The Real Time Show: Episode Summary Title: How Often Do The Experts Get Their Watches Serviced?
Release Date: January 26, 2025
Hosts: Rob Nudds & Alon Ben Joseph

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Real Time Show, hosts Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph delve into the essential topic of watch maintenance, specifically addressing the frequency with which experts service their timepieces. Recorded from Copenhagen with Alon dialing in from Amsterdam, the episode sets a friendly and conversational tone, reflecting the hosts' deep passion for watchmaking and their inclusive community spirit.

Mailbag/Q&A Session

1. Identifying "The Watch Snob" (00:00 - 05:47)

The episode kicks off with Alon and Rob addressing a question from a listener named Richard, who inquires about the identity of "The Watch Snob," a columnist from Esquire magazine. The hosts engage in a lively discussion, contemplating whether it could be British journalists Robin Swithin Bank or Nick Fawks. Rob shares his experiences meeting Robin at various watch events and praises Nick Fawks for his expertise and engaging personality. Although they do not definitively identify "The Watch Snob," their speculation highlights key figures in watch journalism and underscores the community's interconnectedness.

Rob Nudds (03:29): “Robin is an absolute man mountain. He’s an icon in British watch journalism...one of my first guys when I started writing.”

2. Buying and Reselling Used Timepieces (05:47 - 16:58)

James Bichi poses a question about purchasing used watches only to find better-condition versions later. Rob shares his personal experience with Casio Surf Timer and Skywalker models from the early '90s. Initially buying a beat-up Surf Timer for around €250, he later acquired a near-flawless pair for €400 and successfully resold the damaged one at a higher price, effectively recouping his investment.

Rob Nudds (07:50): “I sold just the old beaten-up Surf Timer for less than I bought the two box fresh ones and recouped all of my money originally.”

Alon complements Rob's story by emphasizing that such practices are not only acceptable but can be beneficial for collectors, encouraging them to make decisions based on personal enjoyment and collection goals.

Alon Ben Joseph (10:36): “Just do it. Experience it, learn from it, enjoy it... that’s valuable on your journey as a collector.”

3. Service Costs and Restoration Horror Stories (16:58 - 29:27)

Lawrence brings up a concerning case where his Angulus wristwatch required a €1,700 restoration, breaking down into €950 for the movement, €230 for the case, and €500 for dial restoration. He compares this to the exorbitant costs associated with servicing high-end brands like Breguet and Piaget, questioning whether such expenses are justified.

Rob recounts a recent experience involving an Omega Dark Side of the Moon ceramic watch. The authorized Omega dealer quoted €5,000 for a minor issue that could have been resolved inexpensively. This anecdote highlights the increasing service costs and the challenges faced by watch owners in maintaining vintage and high-end timepieces.

Rob Nudds (24:23): “Service costs are really, really going up... expect it to be at least 10%, although that’s a massive underestimation.”

Alon adds that maintenance should be viewed similarly to car upkeep, advising collectors to budget approximately 10-15% of the watch's value every four to five years for servicing.

Alon Ben Joseph (24:23): “Buy the seller... add about 5% a year on top every four years, about 20% that you'll have to spend.”

4. Establishing a Minimum Database for Vintage Watch Dealers (29:27 - 53:54)

Matt Wright poses a comprehensive question regarding whether vintage watch dealers should maintain a minimum objective database of watch functions, akin to veterinary standards for pet adoption. He suggests metrics like time grapher readings and water resistance tests to provide buyers with more transparent and reliable information.

Alon and Rob respond by advocating for higher standards among dealers, emphasizing transparency and thorough inspections. Alon introduces the concept of "buy the seller," encouraging buyers to trust reputable dealers who provide detailed information and stand by their products.

Alon Ben Joseph (53:24): “Buy the seller. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. And ask the dealer if something is wrong, can I return it and have a full refund.”

Rob echoes this sentiment, suggesting that buyers should expect more from dealers in terms of transparency and comprehensive testing. He also touches on the challenges of implementing such standards, noting that many dealers may lack the resources or knowledge to perform detailed assessments.

Rob Nudds (48:40): “It would be wonderful if that existed... but dealers wouldn't want to have those watches submitted for it because of the associated cost.”

Hosts' Advice on Watch Servicing

Throughout the episode, both hosts provide valuable advice on maintaining watch accuracy and longevity. Rob discusses the intricacies of mechanical watch components and the challenges of achieving precise functionality even after meticulous servicing. Alon emphasizes proactive maintenance and setting clear benchmarks for when to seek professional servicing based on timekeeping performance.

Rob Nudds (33:38): “You can do everything right and it's still won't result in a watch that ticks as you want it to.”

Alon Ben Joseph (38:27): “If your watch starts doing that, yeah, it will start annoying me if my watch doesn't run on the minute.”

Conclusions and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Rob and Alon encourage listeners to engage with the The Real Time Show community through various channels, including email and Instagram. They reiterate the importance of informed purchasing decisions, transparency from dealers, and regular maintenance to ensure the longevity of watch collections. The hosts leave listeners with a sense of camaraderie and a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in watch servicing.

Rob Nudds (53:54): “Stay safe and keep on ticking.”

Notable Quotes

• Alon Ben Joseph (01:11): “It’s a community of like-minded people. We joke around. It’s a watch asylum.”

• Rob Nudds (12:30): “I usually sneakers that I love, I double up. It’s more difficult with watches... because sneakers give me stress.”

• Alon Ben Joseph (24:23): “Watches are for eternity. And he’s right. As long as you give them a bit of TLC.”

• Rob Nudds (38:27): “If someone says to me, you've got five years instead of two, I'd be listening.”

Final Remarks

This episode of The Real Time Show offers a comprehensive exploration of watch servicing practices among experts, shedding light on the financial and technical aspects of maintaining both vintage and modern timepieces. Rob Nudds and Alon Ben Joseph provide listeners with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions that cater to both novice and seasoned watch enthusiasts.

For more insights and to join the TRTS community, listeners are encouraged to reach out via the show's official website or social media channels.

Stay tuned for more episodes filled with top-quality watch content and expert answers to your pressing questions. Until next time, keep your watches running smoothly and your passion for horology alive!