slk
9
2526 crown
Hi. I am new to this forum. I inherited my father's 2526 which he purchased new in the late 50's while travelling in Europe. He was not a collector and, of course, discarded the paperwork and case. About 25 years ago he passed the watch on to me because he thought it was too fragile. He never complained about his Seiko. I delivered the watch to Stern in New York for its first trip back to Geneve for a service in about 1995. Inexplicably, it returned with a different crown. Naive as I was, I never questioned it, figuring that the old crown was somehow damaged. I never really thought about it until a friend from Berlin, a former watchmaker and longtime collector, read me the riot act. I recently brought the watch to Stern when I was in NY and it was sent back to Geneve. I specifically asked them about the crown and one of the service people in NY said the crown is no longer made. I talked to Patek's watchmaker in Geneve and he concurred that it was unfortunate that the original crown was changed. He suggested that the newer crown may have made the watch more waterproof. He tried to find a correct replacement crown but had no success.
I really feel sick about this. The original crown really contributed a lot to the watch's elegance. Any suggestions on how I might find a replacement crown for my 2526 would be greatly appreciated. I realize the odds of finding a replacement are slim to none. After I hear from my friend in Berlin I am tempted to ask Patek's watchmaker if they still have the original mold for the crown. Perhaps they can make a new one. Wishful thinking!
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Steve
2526 crown
