Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R: Sea Salt Damage Advice

PATEKObsession · 2022-11-12T22:38:54Z

PATEKObsession shares a heartbreaking Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R sea salt damage story. Get expert advice on repair costs, service timelines, and prevention.

PATEKObsession

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

30 replies11336 views4 photos

PATEKObsession's heartbreaking experience with a Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R, damaged by seawater due to a loose crown, serves as a crucial reminder for all luxury watch owners. This incident, and the community's subsequent discussion, highlights the critical importance of pre-swim checks and offers insights into the potential repair process and costs for high-end timepieces. His candid account and the detailed replies provide invaluable lessons on watch care and the realities of servicing a Patek Philippe.

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Hello ,

Truly heartbroken that this Happened ..

Yesterday I was swimming in the ocean and while I was swimming I saw that the watch stopped working and started to fog up a lil bit . Sure enough after looking closer my Crown came loose halfway.. wich caused Sea salt water to come in.

Within 24hrs it got corroded .. smh I went right away to my local PPASC to have it assessed.

They send it right away to NY Stern Agency to have it fixed ..

I’m freaking out because the worst case is they have to exchange the whole movement and I’m not sure what the cost can go to if that were to happen .

These models are going lately for 90-100k am I looking at a bill of 10-20k to restore my watch smh?

Any jewler advice plz ?

[Title amended --- FabR (Patek moderator)]

This message has been edited by FabR on 2022-11-13 04:46:11

About the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5167

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167

The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.

The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.

Specifications

Caliber: 324 S C

Case: Stainless Steel

Diameter: 40 mm

Dial: Black

Water Resist.: 120m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

Always check the crown before swimming, even with watches rated 100m or higher, as a habit to prevent water ingress.
The market value of a watch does not dictate its repair cost; movement replacement costs are generally consistent for the same caliber, regardless of case material or market premium.
Be prepared for a potential movement replacement, which could cost around $20,000 for a Patek Philippe, based on past experiences with similar incidents on Nautilus models.
Patek Philippe service centers are expected to return the watch in 'like-new' condition, albeit with a potentially high cost and extended service duration, often 4-9 months or even up to 12 months for complex repairs.
If a watch gets wet, immediately dry it and place it with the crown fully opened in a ziplock bag with dry rice to draw out moisture, which can minimize corrosion before sending it for professional service.
While Patek Philippe watches are designed for active lifestyles, wearing precious metal models like the 5167R for swimming is generally not advisable due to the higher risk and emotional impact of damage.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 12, 2022

If you forgot to screw down the crown, it will be for you. If it is a flaw with the crown, then it will be for them.

Mr.Gatsby

Nov 13, 2022

Exactly mon ami

Nothing else needs to be said. Best Gatsby

Clueless_Collector

Nov 12, 2022

Oh my…sorry to see that…but to Patek, this is not $90-$100k watch.

This is a $43k watch so hopefully they can restore the parts and clean it, not having to replace whole movement. I respect your courage and making full use of your watch to wear for swimming but not really advisable with precious metals. I’m sure they will provide a fair assessment based on work performed, not based on % of “value”. What can you do besides fixing it, right? Good luck 🍀

BigFatPauli

Nov 13, 2022

If a watch is rated with a water resistance of 120m, it is water resistant to 120m. The case material does not matter.

I would have swam with this watch without worry (but I do check my crowns). I even regularly swim with my 50m resistant Speedmaster.

Clueless_Collector

Nov 13, 2022

How about precious metal with chlorine?

I just avoid all these and not wear them for swimming...Steel watches I will do so too.

BigFatPauli

Nov 13, 2022

You're concerned with gold, one of the most inert metals around?

See... Also, keep in mind that then gold case of your watch is fine but the steel movment has corroded.