AD vs Independent Watchmaker

Authorised Dealer / Manufacturer Service

• Official parts only.
• Original finishing and chamfer recutting.
• 2-year service warranty.
• 6–16 week turnaround.
• 50–100% more expensive.

Good Independent Watchmaker (CMW certified)

• Equivalent parts (Sellita, ETA, original where allowed).
• 1–2 week turnaround typical.
• Half the price or less.
• Often more communicative.

When to use which

• Under warranty → AD always.
• Modern (post-2010) Rolex/Patek/AP → AD only (parts restrictions).
• Vintage → specialist independent (e.g., Stoll & Co in Mumbai).
• Mid-range modern → independent fine.