Comments:
Service cost question?
Dear all;
I had sent in my 3940p for a service evaluation; and received an estimate recently; other than the usual things, I was told there is a crack on the moon disc and it needs to be replaced; however, extremely surprising was the cost involved of about $2000 for moon disc replacement and dial refurbishment; this is in addition to the standard service of the movement which is a little under $2000; coming to a roughly grand total of $4000; case polishing, if done would be an additional charge.
Estimated turn around time given was about 5 to 6 months!!
Just wanted to check with other collectors, if this is pretty normal / standard charge for a perpetual calendar service from Patek? seemed a bit too high to me!
Should I get the case polished? does Patek do the laser polishing like Lange does? there are a few scratches here and there and on the solid case back after 17 years of use.
I would appreciate advice and input; thanks in advance.
Abe
Sounds about right.
Patek website lists the service costs for each model. Level II complication (perpetual calendar) has a standard service fee of 1500 Swiss Francs. Platinum case polishing would be additional 120.
http://www.patek.com/en/client-service/service-costs
Not sure about a cracked dial as it goes beyond standard service. Any idea how this could have happened? Was it visible to the naked eye?
Service times for Patek are notoriously long and the topic of frequent discussion. I assume that PCs would be sent to Geneva for service and 5-6 months sounds frustratingly routine.
The 3940P is a terrific timepiece and I believe the finest modern Patek. Classically sized and a signature complication for Patek. In any metal it's a winner and in platinum it's transcendent.
After seventeen years....
that is not bad of a cost. The wait is what would need the most nerves. I would service it, no questions asked Stylophile. Best Regards Edward
Servicing
Well, I think the QP servicing cost is indeed the normal one.
As for the servicing time, it depends if it is serviced in HSWA for instance or sent to Geneva. It seems that it is longer for a service in the US due to the big volume of watches coming back for servicing, considering the staff trained for this kind of complication.
The laser process is used for Pt but also for gold. I understand it is used for dings more than normal scratches and hairlines. Otherwise it is polished.
As for the moonphase disk, I don't know what the cost may be. The latest moonphase are made of Sapphire. If it is the same for your 3940, it must be in good shape not to drop pieces in the watch. I imagine that such disk can be fragile in case of a shock the watch might had. That's just a possibility.
Maybe other members will have other info to share 
Best, Mark
Thanks all!
I appreciate all the info provided; I didn't notice any obvious cracks in the moon disc or dial by naked eye! They said the service cost will include replacement! But they will not return the original dial!
On a positive note, they will give me a strap for free;?yipee👍
Also, some body advised that if I give the watch to service in London, the turn around time is shorter; wonder if that's correct!
Thanks again
On a positive note, they will give me a strap for free;?yipee👍
Also, some body advised that if I give the watch to service in London, the turn around time is shorter; wonder if that's correct!
Thanks again
Regarding the dial replacement,
Are they replacing it with an identical one? There are subtle differences between the various dials and I'm rather picky/obsessive about these things. If they won't return the original, then at least I'd want to see the proposed replacement ahead of time...
Replacement dial will exactly be the same!
Only difference will be a lot more subtle shading of the day / night indicator area; which to be honest I would prefer. I never really liked the darker shading of the dial.
Thanks for all your input
Bests
Thanks for all your input
Bests
Curious,
Did they say why it is necesary to replace the entire dial rather then just the moon phase disc? Was there any damage to the actual dial?
Also, I agree with you about the shading and preference for the more subtle shade, but usually the darker area is more exaggerated in photos than in actuality. Depending on the viewing angle, sometimes I hardly notice the darker nighttime shade.
I have no idea about the cost but recently I sent my 5110R (a relatively simple movement) to the service centre in Hong Kong and the estimated service time will be 5 months. Frustrating but nothing you could do really... [nt]
No message body
It is about right..
but not sure what's with the "crack on the moon disc"?
I wouldn't polish it unless it is really in need of one.
A 17 year 3940P that is a little worn is a sign of status
It shows you really appreciate the watch by wearing it.
/W72
Sounds Right
I had my 3940j serviced by Patek in NYC ( The Henri Stern Watch Agency). They did a beautiful job, but it took about 7 months for my watch to be ready. I wear it every day, and consider the servicing to be time and money well spent. I have never heard of a moon phase disc being broken or damaged in any way. Did your watch take a nasty fall? Hard to imagine the mechanism putting enough stress on the disc to harm it. Dont polish the watch. Wear it and enjoy it for the subtle , understated thing of beauty that it is.
Service cost
I have sent several watches into PP for service. I currently have two in for service. One of them is having a total restoration (including dial). My experience is that the watch comes back like new! If the scratches are not too deep the polish is amazing. If they are willing to give you a strap for free, that's a HUGH bonus. I have to pay for each strap (x2). If you are able to service a Perp. Cal for under $2000, that is reasonable.
PP will only use parts specifically designed for the watch. No worries on your moonphase dial. Make sure you post after service photos!!