Buying a used patek …. ?

[JSolution]

I’m looking once again at buying a patek. Namely the 5205r I have posted about probably over ten times on this forum and never got round to it.

Anyhow - this model is obviously discontinued. I have no issue buying Rolex watches used. But patek may be a different story.

I hear stories about ridiculously long wait times (upto two years???) for servicing.

Do I need to be more concerned given the more “delicate” movement? I would prefer to buy a new unused one but they’re hard to find.

[bp1000]

Jay, my 5270 was serviced by dropping it into the London salon 2 years ago and it came back in about 8 weeks, maybe 9. In other words, much quicker than expected for a perpetual calendar chronograph.

Regarding the 5205r, I have the 011 Olive, it never crossed my mind that it’s delicate. The base calibre I believe has been in use for a very long time now although this movement I think was modified for this exact reference. Not sure if the instantaneous jumping calendar is the reason.

The setup does feel quite old school compared to a Rolex we are use to. But no different from my other dress watches from other brands. No hacking seconds for example, a slight bit of back pressure to sync the seconds is needed, the correctors are solid and the time keeping for me is predictable and consistent. But, this particular reference or at least my example needs a full power reserve to stay consistent.

It’s not a durable as a Rolex but it is a dress watch. It needs careful setup although an AC is more forgiving. But it isn’t going to break easily, get magnetised easily or stop working randomly. Your biggest issue will be incorrect use is the correctors.

I would make sure you read the instructions and get familiar with the correctors. Then set it up to month end and advance time slowly by hand for the month change. Any but February of course. You want to check the calendar complication stays synced on changeover. A broken complication with likely fail to change and show a partially changed and stuck wheel. Checking this would be my priority when viewing to buy.

Good luck with the search!

[stefan]

Originally Posted by JSolution

I’m looking once again at buying a patek. Namely the 5205r I have posted about probably over ten times on this forum and never got round to it.

Anyhow - this model is obviously discontinued. I have no issue buying Rolex watches used. But patek may be a different story.

I hear stories about ridiculously long wait times (upto two years???) for servicing.

Do I need to be more concerned given the more “delicate” movement? I would prefer to buy a new unused one but they’re hard to find.

Don't listen to those stories, an overhaul takes 2-3 months.

[Ichiran]

I own a few Patek and I service them at Geneva Master Time, our regional Patek Service Centre.

Each and every time, the service duration for my simple 3-hander, travel-time, AC and moonphase takes less than 30 calendar days. I have not serviced a PC or a manual chrono yet.

This contrasts with the ordering of a strap which could take up to 6 months. The servicing time of Patek is short and sweet.

[bobernet]

The long wait times for service are, generally, true at various times in the past. Recent reports are much improved, but the 6 mos - 18 mos were real at the time. It dissuaded me from PP for quite a while.

[scurfa]

I’ve just got a watch back from service that was sent in April last year, the times vary.

[Bmats]

Originally Posted by scurfa

I’ve just got a watch back from service that was sent in April last year, the times vary.

Wow, what was the watch and was anything significant done?

[scurfa]

Originally Posted by Bmats

Wow, what was the watch and was anything significant done?

No and it was a quartz model 3744 so should have been a simple service.

[ts3]

I am all for buying used Pateks if it makes sense economically and/or if you prefer discontinued refs over the current catalogue like myself. My first Patek was 10+ years old when I got it and I had it serviced ASAP to make sure everything was ok. No issues then and no issues in the decade since.

Service times depend on location. Henri Stern was terrible some years ago according to what people reported on here whereas the Patek owned service center near me was always 3 months or less when I had work done there.

As to the movements I can only comment on the basic 315 and 324 cals. Been using those daily for years including for non-contact sports such as cycling, paddling, and swimming. Haven't had a problem.

[agsstructures]

HSNY just serviced a 3940J for me. Took 3 months