Thinking of picking up an Aquaracer, finally, but it’s an old model.

What should I be considering when purchasing a brand new old stock model or even something that’s been in an AD or Outlet Store?

Will they need servicing if been hanging around a while even if unused?

 

I've often wondered about the servicing side myself... even if it hasn't been used and is still technically 'new' the oil might need replenishing, especially if it's really old. It wasn't that long ago TH Bicester had Kiriums and SLRs in stock, like last year!

 

Would certainly negate some of the discount on offer, if a full service has to be factored in now or sooner than usual.

Sane goes for battery in a Quartz model I guess, albeit cheaper.

 

Yeah, and if you are buying something older, the discount is often negated by inflation. Outlet prices used to be 30% + 10% vip, now it's more often 20% + 10% vip...

 

Certainly appears that way too.

Still trying to scratch that Aquaracer itch, albeit with that inflation issue trying its best to scupper it in so many ways.

 

@Aquagraph based on the previous thread about the issues with the Calibre 5, would you steer clear of that movement?

 

I had a C5 Carrera, never had any trouble over 3 years. That said you can get a 500 euro Hamilton with a much better movement

 

You go Aquaracer for the beauty and wonderful emotions, not for the movement

 

Fair comments both.

I love the looks of the Aquaracer and can live with it being a basic movement, but would find it very hard if it was literally only a matter of time before it went faulty through no fault of my own. That’s where I am coming from.

 

Typically, almost everything I like has a Calibre 5…

 

Well, while we love to talk it down, it can't be as bad as we say otherwise TAG would be overwhelmed with returns. That said, I had an issue with mine and had to return it under warranty.

 

Yeah, I know. It's a real pain in the ass.

 

I think as long as you dont wind it by hand, just do the good ol shake it til it runs again and you should be fine

 

And wait until the hands are in the right place before you shake so you don't have to unscrew the crown..

 

And never change the date.

 

TH are very good at warranty work, at least in the UK. My c5 AR failed within a few months, a week later it was back in my hand with a new movement.

100%. I really love my c5 aquaracer.

 

There’s no doubt about the desirability of the Aquaracer, or the Carrera for that matter.

Love both but can’t put up with the hassle with having to send it back for repair regularly, even if on warranty basis to start with.

 

Am I right in thinking that the Calibre 7 and Calibre 16 don’t have the same issues?

 

I haven't had any issues with my Calibre 16. I believe I was told the Cal7 is a modified Cal5.

 

Ok. Same extra diligence required then. Have seen a Calibre 16 that I like, plus a Quartz that have had my eye on previously.