mkvc
1380
Your service interval should be three to five years.
That's how long the lubricants last if the watch is kept running. (They last somewhat longer if the watch is not run constantly.) If the watch is kept running without lubricant, it (1) will perform poorly and (2) will grind itself to pieces. Thus, you need to factor relatively frequent servicing into your budget.
However, Patek itself is not the only place to get a Patek serviced. While it is hard for independent watchmakers to obtain replacement parts, for normal servicing where parts are not required you can pay a lot less. Also, you can get the work done in a week or two instead of the many months that Patek service seems to require.
most affordable nautilus
By: moskov : July 19th, 2010-09:57
Hi guys, I'm new here and am seeking guidance. I like the Nautilus but I see a huge range in prices for these used watches. Is there a particular model that is "most affordable" compared to the others? I can't spend more than $10k, and am hoping I can do ...
Which Nautilus?
By: whit : July 19th, 2010-11:34
Based on your budget, I would suspect the 3900 (quartz) or the 3800 (automatic) is where you will need to look. As I recall, the case on the 3900 is slightly smaller than the 3800. The other versions will most likely be beyond the range you indicated. Con...
maintenance costs
By: moskov : July 20th, 2010-08:48
THAT is sound advice. I guess a servicing can run up to about $2,000 I imagine. Thanks whit and mj for this assistance. I am also looking at Audemars P Royal Oak at this point, too, seems in the same under $10,000 range for a number of models and a bit ne...
Life Expectancy
By: le_chef : July 20th, 2010-10:29
If you only plan on living for another 15 years or so, then your service estimate is about right. On that basis you might want to start training the next generation who will inherit your watch to appreciate the finer points of Patek Philippe ownership.
overhaul cost
By: mjnoumoff : July 21st, 2010-14:01
a complete overhaul is about $1000. My 3800 needed an overhaul plus a new gold rotor b/c of worn out bearings which was another $1000. So yes $2000 is a very real maintenance cost. Hopefully the watch will not need such an expensive service for awhile.......
3800 service internal
By: mjnoumoff : July 22nd, 2010-07:17
The watch was brought in for service because the power reserve was only about 26 hours or so. I purchased the watch in November 2009 and Henri Stern did not have any records of the watch being serviced. This does not mean the watch was never serviced, jus...
durability
By: moskov : July 22nd, 2010-07:52
That sounds good - the prospect that the watch may not need a servicing for 20 years, though this is on a brand new watch, and it DID need a service at 20 years. Considering the watches I'm looking at are already 20-30 years old... Does this imply that th...