Very informative thread, I have learned a lot, thanks Vanessa!
So, a few months ago I purchased a vintage Tudor 74000N ("mini Ranger") circa 1998. The watch is mint, came with box and papers, like it was on a time capsule or rarely worn...Unfortunately no service records.
The watch keeps awesome time +1-2 secs/day, and the timegrapher data looks great. I even did a simple pressure test and it passed. From this data I can conclude it does not needs to be serviced but since it's a 19 year old watch I want to have it checked by a Pro...
Called my local Rolex certified watchmaker and they told me the service would be $600! Wow, this is quite steep for an ETA based watch! I mean I can source 2 new Top grade movements with this money...
So, when the time for a service comes, what would you recommend? I have the choice of an alternative watchmaker, non Rolex certified that would charge much less...