Service Turnaround Time (Richemont USA Overhaul)

my GST perp had some random problems and the AD is sending it to Richemont USA for a full service... i know when sending a panerai in i dont see it for 6-12months... anyone have any experience with IWC service in the USA? the watch is not missing any parts.. but just had a gasket failure and moisture got in, and i felt a full service/disassembly/cleaning/assembly was necessary.. just wondering how long i should expect to be without my watch.

It depends. There's story of 30 day turn-around and some take several months, but your instance should be far less than 6 to 12 months.

Much depends on the backlog at other repairs, which can vary, and the availability of parts, which can fair. Don't assume that cleaning and assembly is all that is needed --you may have parts with some water damage or even rust, needing replacement. Most parts should be in stock but the diagnosis as to what is needed and then implementation is more complex and individual.

I'd guess 3 months, but that's a guess. Technically individual service issues aren't a forum topic, since turn-arounds (and other issues) depend on the individual circumstance. Other experiences may not apply.

I have several watches serviced. Most take between 6 to 8 weeks after you send it in. I have always sent my watches through an AD so I don't have to deal with shipping issues and insurance problems.

I should clarify a little. 6 to 8 weeks is after you receive an estimate. The estimate usually takes 3 weeks.

I just got mine back from an overhaul and polish. I sent it to Forth Worth Texas. Got it back in 2 weeks!! I was surprised to see my IWC when I opened the box, because I wasn't expecting it. They don't put company name on the shipping slip, but I thought the address looked somewhat familiar :-)

Having said that, I also had one that took 8 weeks...

Good luck,
Brent

...And by the way, I received the estimate letter 4 days since they receive my package, which means they probably mail the estimate the same day they receive the watch. Impressive!

I just got mine back, whilst not with Richemont US, I dropped it off at Richemont AU and it had to go back to IWC Switzerland and the turn around was 5 weeks, door to door. As others are saying, I guess this will vary depending on current workload, parts etc etc etc

really appreciate the replies.. i understand that a for sure turnaround cannot be "guessed" based on others but it sure does help..

i know that richemont owns panerai and have nothing but bad luck with panerai service so just wanted to hear that the two are mutually exclusive when it comes to service..

my AP's take about 4 weeks unless they have to go to europe.. so i figure 6-8 weeks is not bad at all.

as far as damage, the moisture only got in because of a change of climate (from vegas to florida) and the gasket was obv bad somewhere.. it fogged up and 30 minutes later i had it in a bag of rice to serve as a natural dessicate, and left it running and sent it in inside the bag of rice still. was not foggy after 6 hours in rice so i assumed the moisture was absorbed but still wanted the service to be sure...

i guess it looks like 6-8 weeks.. thank you again guys for the replies.. i just was really nervous to hear horror stories like on paneristi where people wait a year plus.

I sent gave my Cal. 89 to my AD on Novemner 19, 2010. I recieved an estimate about two-months later in mid-January 2011. Yesterday, June 1, 2011, I decided to call and check on it and was told that it was ready. I am not sure if they had it for a while, but why would they sit on it? Regardless, it looks awesome! If I didn't know it was originally sold in 1957, I would think it was new. I will get some before and after pictures up so you can see for yourself. I am very happy.

Soulman --unlike this case, your watch undoubtedly had to go to Schaffhausen and undoubtedly had a complete renovation rather than an overhaul. Nice to hear that it came out so well.

Riley from the rennlist forum as well? I am GeorgeK over there as well.
Welcome!

yep the only and only rijowysock on the internetz.. lol.

i've been on forums all over everywhere, this one seems really nice... interesting to see a brand have their own forum.

just got word back from richemont, i guess the case had problems sealing and they were aware of this and before when it was noted they did not have any cases available.. they do now and said 6 months turnaround to have case and bezel replaced to seal watch properly and i assume they will refinish as well since case and bezel will be brand new, they would do rest of watch to match?... i guess it looks like november/december before i get my watch back.