Patek-bring a watch back from the dead?

[BDL]

I have zero experience with Patek service, how far gone is too far on a vintage watch (Circa 1950s?). Dial replacement, chip in case, can these be fixed and if so are we talking thousands? Tens- of thousands?

[Tony64]

Patek will repair any watch they have ever produced to like new condition. No expiration, no exception.

I hope you have lots of patience and money, because you won't by the time they're done. You will have a spectacular timepiece however.

[Tony64]

Cost will depend of the nature of the repair and whether or not they will need to fabricate new parts. You'll get an estimate once they have the watch and will have the opportunity to decide if it's worth proceeding.

[DR.Golf]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Patek will repair any watch they have ever produced to like new condition. No expiration, no exception.

I hope you have lots of patience and money, because you won't by the time they're done. You will have a spectacular timepiece however.

When at the Patek factory was told there has only been one watch they refused to fix. The watch had the case damaged in the World Trade Center collapse. The family wanted the watch repaired. Unfortunately the case was damaged beyond repair and Patek refused to use a new case. Their rationale was it would not be a repair it would be a new watch. Virtually Patek can do anything your watch requires.

[martinr]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Patek will repair any watch they have ever produced to like new condition. No expiration, no exception.

I hope you have lots of patience and money, because you won't by the time they're done. You will have a spectacular timepiece however.

Very true. When I visited the restoration department last month in Geneva we saw examples that were almost unrecognizable as a Patek and they were made to look new. It was quite amazing. Watches that had rusted, corroded, been repaired by guys that didn't have a clue about what they were doing, one watch had a paper clip used to fix it and I'm not making that up.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by DR.Golf

When at the Patek factory was told there has only been one watch they refused to fix. The watch had the case damaged in the World Trade Center collapse. The family wanted the watch repaired. Unfortunately the case was damaged beyond repair and Patek refused to use a new case. Their rationale was it would not be a repair it would be a new watch. Virtually Patek can do anything your watch requires.

Personally, that's one watch I would want to leave exactly as is.

[Calatrava r]

I do not know the cost but they can restore your watch to like new.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by tony64

personally, that's one watch i would want to leave exactly as is.

+1

[jfriedkin]

I have sent several vintage PP's in for restoration. BEAT TO HELL!! And the watches come back looking brand new!

If the watch is from the 50's - should be an easy service I just received back 3 watches from the 50's and the total bill was $5000/watch. Included new strap and buckle on each.

Do you know the ref #?

Here are the after/before shots.

[codecow]

If the pivots in the watch are pressed instead of gem set you should be in way better shape. The pivotage guy is quite busy, he reminds me of my dad.

[bravetony]

Get ready for Patek to suck you dryyyy

[jfriedkin]

Patek service/restoration is worth every penny!!

[Murcielagoboy2]

There's a severe shortage at PP of polishers/case restoration experts which is backing up anyone wanting their case restored to new... It can take 9 months for an AC to come back from service.

[jfriedkin]

My time only vintage pieces were 7 month and 8 months. Full restoration of two 60 year old watches.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by jfriedkin

My time only vintage pieces were 7 month and 8 months. Full restoration of two 60 year old watches.

Sounds like you've had a fortunate experience, but depending on the condition/complexity of the repair - especially if parts are unavailable and need to be made - you could be without your watch for well over a year or more!

Cost can easily exceed the market value of the end product, but agree that it will be pristine when it finally arrives. For a sentimental piece it's unquestionably worth the investment of time and money to have your heirloom resorted. For someone contemplating a vintage purchase with the idea of restoration however, it can be an eye opening experience!

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by jfriedkin

I have sent several vintage PP's in for restoration. BEAT TO HELL!! And the watches come back looking brand new!

If the watch is from the 50's - should be an easy service I just received back 3 watches from the 50's and the total bill was $5000/watch. Included new strap and buckle on each.

Do you know the ref #?

Here are the after/before shots.

Is that 5K each or for all three?

[jfriedkin]

$5k each. Note that I also purchased a new strap and new buckle ($1000). Tony64 point is correct, if they do not have the part they will make it, however I believe that if you watch was a model they sold after 1930 they will have the parts you need. I have sent watches in for restoration/service from 1932 and they were no problem.

[s.m.b.]

I imagine this has been posted in another thread before, but perhaps it’ll be useful here as well:

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/f...pe-and-me.html

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by s.m.b.

I imagine this has been posted in another thread before, but perhaps it’ll be useful here as well:

https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/f...pe-and-me.html

^^^ That sums it up pretty well.