A guide to repair costs of luxury watch complications

Luxury watches are more than just timekeepers… they’re mechanical marvels, blending art, engineering and tradition. 

From the elegance of Rolex to the craftsmanship of Patek Philippe, these watches often feature complications like chronographs, moonphases or tourbillons. 

However, while complications make a watch fascinating, they can also make repairs more costly if something goes wrong.

So, what affects the repair cost of luxury watch complications, and why do some repairs cost so  much?

What are complications?

In watchmaking, a complication is anything a watch does beyond the typical hours, minutes and seconds. 

You may have seen chronographs that measure elapsed time and often have multiple subdials. Then there are moonphases which display the lunar cycle, an intricate function requiring precise gearing. Tourbillons rotate the escapement to improve (or show off!) accuracy, while perpetual calendars track day, date, month and leap years automatically.

The more intricate the complication, the more tiny parts there are, and the more skill it takes to service them. That’s why a tourbillon repair can be significantly more expensive than fixing a basic automatic watch.

Different brands

Luxury brand reputation and craftsmanship also influence repair costs. Rolex, for example, focuses on robust, reliable movements, which are easier to service. A standard chronograph repair might run from a few hundred to just over a thousand pounds, depending on the model and service needed.

Patek Philippe is famous for ultra-complicated pieces like perpetual calendars and minute repeaters. Repairing a Patek complication often requires specialised watchmakers and can cost several thousand pounds, particularly if parts are rare.

Audemars Piguet, known for its Royal Oak Offshore chronographs and multi-complication models, falls into a similar bracket. Their complicated watches are beautiful but delicate, meaning repairs are not only expensive but can take weeks.

What influences the cost of complication repairs?

The cost of repairing a luxury watch complication is influenced by several key factors. The complexity of the movement plays a big role. Obviously, watches with more gears, wheels, and springs naturally require more labour and precision to service. 

How difficult it is to get the parts needed is another consideration, as rare or discontinued components can be difficult to source and may drive up costs. 

Brand service policies also affect pricing; while authorised service centres ensure expert care, their fees are often higher than those of independent watchmakers. 

Finally, the age of the watch matters, as vintage pieces may require extensive refurbishment, sometimes including the creation of handmade replacement parts to restore the watch to perfect working order.

How to keep costs in check

Regular servicing is key to avoiding large repair bills. For most high-end mechanical watches, a service every few years is recommended. 

Proper care, like avoiding shocks, storing watches correctly, and keeping them wound, helps maintain performance and reduces the likelihood of costly complications failures. You can read this Luxe Watches’ guide all about how to maintain and store your luxury watch.

Luxury watch complications are a joy to own but come with a price when it comes to servicing. 

Knowing what makes your watch tick, understanding the brand, and planning regular maintenance will ensure your Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet keeps performing beautifully for years to come. 

If you need a luxury watch service, contact us here at Luxe Watches and we’ll be happy to help.