Watchnoob
21
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Watch is new with certificate of origin bearing my name and address, the problem is observed a couple weeks into owning the watch. The problem has been reported to the AD and the service center. The Patek service center informed me it’s due to backlash — so yes they agree with the problem.
They said it *may* be fixed — this watch is also experiencing time inaccuracy aside from the backlash. This has been verified by professional equipment after demagnetization. Yes they also agree with this problem.
Service center is asking me to wear it for a few more weeks and observe before taking it in for repair under warranty. However due to the co-mingled effects it is really hard to obtain true wear test accuracy… service center also warned me repair may not always resolve problems.
This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2025-08-07 13:30:23
7140R minute hand backlash
Hi, my new 7140R seems to be exhibiting backlash on the minute hand. The amount varies across dial, but max 20-30s or so (half a minute marker). Is there a temporary workaround or does it need to go back to servicing center. Thoughts?
Can you describe it more specifically or show a picture, please?
In any case if you are dissatisfied, the dealer is the first one you should ask. It’s not uncommon for this to happen, as discussed in the other thread which I just reviewed. If I’m correct with the numbers, this is a calendar watch without a second hand,...
Really hard to show with a single picture.
Basically for part of the dial, the minute hand would be showing as if the watch is half a minute fast, but for the rest of dial the minute hand would be on time. It’s not a true “time inaccuracy”, it’s due to the backlash in the gears. I was told it can ...
Yep, I’ve seen it discussed in other...
threads and for other brands as well, it’s common to have some lack in the gears of a mechanical watch, amount differs. Thanks for the thoughtful advice!
cannon pinion
if the watch was second hand i would say this is the problem as wear would incur and it would need tightening. on a new watch this should not happen-unless the new machined cannon pinion is faulty/outside tolerance. see the 2 diagrams to explain ...
get as much- evidence- as possible to show the seller/AD.
you say its NEW is it new to you or the watch. i would set the watch with another reliable watch and run them synchronised and record them running together for say an hour or two or three. if you can do it around midnight to show the changing of the dials...
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Watch is new with certificate of origin bearing my name and address, the problem is observed a couple weeks into owning the watch. The problem has been reported to the AD and the service center. The Patek service center informed me it’s due to backlash — ...
See photos showing the backlash problem
Minute hand 20s behind at 7:50 Minute hand on dot at 8 Minute hand 20s behind at 8:50 ...
I have no idea what's wrong. Looks fine to me.
And you used a non-standard term "backlash" and didn't define it very clearly.
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I’m trying to illustrate with the photos that when minute hand shows it’s 7:50 sharp, the reference clock is showing 7:50:20, when minute hand shows its 8:00 sharp, the reference clock shows it’s indeed 8:00, when the minute hand shows 8:50 sharp again, t...
I understand you now! Thank you for helping me understand. Now, I think I may be able to help you.
I understand what you're trying to suggest now. Thank you for clarifying! You're suggesting that the minute hand should be 1/3rd the way between the 50 and 51 minute level at 7:50:20. And you're suggesting your photo doesn't show that. Unfortunately, due ...
It appear to be a problem of actual minute hand discrepancy
Across dial. If you look at other photos though, it does line up precisely at 8:00. I also took a time lapse video with professional equipment aiming directly down at the watch vs a reference clock. It shows that the differential varies across the dial — ...
Better photo from stationary camera
Screenshots from my Timelapse video taking with stationary camera and watch. ...
Hmm.
Interesting problem. If it were a minute hand discrepancy, that would mean that the gears are uneven? Although this seems highly unlikely. An off-centered dial would also have the same effect - but would also be extremely unlikely. Stumped!
Generally, watches with multiple subdial hands would not pass quality control with a poorly centered dial.
With just hands coming out of the center, some dials can be off-centered and still provide perfect time (although this would be highly unusual at the Patek Philippe level). But with numerous sub-dials, any off-centered dial would be unlikely.
Without a seconds hand running, does the minute hand not move gradually towards the next minute?
If it does, I don't understand the "problem statement" as well. I have the 5968A and now I actually love setting such watches without seconds hand or hacking seconds because I just eyeball and estimate....1st world problems lol....I don't have to hold my ...
Ugh yeah let me try again to explain
Basically I’m seeing this: Reference clock showing 7:50, but my watch’s minute hand would be lagging a like a bit less than half a minute marker to 50 (as in it looks 20 seconds behind). When the minute hand of my watch reaches 7:50, reference clock is al...
have the AD put the watch on a- timing machine- with the correct lift angle
and time for the 6 positions. patek philippe seal for accuracy is=mins1sec/ plus 2 sec day maybe the ref 5320 with centre seconds and QP -would of been a better choice and and cheaper
Thanks for the advice — yes this was already done
And the test revealed issues with accuracy in certain positions. They advised me however the test is static and the accuracy statement is on dynamic wrist simulator. I was asked to wear watch and evaluate performance on wrist before regulation. But it has...
backlash
i think you mean-LOSS-which the watch is losing time when in the four positions stated GAIN-which the watch 'speeds up' in time in the other 2 positions. all in a day stop using BACKLASH-as that is a term used in gearing and not a watch term a watch will ...
Clarification + timegrapher results
1) yes the watch is experiencing accuracy issues, see timegrapher results attached. Right side is the test they ran just before demagnetizing it, left is the test they ran after. 2) the watch is also exhibiting discrepancy in minute hand across the dial, ...
i would insist that it goes back to switzerland for a complete clean fresh lubrication and service etc
blimey-you should not see this for a new watch. PP AD know there is a problem tell them to sort it out-or get your money back.
Thanks, is PP Switzerland workshop better than NY?
NY service center said they could do it — but they also said they can’t promise it will be better…that did not give me confidence.