FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
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! 
independent bezel / case repair pros and cons
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 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 loo...
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 c...
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 res...
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 keepi...
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 standa...
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 ...
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....
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 mak...
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 ...
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 th...
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 brandin...
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...
