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Minerva Service Question

Apr 14, 2017,11:22 AM
 

Hello all. First time posting here but I've been enjoying all of the information and pictures on this site! I'm hoping this community can provide me with a little insight and advice. I've recently acquired a Minerva triple date with moonphase chronograph which I believe should be a Valjoux 88 movement. I have not taken the case back off and verified the movement. The watch was running great but the other day I accidentally hit the crown on my front door while walking in the house. It wasn't a particularly hard hit but it was cringe worthy. The watch was still running fine so I didn't think too much of it. The next morning I noticed the watch was 10 minutes fast. When I pulled the crown out to set it back it stopped ticking and hasn't worked since (it's fully wound). Do you think a hit like this could cause serious damage to the movement?


I talked to Mont Blanc yesterday and asked them some questions about servicing. It sounds like once I ship it to them in Texas it will most likely be sent back to Germany or Switzerland for service/repair. My main question is if anyone with experience getting a Minerva (or other watch) serviced could give a ballpark on what I can expect to pay for this service? I know estimating cost for unknown repairs is impossible but any idea on where the price tag might start for general service and possible repairs? Also does anyone have suggestions for other options on having the watch serviced or should I strictly go through Mont Blanc?

Thanks,
Alex

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Be prepared for an adventure

 
 By: jayeyedoubleemmwhy : April 16th, 2017-07:15
After evaluation by the service center in TX, if they need to send it abroad to Switzerland, you're probably looking at an additional shipping fee of $150. They may tell you in advance that the repair is going to be a minimum of $XXX or $X,XXX dollars if ... 

Thanks Jimmy

 
 By: aroxx : April 16th, 2017-08:14
I appreciate your response! Luckily the watch is basically in mint condition so it shouldn't need any work other than the movement. I guess I'll just pray it doesn't need much work and can be repaired in Texas.

Oh,,,,

 
 By: gyang333 : April 18th, 2017-07:46
You don't want the Richemont service center touching it in TX. Are you able to get to a MB boutique and have them ship to Minerva directly?

Why don't I want them touching it?

 
 By: aroxx : April 20th, 2017-12:06
The MB boutique I called said if I brought it to them they would just ship it down to Texas if their in house guys couldn't fix it.

Lots of issues

 
 By: gyang333 : April 22nd, 2017-12:53
about the Texas Richemont Service Center. Just do a quick google. And don't just look for issues pertaining to Montblanc watches that go there. I believe all watches that Richemont owns goes there with the exception of Lange.

Welcome to the forum, Alex. Try to find a good watchmaker of your movement just needs a service. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 17th, 2017-23:49

Thanks

 
 By: aroxx : April 20th, 2017-12:17
I'm considering a local watchmaker the only concern is their ability to source replacement parts if needed as Jimmy pointed out.