Visit to HSWA in NYC

[FlyinM3]

I stopped by HWSA again today to drop off a vintage piece that needed servicing. It's a simple 2-hand manual movement.

I got a quite a chuckle out of the staff claiming that they have service turnaround times somewhat under control now stating that std complications with auto movement have 26weeks TA while manuals have 21weeks TA

In addition, I cannot believe they were proud to say that each turnaround no longer has a 16week additional delay on top of the std turnaround times making each 42weeks and 37weeks WTF

I thought about asking for Patrick who is the service director there, but half of me said why bother knowing they would pitch the same BS story and excuses.
My patience and loyalty for the brand are really on thin ice.

[lapince]

LOL can't believe those service times, but sure, coming from 42 and going to 26 is a big difference, still is way, way too long

[goog53]

When I toured the facility I think the number they gave was 18 watchmakers on hand. They have room for 40 benches and obviously want more watchmakers. They have 6 apprentices going through the watchmaking school program that were picked out of over 200 applicants so they are making the effort.

[martinr]

Patrick is a good guy and very helpful. What amazes me is that they can't find people, are they offering minimum wage? If all these biotech companies can find people to do specialized technical work why can't Patek? It's great they're trying to improve but my 5905P annual calendar still had to go to Geneva because they don't work on that reference in NY!

[jon_jon]

I have read that all new references for the first couple of years go to Geneva, which may be the reason why the 5905P had to be sent to Geneva.

[masyv6]

Those turnaround times are just crazy. At least an effort is being made to remedy it, however.

[martinr]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

I have read that all new references for the first couple of years ago to Geneva, which may be the reason why the 5905P had to be sent to Geneva.

You're correct, Pat told me they have a letter from Geneva stating that reference needs to go back. I'm actually ok with the time frame, still love the watch, things happen, it's a warranty repair, I told them it was pristine when I sent it in and I expect it back in the same condition.

[HorologyK]

Originally Posted by martinr

You're correct, Pat told me they have a letter from Geneva stating that reference needs to go back. I'm actually ok with the time frame, still love the watch, things happen, it's a warranty repair, I told them it was pristine when I sent it in and I expect it back in the same condition.

What happened to it ? Didn't you get it this year ??

[martinr]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

What happened to it ? Didn't you get it this year ??

Yes I got it in March of this year. The chrono pusher at 2:00 started to protrude a little bit too much and eventually worked its way loose. But to fix it they needed to open the watch. Pretty minor, not sure how it happened but Patek is taking care of it under warranty. The watch worked perfectly even with the loose pusher.

[texex91]

Ooooofffff that is brutal.

42 weeks!

[slashd0t]

Originally Posted by martinr

Patrick is a good guy and very helpful. What amazes me is that they can't find people, are they offering minimum wage? If all these biotech companies can find people to do specialized technical work why can't Patek? It's great they're trying to improve but my 5905P annual calendar still had to go to Geneva because they don't work on that reference in NY!

Last I checked, Universities/Colleages weren't really pumping out watchmakers... It's a highly skilled profession requiring years of learning, especially to do it at the level of servicing complicated Patek's...

There's a reason why Patek chose such a small number of people to take into their wings to teach them, but Patek isn't an educational institute and doesn't have the ability to scale to teaching the required 30-40 watchmakers that they would likely happily hire.

[martinr]

Originally Posted by slashd0t

Last I checked, Universities/Colleages weren't really pumping out watchmakers... It's a highly skilled profession requiring years of learning, especially to do it at the level of servicing complicated Patek's...

There's a reason why Patek chose such a small number of people to take into their wings to teach them, but Patek isn't an educational institute and doesn't have the ability to scale to teaching the required 30-40 watchmakers that they would likely happily hire.

Well, if what you say is true what is the solution?

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by martinr

Yes I got it in March of this year. The chrono pusher at 2:00 started to protrude a little bit too much and eventually worked its way loose. But to fix it they needed to open the watch. Pretty minor, not sure how it happened but Patek is taking care of it under warranty. The watch worked perfectly even with the loose pusher.

Fixing a pusher is just tightening a screw or replace it for a new one I think it s not more than a 10 minutes job for a watchmaker there s nothing to do with the movement except taking it out and back after the pusher fixed .They should appreciate your patience.

[Moloch]

Originally Posted by martinr

You're correct, Pat told me they have a letter from Geneva stating that reference needs to go back. I'm actually ok with the time frame, still love the watch, things happen, it's a warranty repair, I told them it was pristine when I sent it in and I expect it back in the same condition.

When I got the tour of HSWA, they did mention that all recent movements and references have be sent to Geneva. Reason was quality control to see how it's doing in the real world. Patek will investigate why those pushers came loose and possibly make some revisions on future production or make sure QC tests for that failure.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by Moloch

When I got the tour of HSWA, they did mention that all recent movements and references have be sent to Geneva. Reason was quality control to see how it's doing in the real world. Patek will investigate why those pushers came loose and possibly make some revisions on future production or make sure QC tests for that failure.

Pusher failures are common or just by this particular reference?

[Moloch]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Pusher failures are common or just by this particular reference?

5905 was released last year. My statement applies to all recent references or newer movements. Patek wants to closely monitor how new references are doing to work out any kinks during the early production that they possibly missed.

Not sure where you got the pushers failures are common from.

[Moloch]

It's sensible policy from Patek. Unless you happen to be selfish and demand Patek fix your watch now and ignore what caused the problem in the first place.

[Ilovewatches]

It's strange the turn around time is so long from the States.
I sent my 5960P in for service a year ago, and the turn around time was 12 weeks.

I got lucky i suppose.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by Moloch

It's sensible policy from Patek. Unless you happen to be selfish and demand Patek fix your watch now and ignore what caused the problem in the first place.

I'm selfish.

[HorologyK]

I have a twenty two year old Daytona that I've treated pretty hard and never had an issue, let alone a pusher problem.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by Moloch

5

Not sure where you got the pushers failures are common from.

sorry it was a question , -actually i ve asked from you didn t stated so- "Are pusher problems are common or ..."

[iazrollie]

I have to go to HS next week to a fix power reserve issue on my 5711. See you in 3 months, my friend, mr 5711.

[HorologyK]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

I have to go to HS next week to a fix power reserve issue on my 5711. See you in 3 months, my friend, mr 5711.

Three months ? That would be nice. What kind of PR problem does t have ?

[iazrollie]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

Three months ? That would be nice. What kind of PR problem does t have ?

It stops 20 hours after I put it down. :(

[HorologyK]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

It stops 20 hours after I put it down. :(

Ugh. Sorry., that's horrible.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by iazrollie

It stops 20 hours after I put it down. :(

[KarlS]

Quicker to assemble a new watch

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by KarlS

Quicker to assemble a new watch

Sure but these pieces they should first take it apart:-)

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Sure but these pieces they should first take it apart:-)

and that takes 2 hours.....however it needs 14 days testing after the service...we just need to find another 5 months in the process....why cant you just book a time slot for your watch like your car? Next Tuesday at 10h00? Or how about a new income stream where we have a Fast Track for an extra $250 and the watch is done in a month....(I dont think little swiss elves would be allowed to work on a full night shift to catch up as it will probably contravene some labour law)

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by KarlS

and that takes 2 hours.....however it needs 14 days testing after the service...we just need to find another 5 months in the process....why cant you just book a time slot for your watch like your car? Next Tuesday at 10h00? Or how about a new income stream where we have a Fast Track for an extra $250 and the watch is done in a month....(I dont think little swiss elves would be allowed to work on a full night shift to catch up as it will probably contravene some labour law)

Could be the shipping to China back&forth takes so long:-)