FG Complaint

[abushman]

 
I have a old 1998 Zodiac Super SeaWolf 506.54.44 movt 2824-2 I sent to FG Zodiac for service. They sent it back "Non-Repairable"  It runs however it occasionally would stop. Thye provided no other details. Argh. I took it to a local shop they laughed and said they will service for $250. What gives with FG?

[Butch]

Since they bought the brand they have never done anything with/for previous owners' models. They used to send them here.

[Grossisten]

It's a vintage watch. Many brands will not service them - or do so at an extortionately high price. One reason is that parts are so hard to come by, that only specialists are willing to do the hard work and build up a stock of parts - or know where to source them. FG bought a brand name and nothing else. No factory, no machines, no tools, no parts - nothing. It was all lost in the turmoils of the quartz crisis and a 1999 bankruptcy. Hard to blame them really, what are they to do about it? At least they keep the brand name alive. If your local shop know what they are doing, you will be happier with the result and pay a fraction of the price that FG would have charged you, if they had taken it on.

[abushman]

What drives me nuts is I would be glad enough to pay them even $500+ to get it fixed. I spent $85 in shipping to send it in. I mean at least give me a estimate. I was going to buy a new zodiac for Christmas now I'm not. Its the same joke with Ducati. I bought a 1198 in 2011. Paid a good penny. Tried to take it in for service and I was told the bike is over 10 years they wont touch it? I argued ..then they gave me a price to change timing belt $3k....What?? Im losing my mind. I did it myself $300 and yes 8 hours. I'm I gonna have to buy more watch tools and just do it all myself. This all supports my wifes' logic when she says "Why are you buying (fill in blank) it will only cause you aggravation taking care of it"  I 'm beginning to think shes right. Between cars, motorcycles and watches house appliances I spend all my time researching how to fix crap. You cant even find someone to do basic home repairs. ARGH!!!!!!

[Butch]

If you check out the information tab above it explains how the brand has changed hands many times over the past 65 years. Parts, and even paperwork, are never a high priority to the new owner I am afraid.