Weird One -- Cartier battery change (NYC)

[SMD]

My wife has a tank francaise that was previously serviced by Rik down in FL a couple years ago. Battery died and needs to be changed. Any suggestions for someone trustworthy who can do this without charging a fortune (i.e., Cartier)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Valenciawatchrepair]

Any watch guy should be able to do these. I'd look for someone that usually handles nicer watches. So many places are not delicate with watches, it drives me crazy. I'd do it for ya if I was closer.

[antbkny]

Originally Posted by SMD

My wife has a tank francaise that was previously serviced by Rik down in FL a couple years ago. Battery died and needs to be changed. Any suggestions for someone trustworthy who can do this without charging a fortune (i.e., Cartier)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Wempe Jewelers
Address: 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (212) 397-9000

[SMD]

Originally Posted by antbkny

Wempe Jewelers
Address: 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: (212) 397-9000

Thanks. Their watchmaker will just do a battery swap?

[SMD]

Originally Posted by Valenciawatchrepair

Any watch guy should be able to do these. I'd look for someone that usually handles nicer watches. So many places are not delicate with watches, it drives me crazy. I'd do it for ya if I was closer.

Thanks. I know its not a big deal, but there are so many sketchy places in NYC that I would prefer to have a recommendation for someone trustworthy. If Wempe will do it that is probably the best option.

[wantonebad]

Not to take money away from a Jeweler but why not switch the battery yourself? I'm sure you can find the battery online.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Not to take money away from a Jeweler but why not switch the battery yourself? I'm sure you can find the battery online.

Honestly don't want to mess with it. I not sure whether its just popping it out or whether its like APs with a quartz where the whole movement needs to be removed.

[Knappo 1307]

Youtube it...

[antbkny]

Originally Posted by SMD

Thanks. Their watchmaker will just do a battery swap?

yes no problem, and they’re quick and reasonable. I took my girlfriends quartz patek for a battery swap not too long ago. They are a first class operation, nothing to worry about and there’s also lots of eye candy there for a WIS if you wish to wait around.

[316lad]

It is actually very easy. I've swapped the battery in my wife's Santos a few times now over the years. 4 tiny screws hold the case back on, battery just pops out. I use an Energizer 361/362 - gives over two years or so of useful life.

Each time I also order the replacement gasket for the case back.

At some point it will HAVE to go back to Cartier for movement servicing.

I realise not everyone is comfortable doing this sort of thing, however, it is in general horological activities; a breeze to do.

[holdtime]

Originally Posted by SMD

My wife has a tank francaise that was previously serviced by Rik down in FL a couple years ago. Battery died and needs to be changed. Any suggestions for someone trustworthy who can do this without charging a fortune (i.e., Cartier)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Cartier NY and Atlanta had Changed Battery free of charge
Paris 100 €

[SMD]

Originally Posted by holdtime

Cartier NY and Atlanta had Changed Battery free of charge
Paris 100 €

Last time we went to Cartier in NYC, lets just say it sure was not free.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by antbkny

yes no problem, and they’re quick and reasonable. I took my girlfriends quartz patek for a battery swap not too long ago. They are a first class operation, nothing to worry about and there’s also lots of eye candy there for a WIS if you wish to wait around.

Thanks. Wempe it is and will head down today.

[SMD]

Originally Posted by 316lad

It is actually very easy. I've swapped the battery in my wife's Santos a few times now over the years. 4 tiny screws hold the case back on, battery just pops out. I use an Energizer 361/362 - gives over two years or so of useful life.

Each time I also order the replacement gasket for the case back.

At some point it will HAVE to go back to Cartier for movement servicing.

I realise not everyone is comfortable doing this sort of thing, however, it is in general horological activities; a breeze to do.

Will keep in mind. I would be okay if it was mine, but she wants it now and for the money its easier for me to just head down to midtown (ugh)

[RW16610]

Yeah, if you can't pressure test or or at least have a replacement gasket as aforementioned I wouldn't want to do it myself.

I'm taking my Rolex to an independent for service in the next week or so once he gets back from vacation. I'll also leave my Raymond Weil W1 Parsifal (8000) with him for a battery change. It needs a movement service, all new gaskets etc as it got moisture in it years ago. It's since been left in my cigar box with the lume on all the hands tarished.

Hopefully you're able to get it swapped today and she'll be good for another couple years

[316lad]

Originally Posted by RW16610

Yeah, if you can't pressure test or or at least have a replacement gasket as aforementioned I wouldn't want to do it myself.

I'm taking my Rolex to an independent for service in the next week or so once he gets back from vacation. I'll also leave my Raymond Weil W1 Parsifal (8000) with him for a battery change. It needs a movement service, all new gaskets etc as it got moisture in it years ago. It's since been left in my cigar box with the lume on all the hands tarished.

Hopefully you're able to get it swapped today and she'll be good for another couple years

Good point about the pressure testing.

The wife never takes it anywhere near H2O. Never did, even before I started doing the battery changes. Don't think its certified waterproof - or even water resistant anyway.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by 316lad

Good point about the pressure testing.

The wife never takes it anywhere near H2O. Never did, even before I started doing the battery changes. Don't think its certified waterproof - or even water resistant anyway.

Yeah I don't imagine a lot of them to be (those types of watches). Years ago I had the same Raymond Weil and showered in it, no problem.

I was cleaning this one some years back and the moisture got in Movement still works but without a doubt needs to be looked at my a watchmaker.



It should be 50 Meters water resistant. The Chrono pushers and reset pin button (whatever it's called) don't seem to help on this watch case. The last thing I want is for it to get flooded again if it gets wet while washing my hands or something.

[SMD]

Just to finish this up - went to Wempe today (stay away from midtown another protest day). They swapped it out in about 30 minutes and, get this no charge. Very good service. Thank you Wempe, I will be back. Just wish the selection was a bit better. Of course if I was in the market for a Zeitwork they had me covered 3 times over!

So for quick basic things like this Wempe is the way to go. Thanks to all.

[RW16610]

Glad to hear how well it worked out for you! Was certainly worth the trip there

[tamiya]

Good service from your shop... gives warm & fuzzies for your next purchase!

Our local Cartier joint promises fixed price battery change... fairly reasonable charge IMHO for their posh venue. No mention of gasket replacement & I haven't gone to ask.

Ladies French tank is marked "Water Resistant" on caseback. It's got a fairly decent rubber gasket & channel, doesn't rely on caseback being cranked down tight like a submarine hatch.

Battery is an uncommon 335/SR512SW though & its secured by a screw + spring plate... which is very darned close to vital guts, one slip with screwdriver could be fatal.

I wouldn't recommend DIY on this

[316lad]

Glad to hear they didn't charge - how kind of them.