Service
PATEKObsession's heartbreaking experience with a Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167R, damaged by seawater due to a loose crown, serves as a crucial reminder for all luxury watch owners. This incident, and the community's subsequent discussion, highlights the critical importance of pre-swim checks and offers insights into the potential repair process and costs for high-end timepieces. His candid account and the detailed replies provide invaluable lessons on watch care and the realities of servicing a Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Reference 5167
The Reference 5167 represents the 40mm stainless steel iteration within Patek Philippe's Aquanaut model line. Introduced in 2007 and remaining in current production, this reference features a black dial and establishes the standard sizing for the steel Aquanaut offering.
The 40mm stainless steel case houses the automatic Caliber 324 S C movement, providing 45 hours of power reserve. The watch incorporates a sapphire crystal and smooth bezel configuration. Water resistance extends to 120 meters, while the distinctive composite rubber strap displays an embossed check pattern that complements the case design.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking contemporary Patek Philippe sports watch execution in stainless steel. The 5167 offers entry into the Aquanaut model range while maintaining the manufacturing standards associated with the Geneva manufacture. Its ongoing production status ensures availability through authorized channels for both new collectors and those expanding existing collections.
This is a $43k watch so hopefully they can restore the parts and clean it, not having to replace whole movement. I respect your courage and making full use of your watch to wear for swimming but not really advisable with precious metals. Iβm sure they will provide a fair assessment based on work performed, not based on % of βvalueβ. What can you do besides fixing it, right? Good luck π
Simply not worth the risk. I have several watches with "depth ratings" between100 & 300 meters, and so far I have not seen the need to swim wearing any of them. Sorry this happened to your watch.
Whatever it sells for on chrono is irrelevant. If it was an investment, don't wear in the water (never understand this) . Since you were wearing and enjoying, it's just a gaff which happens in the life of a watch. Get it fixed and continue to wear and enjoy. You will always screw the crown from now on!
Be prepared to pay around $20K for a new movement. I've seen this happen before on a Nautilus. A new movement was needed. New movement cost almost as much as a new watch (retail price). Around 70% of the retail price if I recall correctly. I could be off - it was 10+ years ago. Yours will probably be a lower percentage of the new watch, the Nautilus was steel, yours is gold. Both steel and gold cased watches use the same movement and if only the movement is replaced, the costs should be similar.
Hopefully you get good advice on this forum. All the advice given is actually very relevant and excellent advice. I've added my own advice as I've witnessed two similar situations, both with steel Nautilus watches. Hopefully this isn't your last post - a lot of people in your situation post, get the advice they wanted (and feared), and are never heard from again. We hope you appreciate the good advice you receive here and continue to post your joyful watch moments with us too. Or at least post u
I would have swam with this watch without worry (but I do check my crowns). I even regularly swim with my 50m resistant Speedmaster.
This thread is active on the Patek Philippe forum with 30 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
