Service vs. Repair

[bondtoys]

Hello PP people,

I've had a heated debate with some guys from the US about what is included in the Service Flat rate with Patek Philippe.

The claim from the "other side" is, that Patek will put your watch back in the original condition for a Flat Service Fee - no matter what!

From everything I know, those Flat Service Fees (you can find those with AP, Rolex, Breitling etc.) include a Basic Service and normal wear, but if you have a damaged watch, this will not fall under the Flat Service Fee - but will be charged extra (and sometimes excessive - depending on the damage) as a repair.

Anyone can confirm this?

Thank you!

[IBDOC]

” During a service procedure, seals and certain movement parts are systematically replaced. The following parts are replaced only if necessary:
Complete hand set
Crown
Mainspring barrel or electronic circuit (in quartz movements)
All other components shall be invoiced (dial, leather strap, crystal, etc.).”

And it’s exactly as it says. Service rates include restoring modern movements to working condition including any part that might need replacing including the hands and crown if needed. Everything else is extra. Function wise even repairing a completely non-functional 5170 chronograph costs the same as a regular service in my experience. Not sure what happens if there is very extensive damage though, such as salt water contamination. I’ve only encountered that with vintage watches that come with individual quoted anyway.

[SydR]

May depend on the age of the watch.

I sent a vintage Calatrava 3569 to them last year and for quoted for:

Necessary works:
Restoration Service
Case repair
Case Valet

Optional works:
Replacement of second and minute hand.

The restoration service was very similar to that indicated online for a current mechanical, self winding, level 2 service.

[bonsai-man]

It should be noted that repair/valet (polishing) is optional and only done on request unlike some other brands. Prices are chf 300 for watch or bracelet (eg 5167/a) and 500 for watch and bracelet (eg 5711). Strap replacement is also optional chf 200 - 450.

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by IBDOC

” During a service procedure, seals and certain movement parts are systematically replaced. The following parts are replaced only if necessary:
Complete hand set
Crown
Mainspring barrel or electronic circuit (in quartz movements)
All other components shall be invoiced (dial, leather strap, crystal, etc.).”

Thanks!
that‘s for Switzerland, is there anything similar for US (in US$)?

I just want to make sure that there is no extra "rule" for the US

[azizu]

The service costs are published in patek website in CHF.
When you send your watch for service you will get two quotations.
1- mandatory service, which should include servicing the movement and replacing any parts that need to be replaced.
2- optional services, that includes case and bracelet polish as well as other interventions that are not necessary. perhaps a new strap if it was necessary etc

[Tools]

Patek has several flat-rate prices, depending on the watch to be serviced.

Service is a maintenance exercise, it is not a restoration job. So, while worn or broken movement parts are part of the service (just as they are with Rolex), it is not soup-to-nuts.

https://www.patek.com/en/retail-serv.../service-costs