Comments:
independent bezel / case repair pros and cons
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I've discovered HSWA won't fix my pretty dented bezel (or let me buy a new one) "Geneva" won't approve fixing it without a structural problem. (aesthetic considerations are not sufficient) I'm disappointed but not surprised by Patek this point. I don't have the energy to try and argue with them about it and i'm not going to beg them.
I'm planning on having it fixed independently and selling it and buying a JLC master date, where if I ruin it it's not so painful (and they'll give me the rare "opportunity" to buy one)
Patek won't simply polish it either?
In any case, there are really good independent shops that can laser-weld a repair if you decide to go that route. I'd suggest not "throwing out the baby with the bath water" for an issue like this.
They'll polish it, but if it still visible after the polish they said it was my problem
They'll polish it, but if it still visible after the polish they said it was my problem. They really discouraged polishing generally as well.
I have a lead for a good independent who will fix it. It will be all serviced and have fresh strap and likely look pretty good after that. Of course then Patek will wash their hands of the integrity of the case forever since it's no longer fixed to their specification. Will they even service it after that?
It's fine and in the scheme of things not a big deal, but it's just not "fun" and it's supposed to be fun. Like if I ding my proverbial Kia it can be fixed by Kia. They might use a body shop but they are authorized.
I have a lead for a good independent who will fix it. It will be all serviced and have fresh strap and likely look pretty good after that. Of course then Patek will wash their hands of the integrity of the case forever since it's no longer fixed to their specification. Will they even service it after that?
It's fine and in the scheme of things not a big deal, but it's just not "fun" and it's supposed to be fun. Like if I ding my proverbial Kia it can be fixed by Kia. They might use a body shop but they are authorized.
This is a pretty delicate issue.
Polishing the bezel with the help of a real professional should not be a big issue. But you said the watch would be „all serviced“. How can that be as nobody can get the necessary original spare parts, not even original gasket for the case back. I would check that with the service company.
Best of luck!!
Best of luck!!
That's a bummer...
I see how big the dent is in the photos. But from what I can see, the dent looks to be more on the minor side than on the serious side. Does the watch run well? I'm surprised that HSWA won't replace the bezel. I sent you a PM.
Hmmm, there was an update from HSWA in the post…
“HSWA have decided they can refurbish the case after all and it was a very reasonable estimate for this service. The communication was excellent once they got involved.
I’d like to thank those who recommended I get in touch with HSWA directly, as they resolved the situation quickly.
I expect to have the watch back in 16 weeks. I’m glad I don’t have to get rid of my PPs out of a concern that they can’t support their watches fully. All’s back to normal and my faith in the brand has been restored.”
I’d like to thank those who recommended I get in touch with HSWA directly, as they resolved the situation quickly.
I expect to have the watch back in 16 weeks. I’m glad I don’t have to get rid of my PPs out of a concern that they can’t support their watches fully. All’s back to normal and my faith in the brand has been restored.”
That was from direct contact with HSWA and not thru AD.
My contact is directly with HSWA if you can believe it
I actually "bit the bullet" as the expression goes on shipping it at my own cost ($400) with the hope that i would get better service from HSWA directly.
I sent them email at least
I sent them email at least saying:
"I wanted to follow up on our phone conversation. I'm not opposed to sending the watch to Geneva for examination (even taking the long wait into consideration) . I'm having a hard time being enthusiastic about just keeping the watch as is (and not repairing it). "
"I wanted to follow up on our phone conversation. I'm not opposed to sending the watch to Geneva for examination (even taking the long wait into consideration) . I'm having a hard time being enthusiastic about just keeping the watch as is (and not repairing it). "
This is why I often sell to dealers
You'll get less money for it selling that way, but on the other hand, you get to let the dealer worry about how to get the watch into market-ready condition.
And thats the exact reason why I don't buy from dealers...
I don't like the shortcuts of bringing a watch to "retail ready" condition 
One of the main reason for me to get Patek
Is the perceived serviceability "forever",
Once they won't do it, for whatever reason, gone is a major factor for Patek,
One more for JLC though...
Please keep us posted on the outcome. I just re-read my own comments in the thread you referenced (which turned out to be accurate to the OP's full satisfaction), and I feel like repeating them verbatim here.
I'm not sure whom you spoke with so far, but quoting myself from the earlier thread:
"Once Patek finally receives your watch, they will no doubt offer you some viable options.
Of course, you should only expect a solution consistent with the highest standards, but you WILL be offered one. Watches are meant to be worn, and Patek knows that very well ;-)
I'm ready to bet quite a lot that while the final result will probably be expensive and take some time (don't expect anything fast), your watch will return from Geneva in like-new condition."
Also,
"Patek routinely (and successfully) take up much bigger challenges, even on watches long discontinued and in far worse shape than what we can see from your pictures.
In the worst case scenario, they will just replace the case [or bezel], if necessary to return a watch that meets Patek's standards. But there's no doubt they will restore your watch AND send it back to you in like-new condition."
If you scroll down and read the OP's update, that is precisely what happened in his case. But, IF it turns out you're right and in your instance Patek really won't fix the bezel, please let us know as well by posting an update here --- all I want on my forum is to be fair and correct to all parties, which in this instance means BOTH you and Patek! ;-)
However, note that it is up to a Patek watchmaker -- not you or your insurance company -- to decide the best course of action to fix this watch. The fact that, if I understand correctly, your insurance would even be willing to pay for a new bezel, does NOT imply in any way that Patek will decide to do that.
As for buying a JLC date master, that's obviously always an option... Ruining it won't be "so painful," and it is readily available for sale -- many people will agree on both counts
But seriously, I'm glad to read that after further thought, you decided to send such a beautiful watch in to Patek for service. And like I said, I'm sure the outcome will, also in your instance, be fully satisfactory
Cheers,
FabR (Patek moderator)
Thanks much! I will continue to make an effort to ask them to send to Geneva to assess
Not a problem, and please keep us posted ;-)
PS: I just amended the title of the thread by Member "Horo_Traveler," again in the interest of fairness to all parties --- FabR (Patek moderator)
i want to clarify one other piece on the insurance
I am willing pay to get the watch case repaired even if it is out of pocket and do not know what insurance will cover. They seemed willing but I'm not trying to maximize insurance for the sake of maximizing insurance.
I will let you know if and when they reply to my email!
I will let you know if and when they reply to my email!
Definitely, and it's such a good watch that I'd probably advise you to go ahead regardless, once you hear back from Patek on what your options are...
I'm sure insurance/liability considerations won't in any case factor into Patek's decision, rather what type of service is best for your watch given the damage it suffered. But of course, if your insurance picks up the tab, all the better for you! ;-))
Final Update: HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option
sorry i replied to the wrong post but basically as i said HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option
HSWA did call to follow up on my service form and I asked about perhaps sending to Geneva for more complex repair and they said it was not option. They actually were fully aware and mentioned by name Lange's gold fill in and said they would love to offer it but do not.
So i'll get i serviced and then talk to dealers about just selling as is or repairing first. Of course the spouse can't see what the big deal is and just said it's "patina" and wants me to just keeping wearing it ha.
And to be fair they would warranty it so it's slightly different than the other chap's experience with the 5196p.
Again disappointed, but i think it shows where i'm at
Please keep us updated.
Indeed, one of the reputations Patek carries which gives us peace of mind is the assurance that they will be able to attend to and repair/service/refinish the watch for its life time. They even say in one of their service videos that they would gladly make a part from scratch if needed to restore a watch.
That is correct --- as an independent, family company, Patek guarantees to service EVERY single timepiece it's ever produced in its history....as unbelievable as it may sound for a 184-year-old business! ;-)
And honestly, would you ever buy a $100k+ (or even a $20k!) watch from a company who's unable to promise you they'll take care of it FOREVER? ;-) As usual, food for thought for us collectors!
HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option
HSWA did call to follow up on my service form and I asked about perhaps sending to Geneva for more complex repair and they said it was not option. They actually were fully aware and mentioned by name Lange's gold fill in and said they would love to offer it but do not.
So i'll get i serviced and then talk to dealers about just selling as is or repairing first. Of course the spouse can't see what the big deal is and just said it's "patina" ha.
Again disappointed, but i think it shows where i'm at
FA
Thanks for the update... I'm probably misunderstanding something, so can you please clarify what this implies in your instance? I.e., what was the job you requested, and what Patek's service center exactly won't do for your watch?
I'm no watchmaker, but it's pretty clear this seemed a relatively minor job, especially for a service center that routinely returns all kind of watches (even from 150+ years ago) in like-new condition...
If I understand correctly, they refuse to change the bezel, *but also* to perform whichever other technical operation might be required (even a simple polishing) to fully get rid of the dings? Are the dings considered by them too *minor* or too *serious* to work on? I can agree that even a light polishing might affect the case, but of course you don't want a ding to show either! ;-)
I'm in no way defending the response of the service center (I'm not involved with them in any way). But I have to assume they know what they are doing, and it's probably a first that we hear in this sense (among typically more challenging jobs that they perform on a daily basis). So if we understand precisely what happens and also its motives that'd be great, also for future reference.
As I promised you, you could post the facts on my forum regardless
Cheers.
PS: Also let me/us know if the watch (bezel included) still won't come in like-new condition after the service -- I'm assuming this to be the case from what you are saying here👍
yes they refuse to replace the bezel and won't make any promises about the dent being no longer being apparent after a polish (and they discouraged a polished)
yes they refuse to replace the bezel and won't make any promises about the dent being no longer being apparent after a polish (and they discouraged a polished)
perhaps there are downsides to laser fill, but it certainly goes counter to much of the branding about technical supremacy
perhaps there are downsides to laser fill, but it certainly goes counter to much of the branding about technical supremacy
OK thanks, now this makes more sense. So let us know once you receive this beautiful 5296 back....As I said, I can't imagine Patek won't be able to fix it back in like-new condition, but I'm always OK to be proven wrong :-) Fingers crossed for you!
No problem, but please remember to update us once you receive the watch back from Patek. While I'm confident you'll be as satisfied as (most) other collectors by Patek's service, of course any factual report will continue to be welcome on my forum!😉👍
Interestingly, Patek lacks the technical know-how to service some of its older timepieces.
AP offered to fix a non-functional pocketwatch currently in the Patek museum, but the informational placard in the museum by the watch would have to mention that it was serviced by AP.
...Patek refused and the watch still does not function.
An AP rep told me this story!
...Patek refused and the watch still does not function.
An AP rep told me this story!