Service on older AP’s

[w@chman]

I have an AP 14800st from the 1990”s with a 2125 movement. It needs service and AP advises that they no longer have parts and suggested that they replace the movement with a current movement at a cost of $2000+. While the price is reasonable for a new updated movement, I would rather keep the watch original for collectible reasons. Does anyone have experience with anyone that services older AP’s. I have googled AP Service and the normal national watch service centers show up, but I have not had good experiences with them in the past.
Can anyone suggest a good service option? Any help would be appreciated.

[fullofboats]

I sent my 14800 in for servicing at the beginning of the year and should have it back in another 2-4 weeks I guess. They quoted me ~US$1k for servicing only (no polishing at my request) and no replacement of any parts.

My watch wasn't keeping time well, about +30s per day and the power reserve was barely holding 24h. However, when I got the quotation they didn't advise a new movement.

[cascavel]

AP can't service 5402s either. Their flagship watch upon which their entire company is based, and they cannot service the movement.

[cwilson13]

Will AP still service a D series 14790ST?

[NYG1121]

Originally Posted by cascavel

AP can't service 5402s either. Their flagship watch upon which their entire company is based, and they cannot service the movement.

This is mind boggling.

[TheDude]

In the age of 3D printing, you’d think it would be trivial to make one-off parts. Naturally they need to make the right investments upfront to gain such capability but it’s a solved problem set.


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[tcpx]

Originally Posted by cascavel

AP can't service 5402s either. Their flagship watch upon which their entire company is based, and they cannot service the movement.

Is this actually for real? Doesn’t sound right.. I thought 5402’s had to be sent to the home land and at least assumed they can be serviced if sent back to Switzerland. Do you know of someone who had their 5402 turned away by AP?

[maciej]

Originally Posted by cascavel

AP can't service 5402s either. Their flagship watch upon which their entire company is based, and they cannot service the movement.

That's not entirely true, they've stood up a restoration program specifically for 5402s so that way they give them the attention that they deserve.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by tcpx

Is this actually for real? Doesn’t sound right.. I thought 5402’s had to be sent to the home land and at least assumed they can be serviced if sent back to Switzerland. Do you know of someone who had their 5402 turned away by AP?

Yes, I did. Back in June I brought my 5402A to AP boutique NYC for service, because it had stopped working. They told me that they were trying to get to a point where they could service 5402s but were not able to do so at that time, lacking the parts.

[Burlington]

AP say they will service any of their watches no matter the age. Also other manufacturers vintage pieces from the valley.

[interestedwatcher]

My 14800ST went to Master Watch Makers in Australia, who said they couldn't service it, then it went to Switzerland, and I've just approved the quote for service - no mention of replacing the movement. They reckon 10 - 12 week turn around.

[fullofboats]

Had 3 older APs serviced in the past year. No issues. Cal. 2125, 2225 and 2120

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by fullofboats

Had 3 older APs serviced in the past year. No issues. Cal. 2125, 2225 and 2120

Did they go to the service centre or the factory? I'm wondering about the turnaround time.

[fullofboats]

Originally Posted by interestedwatcher

Did they go to the service centre or the factory? I'm wondering about the turnaround time.

Depends on the movement and the local staff. 2125 and 2225 were done in Hk, 2120 was sent to Singapore. Turnaround for all three were less than 8 weeks

[drhk]

I cannot imagine that a manufacture like AP is not able to service their icon watches. That would just be ridiculous.

[holroale]

I’ve had AP in London refuse to service 2125, and will only agree if the movement is upgraded

[lonaman]

Originally Posted by cascavel

AP can't service 5402s either. Their flagship watch upon which their entire company is based, and they cannot service the movement.

The company was founded in 1875. The 5402 was released in 1972. I think it is inaccurate to call the 5402 the "watch which their entire company is based."

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[Sulituan]

Strange to see so many seemingly discrepancies in experiences made.

[AckAck]

Is their an update to this? Will they service 5402’s or no? Has anyone had it done?

[dh1]

Originally Posted by AckAck

Is their an update to this? Will they service 5402’s or no? Has anyone had it done?

They will. I just sent mine in a few weeks ago. I was in contact with:

Stacy Erb
Client Care
Tel + 1 727 467 0940 (Main line)
Tel + 1 727 216 0908 (Direct line)

If I understood correctly she said that their 5402 program is somewhat new, and at this point they can fully service the 5402ST but there are some limitations with the non-stainless steel metal models (presumably gold and two tone).

[daveo5]

This is a late response. About four or five years ago I purchased my pre-owned 14800. It was complete with prior service records from Paris France. I went to the AP boutique in Las Vegas Nevada. An AP sales associate helped me send the watch to the AP service center in Florida. A complete service cost me $1,100.00 usd.


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[Rolex tom]

This seems to me to be a result of AP not creating their own movements and instead relying on Jager Le Coultre for them in the earlier days of the RO.

Though is seems totally bizarre that they couldn't get parts, the 2125 is just a JLC 889 (still
In production) and it’s seem (to me anyway) ridiculous they need a special a special team set up to service a 5402 which is powered by a JLC 920 then again JLC never used the 920 that they made for PP, VC and AP so
I doubt they bother making the parts for their competitors all these decades later

[dchang81]

what's different about the 5402 vs the current 15202

[Ku5165]

Hi all,

Just want to clarify. AP will service the 5402. Fully restore it and service the movement. I sent mine in and had good conversations with Stacy.