Patek Philippe

We often read on the forums on how long collectors have to wait to get their beloved Patek Philippe back from service. Last year around this time, I too was somewhat anxious in sending my treasured 3971 on its long journey back to Geneva where it was conceived in 1990. What made it an even more difficult decision was the fact that I only had the watch in my possession for 8 months.

After a long wait, today I was going to find out if I made the right choice.





Even through the protective plastic I feel as if I’m looking at a completely new watch.



It has had a very light polish and the front crystal was replaced as there was an inclusion in the original. The lugs with all the hallmarks remain crisp. Well done Patek! I for one appreciate your no compromise approach even if that means a long wait.



After its long journey I’m glad my 3971 is back downunder. Its beauty is so enthralling that I’m yet to put it on my wrist.



Maybe tomorrow will be the day!

Regards
Rene

P.S. Steve Jobs thank you for the iPad and may your vision continue to inspire us all.

I fear it will be perpetual ...

But many, many thanks for some pictures of your precious.

Enjoy it and wear it in best health.


Regards

Moritz

I too would be very excited to be able to put such a magnifient watch on my wrist.

Maty you enjoy it at the maximum of pleasure.

All the best.

Nicolas.

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I've always loved the 3970/3971 series.  I feel they are equal to the already classic 5970.  Enjoy yours in good health.

Here's a photo of a 3970J and a 3970R for you viewing.

stunning watch and well worth the wait in my eyes. By the way i was talking to a Louis Vuitton chap here the other day about that new spinning watch of theres and your name came up in conversation , bugger just can't recall his name at the moment. Did you ever part with the 5712 ?

regards
darren

No I kept the 5712 as I gave it away once before. One learns from their past mistakes.



Regards
Rene

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Congrats on having it back on your wrist!

When you get it back, it is like you discover it for the first time !

Enjoy it Rene!

Fx

Feels like I just got a new watch.

Regards
Rene

nt

congrats Rene, this watch is a dream for any collector !

opening the box after the long wait, it's like being a kid all over again.  Except this time, the presents are a lot better!  I just got my 5135 back after about 3 months (came back in a full size PP bag, btw) and what a great feeling - even for a "lesser" Patek

Enjoy the "new" watch, and looking forward to seeing some new wrist shots.

I waited for some time to see the reaction of this community to this thread. But I must state that I am very shocked by the responses.

First of all how can PP have the audacity to keep your watch for 12 months to repair/service??

This clearly shows PP has only respect to money, and not to their clients.

I would have expected PP to offer you the option for a replacement of the movement if it takes longer than 2-3 months to fix it. Of course for a reasonable price. 

I am sure PP have tens (if not hundreds) of the same movement on their shelves preparing them for new cases. If PP had the after-sales committment, they would have done something to make you happy first before they move on to the next client.  

However, I am equally shocked by the responses in this forum. There is so much "PP Lovefest" going on here that, people are almost blinded from seeing glaring service problems. In fact, people even rationalize poor/slow service as a sign of quality control !!.

To me time is very valuable - as late Steve Jobs said well, I am trying to live my life as if I am going to die tomorrow. If I cannot have my beloved watch repaired/serviced fast, I will not use it. I will not wait 12 months for a repair/service.  

Please do not misunderstand me. I love Patek watches and  have several of them and wear my favorite 5140G daily. However, after spending nearly $100K for a watch, I want fast service when I need it. 

Cheers Jim

 

 

nt

You continue to disappoint me by your intolerance of criticism of PP.

If you cannot handle criticisms of the PP brand, why do you continue as a moderator? Moderator, moderates..

I tried to be as constructively critical of a brand I like - what is wrong with it ?  

Your comments have consistently been pro PP, as if PP is a God send gift to humanity. PP is just a another beautiful mechanical watch company with its share of problems. Unfortunately I do not like PPs arrogant attitude regarding service especially for watches that are under current production. My dad who also likes PP (He is 91, so remembers the legendary PP service in the 40, 50s,60s) has nothing but wonderful memories of PP service. How come I dont feel that way ? 

You are doing a great disservice to PP by suppressing criticisms and complaints about the firm. Because of people who worship PP, and cannot tolerate criticsms, PP never hears about issues that bothers its "customers". Of course, I am assuming that PP actually has a deep down interest in after-sales customer service, just like they did years ago. 

I basically enjoy my Pateks and dread the day when I will need service for my 5140. In fact I am considering purchasing another 5140 soon just so that I will always have that beautiful piece on my wrist. This should not have been a issue in my mind after spending $100K on a watch.

So, unless we complain and point out to problems, change will never happen.  Cheers, Jim

I think all of the points that Jim is making are very fair. Obviously any one on this website is a horophile, and for this thread specifically, a Patekophile (?), so no one means any harm. However, I do agree that after paying 100k for a watch, I would want to be treated in an appropriate way and not have to wait a full YEAR for it to be serviced...

Honestly, how many people can there be in the world with these watches? Our sample size is skewed because of this website, but I for one have seen MAYBE one or two Pateks in the wild...

If you want to discuss standards, discuss standards, but that's not fair neither efficient to limit them to Patek Philippe.

By the way, I've never deleted criticism, and of course tolerate it especially as long as it's written in a respective way and ideally a constructive one.

Dje

ps: one more point, logics like "customer is the king" are IMVHO very selfish and arrogant attitudes that belong to the past. Modern times are a bit more complicated!



 
This message has been edited by Dje on 2011-10-10 14:19:00

Certainly, if so many people send theire pieces to Geneva, they should have a problem servicing them.

And I am refering to complicated pieces, mostly.

There are also service centres of Patek as we all know, but I am not sure if I would send a grande comp to them.


Regards

Moritz