COSC - Worth the money?

timefinder said:

I voted no, as I feel if the company guarantees a watch to be accurate within a specified time, and adheres to that via a warranty, why does the consumer need COSC? Well for one, it is protection in a sense by having a 3rd party verify; but, once the watch is serviced, COSC is out the window, aka void, and it is back to the company and their policy standing behind the accuracy behind the watch.

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Hey TF,

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but for the most part COSC movements are the only ones guaranteed to run inside a set, specific time per day (-4/+6). Non-COSC may carry a 'typical' range of accuracy (say within 10 or 20 sec a day or whatever) but it's not a guarantee and from all the warranties I've read on my non-COSC watches, none of those companies will service it if it's running outside those specs (they'll consider that an adjustment & not a 'defect' thus no warranty coverage) unless somethings actually wrong & needs replaced (aka broken or defect in workmanship). So while they'll stand behind the movement if it breaks, they won't necessarily regulate it under warranty (as regulation isn't considered a defect) should it be outside the norms - unless it's really outside the norms.

I voted yes, but my answer really is maybe. It really depends on the brand.... Some brands are more worth it than others as the COSC versions may also be an overall better watch with better fit & finish than their non-COSC cousin.

Revolution said:

I I'm not even sure you can buy a Rolex dive watch that is not a chronometer, so how can you tell what kind of premium you paid for cosc status?

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The no-date sub was a non-COSC movement up until this year. It's the exact same movement (well, less a date complication), just not submitted for COSC certification. It sold for $650 less than the COSC sub. The only differences between those 2 watches are the COSC & a date complication. That's about a 14% premium for the date complication & COSC.

I agree with what you said. It's very hard to find the exact same watch with the only difference being the COSC. So it's really hard to say what exactly you're paying for the COSC. Even in the Rolex example, That uplift price is worth it just to get the date IMO.. :wink: :thumbup1:

boscoe said:

I think COSC testing costs $50 a movement. $650 is a hefty premium!

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Wel, I agree. But the date is worth at least $599 to me. So the COSC is only $51... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

GradyPhilpott said:

According to the Rolex site, the Air-Kings are marked "superlative chronometer."

Perhaps, I misconstrued that marking.

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I do believe the new ones are COSC.. Just like the new Sub no-dates...