Final Update: HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option

independent bezel / case repair pros and cons

By: Francoamerican : February 27th, 2023-17:30

Similar to this thread www.watchprosite.com ; 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 disappoi...

Patek Philippe

independent bezel / case repair pros and cons

Patek won't simply polish it either?

They'll polish it, but if it still visible after the polish they said it was my problem

This is a pretty delicate issue.

thanks for your support!

That's a bummer...

Hmmm, there was an update from HSWA in the post…

My contact is directly with HSWA if you can believe it

I sent them email at least

I would so the same, vote with your wallet. Patek doesn't deserve your money.

This is why I often sell to dealers

And thats the exact reason why I don't buy from dealers...

One of the main reason for me to get Patek

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.

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 ;-)

i want to clarify one other piece on the insurance

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...

Final Update: HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option

Thanks, exchange continued below👍

Please keep us updated.

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! ;-)

HSWA/Patek USA confirmed there is no repair option

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?

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)

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!

thank 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.

I can tell you I sent my watch in for service and repair and it had far more serious damage than this and they did a spectacular job fixing it.

Was there any back and forth?

no sir

I would have a reputable

If it’s any consolation, I have the JLC master control date sector dial, and I absolutely love it!

As far as I currently understand, our friend might have better reasons to be optimistic... ;-)