Patek Philippe

Hello everyone,
I'm looking for information as to approx what servicing my vintage automatic Patek ref 2551 will cost..... the watch is in fair, working condition. Patek's website has estimated cost of routine servicing for an automatic caliber listed as CHF800, but specify servicing a vintage as after inspection of the watch.
Also, I am thinking of asking them for a dial replacement, as mine is in worn out condition, but want to do so only if they agree to return the worn dial to me. Does anyone know if this is possible and how much extra a new dial could cost?

Last year I asked about the same here in the Netherlands. The answer: to restore a dial is about 1.100 euro and then they have to service the watch. So I had to  count with at least 1.700 euro. I don't know if you can get back the old dial.

Regards,

Joop

 

 

Hi there,
Thanks for your reply..... I am interested in a new dial..... I will not have the original restored, which is why i asked about keeping it with me.
Also wonder.... do they refinish the case completely? Mine is looking a bit worn and showing its age... with the hallmarks faded out from use over so many decades.
Rishad

You probably won't get much change from $ 2,000 to $ 3,000 estimate.Roni

Hi Rishad,

you will NOT get back (or you may not keep) the old dial even if they were able to replace the dial

(depending if available on stock - difficult with vintage pieces!) - otherwise it will be restored on high standard!

If you decide for this option it will cost you a lot of money...

My option: cleaning and lubricating of the movement by a well trained watchmaker (costs a fraction! only possible if no worn out parts have to be replaced)

detailing the case by a skillful goldsmith who is able to do laser-welding for sophisticated case repair of deeper scratches, nicks, dents.

have the dial restored by a professional restorer with good feedback - this is a rather easy job as dials of this era have enamel printing which will NOT disappear when cleaned or replated if the restorer knows how to do a careful work...

This will cost you a fraction of what you will have to pay at PP Geneva.

I only send complicated watches to PP or when change of worn out parts is necessary - your watchmaker can tell you after close inspection if parts need to be changed...   a PP automatic movement is no "miracle" to be serviced - simple job for a trained watchmaker!

just my thoughts

Erich

I tried to cheaper way with well trained watchmakers two times. I will never do it again... First time, after service, I had a small bump in the dial that was not there before and second time I lost the winding crown after a week. With Patek, if they say they'll do it, they will do it even if you have to wait several months, probably half a year.

Good luck!

Hi Radone,

I think you should look for a new (better) watchmaker  

This must not happen with any good watchmaker !

best

Erich

This better watchmaker always works for the manufacture itself )

...it certainly does cost!

I had my 2526 overhauled about 3 years ago.  I replaced my newer crown with a PP crown, and also bought a new strap.  The total was a bit over $2,000 which I calculated was slightly more than the price of my first 17 watches combined.  It also took about 6 months.  And it was completely worth every penny.  For a watch I really valued, I would not do it any way but at the manufacturer.

Abot 5 years or so ago we got Mrs Zheeeem's Rolex overhauled while we lived in Geneva.  Her dial was trashed, so I bought a NOS that she liked on eBay, and Rolex happily installed it.  But there is a difference between a Rolex, which is, well, mass produced and a vintage 2551.  There may not be so many NOS dials floating around.

So if it was me, I would simply have Patek do the whole thing, dial and all.  I'm sure they would happily return the old dial, if you really want it.

Hi,

I am sorry to say that you are wrong.

They NEVER return the old dial - I have asked several times but they refused to...

best

erich 

I do have a watchmaker, and a very skilled one at that too. My watch is running perfectly, without any trouble as such but I've reached a point where I would like to still give it to PP, pay out the cost, but get my watch back as close to new condition as possible with only genuine PP parts in it, i.e. damaged screws, dial, buckle, restored case etc.
The concern after reading these posts however is, I do really really want to have my original dial to keep with me as spare. Because this is the way the watch came to me from my ancestors who wore it, so the dial right now on the watch is of huge sentimental value to me. I'll have to ask PP I guess, and see what they say about it.

Guys,

I sent my 3450 to be "serviced." 18 months.  $3,500.  Specified no polishing of the case as I did not want the Hallmarks worn down.  As for my 5004, it is clearly understood that if you send it in with a white dial to get a black dial put on, you will not get back your original white dial.  I suspect that Patek will never return a dial - they don't want dials floating around.

Just my observations   Rollin