAG-Heuer watches, my first watch was a 4000 automatic, but dont think that I fail to view their position in the market realistically.
Im sure that there are many watch-related subjects about which Davey's knowledge far exceeds my own, but Im sure that his opinions about ETA calibres fitted into branded watches are ill-informed. I dont like it when he kids himself and tries to convince us that fake watches are collectable either!
14 November 2007, 12:46 PM
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I do believe that there is a difference yes. Its in the finish, the movements are identical mechanically and they all start out equal. It also is quite possible that disreputable watchmakers / vendors substitute based grade movements is some circumstances. eBay could be a likely candidate there, I suppose.
Now I realise that there is more to knowledge than Wikipedia, but this is quite helpful:
Simon
Now I realise that there is more to knowledge than Wikipedia, but this is quite helpful:
Originally Posted by Wikipedia
ETA 2824
One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer levels of component quality. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the barrel spring, shock protection system, pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications: the Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day; the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day; while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day. The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade
One workhorse of the ETA mechanical line is the ETA 2824-2, The 2824 is an automatic winding, twenty-five (25) jewel movement, available in four executions or grades: Standard, Elaborated (improved), Top and Chronometer levels of component quality. The key components which differ at the line of demarcation between Elaborated and Top are the barrel spring, shock protection system, pallet stones, balance wheel & hairspring and the regulator mechanism. To illustrate the differences in accuracy garnered by the successive grades, consider the following specifications: the Standard grade is adjusted in two positions with an average rate of +/-12 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day; the Elaborated grade is adjusted in three positions with an average rate of +/-7 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-30 seconds/day; while the Top grade is adjusted in five positions with an average rate of +/-4 seconds/day with a maximum daily variation of +/-10 seconds/day. The Chronometer grade must meet strict standards prescribed by the COSC. Chronometer grade movements are serial numbered as that is a requirement of the certification authority. Moreover, it should be noted that the degree of decoration on the movement's parts, generally only an aesthetic improvement, increases as well with the grade
14 November 2007, 12:49 PM
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I remember now!
Actually he's correct on one score at least- fake watches are collectable amongst that community. There are many fakes made in factories that get closed down that become 'classics' in those circles and people will pay for them accordingly.
What I find interesting about fakes is the fact that many of them use 1:1 parts. When I needed a few replacement links and collars for my Seamaster I just bought a whole fake strap and used it for parts saving a significant sum.
Take a look on timezone and you'll get a whole different bunch of opinions on ETA calibres and exactly how much manufacturers modify them to make them their own. As far as I was aware TAG do almost nothing other than dressing them up a little and why would they?
Actually he's correct on one score at least- fake watches are collectable amongst that community. There are many fakes made in factories that get closed down that become 'classics' in those circles and people will pay for them accordingly.
What I find interesting about fakes is the fact that many of them use 1:1 parts. When I needed a few replacement links and collars for my Seamaster I just bought a whole fake strap and used it for parts saving a significant sum.
Take a look on timezone and you'll get a whole different bunch of opinions on ETA calibres and exactly how much manufacturers modify them to make them their own. As far as I was aware TAG do almost nothing other than dressing them up a little and why would they?