AP Clearwater Service experience

[Tourbeon]

I just wanted to share my recent service experience with AP Clearwater and would like to know your thoughts and opinion of what to do.

I sent in my 15300 RO for general service but more importantly to fix a couple things. It was running a bit slow and wanted it adjusted to spec, but the biggest issue was there was a small dirt/dust spec by the 55 minutes marker.

The person I communicated with assured me all this would be resolved and suggested to do the movement over haul and water resistance service. I agreed and there was no further discussion until 3 months later when it was ready to ship back.

I get the watch back and the mark is still there. I contact AP see what happened they said “On the previous repair file the mark on the dial was already addressed as best as possible without risking or causing any damages to the dial.”

The issue I have is this was not communicated that it was not completely removed. They later suggested to have the dial replaced but would need to pay for water resistance service again. Had I known I probably would have had the dial changed during the initial service.

Finally there is a small hair looking thing around the 12 o clock (AP) area, perhaps an eyelash? It’s small and you need a loupe to see it but still knowing it’s there is bothersome and this was not there prior or sending it in for service.

This is the first time I have had such an issue.

[Chary]

hmmm.... I would send it back

[Xerxes77]

send it back

[LAFLARE]

Sorry to hear..it always sucks to have such a great piece out of commission, but judging from the way you are describing the situation, if something was bothering me that much I would probably just send it back too..plus you have a 5726 to wear in the meantime!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Tourbeon

I just wanted to share my recent service experience with AP Clearwater and would like to know your thoughts and opinion of what to do.

I sent in my 15300 RO for general service but more importantly to fix a couple things. It was running a bit slow and wanted it adjusted to spec, but the biggest issue was there was a small dirt/dust spec by the 55 minutes marker.

The person I communicated with assured me all this would be resolved and suggested to do the movement over haul and water resistance service. I agreed and there was no further discussion until 3 months later when it was ready to ship back.

I get the watch back and the mark is still there. I contact AP see what happened they said “On the previous repair file the mark on the dial was already addressed as best as possible without risking or causing any damages to the dial.”

The issue I have is this was not communicated that it was not completely removed. They later suggested to have the dial replaced but would need to pay for water resistance service again. Had I known I probably would have had the dial changed during the initial service.

Finally there is a small hair looking thing around the 12 o clock (AP) area, perhaps an eyelash? It’s small and you need a loupe to see it but still knowing it’s there is bothersome and this was not there prior or sending it in for service.

This is the first time I have had such an issue.

AFAIK water resistance testing is always free. Other services, no

I would still send it back though.

[SC11]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

AFAIK water resistance testing is always free. Other services, no

I would still send it back though.

Might be wrong but isn’t the water resistance test and water resistance service two different things?

I was under the impression the test is just that where as a service is the strip and replacment of the seals?

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by SC11

Might be wrong but isn’t the water resistance test and water resistance service two different things?

I was under the impression the test is just that where as a service is the strip and replacment of the seals?

maybe, i don't know. I just know "pressure testing" should be free. Im not sure what else there is. Maybe if it fails the pressure test you have to pay for replacing the seals? not sure

[SC11]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

maybe, i don't know. I just know "pressure testing" should be free. Im not sure what else there is. Maybe if it fails the pressure test you have to pay for replacing the seals? not sure

Yeah I’m not sure!

Typically though a pressure test fail I could imagine AP like most would push for a full service!

I guess in the this case a service has been completed but to change the dial it would have to be opened hence the new seals and term ‘pressure resistance service’

[Tourbeon]

I forgot to mention the watch was sent back when I contacted them again for evaluation. Thats when it was determined the mark it was addresses as best as it could and they also said " Dial passed our Quality Control criteria before it was returned to you"

My concern is how would quality pass with the foreign hair particle on the dial. I am also uncomfortable with reopening the case after its been recently sealed.

The water resistance service is an addition $310 for this piece.

[SMD]

Post pic please.

[Hairdude1]

Call them now and send it back

[incontrol]

Originally Posted by Hairdude1

Call them now and send it back

Agree with this very logical response!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tourbeon]

This is the reply I got from them

I have shared the picture with my watchmaker and he let us know that Sometimes a fiber will stick to the underside of the hands or in the space between the flange ring and dial, and it will be hidden from the watchmakers and qc. Eventually it’ll fall off and on to the dial.

So, we can have the watch come back, clean the dial, recase it. Is there anything else you would like us to check while we have the watch here?

Glad they didn’t try to give the run around. I’ll be sending it back tomorrow. Let see if I have to pay for water resistance again since they have to open the case again.

[GB-man]

Hmm not acceptable. Send it back.

[Bello_nyc]

Unbelievable, send it back!!!

[Plastique999]

Will they clean the other dial mark??


Sent from my Zeitwerk

[HL65]

Not sure what is so unbelievable about a hair or fiber on dial? I have had it happen with multiple Rolex as well as Patek. The Rolex were easy as just took to local watchmaker and they removed with clay. The Patek I had to send back and took a bit of time.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by HL65

Not sure what is so unbelievable about a hair or fiber on dial? I have had it happen with multiple Rolex as well as Patek. The Rolex were easy as just took to local watchmaker and they removed with clay. The Patek I had to send back and took a bit of time.

I agree hundred percent. Mistakes happen. I guarantee APSC will take care of this. They are very honest people. They will do the right thing.

OP just communicate your concerns as I’m sure you have and ask them about any charges. Don’t wait until it’s over. Make sure they know what you expect of them before they open your watch. I’m sure they won’t give you any problems.

[red1108nyc]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I agree hundred percent. Mistakes happen. I guarantee APSC will take care of this. They are very honest people. They will do the right thing.

OP just communicate your concerns as I’m sure you have and ask them about any charges. Don’t wait until it’s over. Make sure they know what you expect of them before they open your watch. I’m sure they won’t give you any problems.

+2.

Call them on the phone and they will 100% take care of it with sensitivity.. just really good people there at AP Clearwater.

[Tourbeon]

I have not been able to send a watch out yet will probably have it out next week. So far they have been helpful with getting this resolved.

My concerns are not the mistakes but the communication. They shipped it back without fully addressing the concerns I had.

They suggested replacing the dial after I sent it back the 2nd time and I would have to pay for water service again due to opening the case again.

This 3rd time they will remove the fiber which will require opening up the case again. I am not comfortable with the repeated case opening.

The watch has been out for about half the year and sending it again with be another couple months.

Also I don’t know the difference between water resistance service and test but they will be doing the test after opening up the case this time.