Patek Philippe

Good news and some slightly annoying news. Happy to announce that I have got my first Patek - ref. 5990. This reference combines probably the two complications I like the most (at this stage in my life) - chrono and GMT functions - in a very wearable (and to my eyes handsome) watch. I was planning on waiting a few weeks and doing a more in-depth post then but...(shoddy phone pics incoming)

1. Wear the watch and screw it; 

2. Wear the watch for a while and then send it in; and

3. Send it in for service immediately.

I'm currently located in NYC and do know there is a service centre (HSWA) at Rockefeller Plaza which is very close to my office. However, I have heard (or rather read on another forum) that because the 5990 is a relatively new reference HSWA is not authorised to work on this reference yet and hence the piece has to be sent to Geneva. The last time I heard service times for Pateks can be long and I'm not super keen on 'losing' a new watch for 6 months...would it really take this long for what seems to be a small error?

For reference I purchased the watch new at an AD in the Caribbean so do not have a 'local NYC' AD per se. My wife (who is much more relaxed about these things than I am) has told me to enjoy it for a few weeks/months then send it then (would this have any ramifications?) Might it be worth it to wait for some time until the HWSA is authorised to work on this reference and send it in then?

Whilst I understand that these things can happen (have seen defects on new Ferrari's, houses etc.), I have not had an immediate defect across AP/IWC/Lange/Omega/Rolex and I won't deny it is a slightly disappointing start to the experience with one of the major watch houses. I humbly ask for your advice/thoughts as the collective experience of PuristS will no doubt have come across pretty much all different kinds of situations re. Patek.

Thank you.

P.S. How I discovered this is a somewhat amusing story - after watching The Martian with my wife a few days ago she told me she hadn't seen Apollo 13 and we decided to watch that tonight. During the scene where they are timing with the Speedmaster I decided to play with my chrono...and noticed the defect... The funny part is I have been contemplating finding my Speedmaster a new home as I don't wear it much but now, maybe not! 

 

:'(

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