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Bearxj86 · 12 January 2019, 12:26 AM

So I called Patek Service Center in New York and they said that if I send my 3970E 2nd series solid case watch in there is a low chance they will be able to grant me the sapphire caseback since it did not originally come with one. Nerds of the 3970 watches will tell you that some came with, some without and some upon request.

They recommended I write a letter to Thierry Stern and the Patek board (apparently they meet once a quarter).

Anyone done this? I want that sapphire caseback so I can appreciate the amazing perpetual calendar chrono movement - a crime not to show!

Any suggestions on alternatives? I do want a real OEM option and not a Frankenstein watch.

gpwhite · 12 January 2019, 01:08 AM

Well, they do have the parts in the bin in Plan-les-Ouates. My interpretation is that you are being asked to write an "application," as is done for certain more limited pieces, and then someone in Geneva says OK. If you have your original Patek certificate and include a copy (along with a list for any other PP ref's you own), it should be like a simple border crossing.
Their process may sound cumbersome, but Patek has created a super-inflated resale market over the years since Philippe Stern started collecting older pieces knocking around Geneva auctions. In order to protect this market, which will push Eric Clapton's 3970 specials in the hundreds of thousands of $$, Patek needs to regulate retrofits.
It may take a while, but I would expect you will be granted.

Nat123 · 12 January 2019, 01:54 AM

The fact they didn’t say no outright is a good sign.
If you have the original certificate and you are the original owner I would say
you’re chances are good

Good luck!

GB-man · 12 January 2019, 02:50 AM

Good luck buddy!

Have to admit I was expecting to find some forum soap box diatribe when I read the title. lol

SL BRABUS · 12 January 2019, 05:32 AM

I'm sure you will get it.....

Burlington · 12 January 2019, 08:19 AM

Will be great if they will agree to the request!

Calatrava r · 12 January 2019, 08:36 AM

The only thing to consider is that if this watch did not come with the display back, Patek may prefer to keep it exactly as delivered. This is Rolex's policy. They will not install a dial on a watch which could not have ordered on the watch when new. The fact HSWA could not just sell and install the back for you without higher up say-so leads me to believe PP has a similar policy to Rolex. Let us know how it turns out.

Bearxj86 · 12 January 2019, 08:36 AM

Now that i think about it. A 3970 second series (only 600 pieces) with a handwritten note to and from Thierry Stern with a sapphire caseback... mmmm the provenance?

enjoythemusic · 12 January 2019, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bearxj86

I want that sapphire caseback so I can appreciate the amazing perpetual calendar chrono movement - a crime not to show!

Had third series 3970 and yes, write the letter... and hope. It'll make your 3970 watch 'hamburger' complete.

12 January 2019, 12:26 AM	#1
Bearxj86 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Los Angeles Watch: 3970 Posts: 3,924	Letter to Thierry Stern So I called Patek Service Center in New York and they said that if I send my 3970E 2nd series solid case watch in there is a low chance they will be able to grant me the sapphire caseback since it did not originally come with one. Nerds of the 3970 watches will tell you that some came with, some without and some upon request. They recommended I write a letter to Thierry Stern and the Patek board (apparently they meet once a quarter). Anyone done this? I want that sapphire caseback so I can appreciate the amazing perpetual calendar chrono movement - a crime not to show! Any suggestions on alternatives? I do want a real OEM option and not a Frankenstein watch.

12 January 2019, 01:54 AM	#3
Nat123 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA Posts: 103	Good start The fact they didn’t say no outright is a good sign. If you have the original certificate and you are the original owner I would say you’re chances are good Good luck!

12 January 2019, 02:50 AM	#4
GB-man 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: USA Watch: addiction issues Posts: 37,774	Good luck buddy! Have to admit I was expecting to find some forum soap box diatribe when I read the title. lol __________________

12 January 2019, 05:32 AM	#5
SL BRABUS "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: U.S.A Watch: Only Rolex & Patek Posts: 3,391	I'm sure you will get it..... __________________ Rolex Forum: Mainly Rolex & Benz pictures...!!! Click the above link to join the club...^^^... "SL BRABUS" aka BenzWorld Undercover Moderator

12 January 2019, 08:19 AM	#6
Burlington "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Europe Posts: 5,653	Will be great if they will agree to the request! __________________ “My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best.” ― Winston S. Churchill

12 January 2019, 01:08 AM	#2
gpwhite "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: California Watch: Patek, Journe Posts: 37	Well, they do have the parts in the bin in Plan-les-Ouates. My interpretation is that you are being asked to write an "application," as is done for certain more limited pieces, and then someone in Geneva says OK. If you have your original Patek certificate and include a copy (along with a list for any other PP ref's you own), it should be like a simple border crossing. Their process may sound cumbersome, but Patek has created a super-inflated resale market over the years since Philippe Stern started collecting older pieces knocking around Geneva auctions. In order to protect this market, which will push Eric Clapton's 3970 specials in the hundreds of thousands of $$, Patek needs to regulate retrofits. It may take a while, but I would expect you will be granted.

12 January 2019, 08:36 AM	#7
Calatrava r 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Real Name: Bob Location: United States Watch: Rolex and Patek Posts: 12,665	The only thing to consider is that if this watch did not come with the display back, Patek may prefer to keep it exactly as delivered. This is Rolex's policy. They will not install a dial on a watch which could not have ordered on the watch when new. The fact HSWA could not just sell and install the back for you without higher up say-so leads me to believe PP has a similar policy to Rolex. Let us know how it turns out.

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