AP Customer Service - replaced parts not returned?

Feb 17, 2011,09:37 AM
 

Hello,

I am writing to share my recent experience with the AP Customer Service.

I sent my 1993 RO Jumbo to Switzerland for check&service in December 2010. Five weeks later, I received a quote for about USD 2.000 for rather major overhaul - I knew it was needed and was happy to approve all proposed service and maintenance works to be done.

What strikes me, thought, is that a number of parts which are to be replaced (hands, bolts etc) are made out of white gold and, following the replacement, the old ones are to be kept by the AP. I asked them to return them as the precious metals has got some value but they said the policy prevents them from returning the parts in order to prevent anybody unauthorized using it as a spare parts while servicing an AP watch outside the AP approved network, which sounds sensible, of course.

But, what if the parts to be replaced are made out of precious metals (gold, platinum etc.) and would be larger then the tiny parts of my otherwise steel RO? Would you accept that the AP keeps a golden bezel and sells you another one for the prince of new part? Does anybody have any experience with this? It would be good to know before I sent another watch for a service...

Many thanks,

Ladislav



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All firms work this way...

 
 By: patrick_y : February 17th, 2011-09:51
You can have the whole gold case and gold bracelet replaced and they will not give you back your old gold case and bracelet. Just the nature of the beast.

Naaah.

 
 By: amanico : February 17th, 2011-13:44
When I sent my Sonata for a service, they gave me the changed parts. Best, Nicolas....  

Wow! You needed a lot of new parts... [nt]

 
 By: patrick_y : February 18th, 2011-09:57
No message body

Terrific, eeeh? :)

 
 By: amanico : February 18th, 2011-12:43

They sent me back a dial

 
 By: pankratov : February 17th, 2011-15:18
Hi there, when I sent my 1992 RO Jumbo to them, they changed the dial and sent back the original one. I just had to ask. However they did not give me back any other part (hands, crown, barel parts, etc..), but I haven't asked by the way. Cheers, Pank

Had an Alinghi Team carbon bezel and sapphire crystal replaced

 
 By: octagonPower : February 18th, 2011-09:10
and I requested to have them send me the used parts with the watch.....no used parts arrived.

AP Switzerland...

 
 By: RobCH : February 19th, 2011-03:21
...as in the AP service centre for the Swiss market, not the AP Brassus, will deduct a certain amount (which 'theoretically' corresponds to a very approximate 'market' value) for the gold or precious metal in larger parts, for example a bracelet or buckle... 

Rolex too...

 
 By: chrono13 : February 26th, 2011-09:17
Hi, Rolex do the same thing for his customers. they keep the parts of watches for them....a SHAME ! I called them one time for explain and they told me for fight rolex market parts on webs.. Loooooooooooooll !

my understanding

 
 By: gcTIME : February 27th, 2011-12:27
while i do not have your specific experience, what i know is that some ap service centres offer "package" deals. i was told once that if i were to have my rubberclad bezel replaced as a standalone work it would cost me X dollars but if i were to also have...