Patek Philippe

.....its all about preserving it. I have a JLC that was a very similar story. The dial was badly damaged....water (and soil) had entered the movement and it was in a shocking condition. To me, the restoration would cost more than the value of the watch...BUT...I wanted the watch as my father had worn it....and that meant a full recondition of it all....
Patek will charge...but they will do a fabulous job.
For a sentimental piece like this...well worth it

I suggest to do a mechanical revision in PP Geneva and NOT change the dial: ask to PP to try polish it!

I presume 2.000€ and 1 or 2 years patience...

Hi,

Honestly your watch is splendid.

It quite probably deserves a service, regarding the calibre. I have little doubt about that.

Then regarding the dial  it depends more on what you think yourself.

If that was my father's watch I would be tempted to try to keep it looking as close as it is now. You may perhaps discuss with Patek Philippe about they can propose.

I unfortunately never had the opportunity to ask them to service a watch as I don't own any Patek Philippe so far, but I have no doubt that they can listen to your requirements with great care.

Your father may also give you advice. Would he have the dial refinished or would he try to keep it like that?

A perfectly refinished watch could also be a way to show respect to what he gave you, one of many gifts.

So that's and that should be IMO definitely very personal.

But, let us know when it's done please.

Cheers

Dje

Not sure if you are in the US or not, but if so, you may want to contact UWR (Universal Watch Repair). They restored an old Rolex Submariner for me some time ago and did wonderful work. It may still be pricey but I would guess no where close to how expensive Patek would do it for  xxx Here is an example that they highlight in their catalog

This message has been edited by small-luxury-world on 2014-09-26 08:25:45

They seem to be serious there as i saw in their site but i live in greece and i will go to the representatives here in athens even though i don't really trust them and the best would be to make a trip to switzerland.

I went to patek authorised service here in athens. They told me that they have to send the watch to switzerland because here they don't have any parts for watches older than 20 years. Only for shipping , insurance and appreciation of the damage will cost 600 euros!! I think that it will be cheaper if i get the plane and fly to geneva my self!!

The shipping and insurance charge should be quite reasonable. For my vintage piece to go to Geneve from USA cost only $95 through the USA service center. Have you contacted: GREECE
Symbol Hellas Isagogiki S.A.
2 Sardeon & 185 An. Siggrou Ave., Nea Smirni
17121 Athens
(Coped from PP website)

Is this the original bracelet for 2508?

Thread reply was in 2008. That's a good 6 years now. Wonder if the thread starter still frequents this forum to update and reply ?!

No, it is not original but it was bought in 1954. I think that this watch needs only a genuine leather strap.

And i think that the chevron (3,6,9) markers clearly identify it as a 50s piece. In terms of what to do, it depends on what your plans for it are. If, as I hope, you plan to wear it and keep it in the family then restore it to whatever level you like, and not necessarily through/by PP. if you have an eye on sale (now or in future) then generally better for any work to be done by PP - but others are correct to say that too much work (e.g. Zealous case polishing) will hurt value. Btw all this also depends on whether movement needs lots of work as well as dial. All this will cost a lot - won't comment here on value but if you web search the reference you'll get a good enough idea. If possible get multiple opinions - PP Greece ok, but the more the merrier as it will be a significant investment of time and money whatever you do.

I haven't restored the watch yet. I will do it in PP since it has good value as a watch. Hopefully it won't cost more that 3-4.000€ but who really knows... the case was never polished. Maybe in Pp they can write again eberhard Milan. In 40 yrs from now, this restoring will be like it was original !

Perhaps get in touch with Mark Hearn, MD at PP UK. I know that he restored a watch in worse shape than yours, and will probably have invaluable advice.

As i see, the 2508 reference in gold makes around 15-17.000euros if it is in good condition . Many years ago, i showed that watch to an antiquorum representative in a watch exhibition here in Athens and he told me that the value of the watch in that condition would be around 9.000 euros. Who knows how much will cost in patek philippe but now i am ready to proceed. Anyway, any repair made now in official pp, when i will give that watch to my daughter , after 30 years, will be considered all original! It is strange, but i have to mention that today is the date of death of my father, 9 years ago, 31st of May 2008.

I have had many watches restored at PP Geneva. I have a pretty good idea of the cost. I have two PP in for restoration right now and both came back with the same costs. I will have everything on the list done. My watches (cases) were in good condition to start, no major dents, or deep scratches. The dials on both were in about the same condition as yours or worse. When they return, they will be near PERFECT!!! My feeling is that your watch on a strap (bracelet restoration my also be expensive...) would bring TOP $$$. The time for restoration is 27 weeks. It also took 4 weeks for my ESTIMATE. If you have it done please post after photos! When my come back I'll do the same!
MANDATORY SERVICE: $1705
Disassembly and examination of all components
Cleaning and replacement of basic movement parts
Refinishing of the hour and minute hands
Replacement of the plexi
Regulation and timing of the movement
Encasing
Full Quality Control according to our specification
Dial restoration including: $1477
Replacement of the protection glaze
Polishing of the dial plate
Second Hand $52
18mm Yellow gold springbars (x2) $134
OPTIONAL SERVICE
Case Repair $364
Straightening of the lugs and caseback
Polishing
Custom Strap: $495
18x16 men's Regular for Pin Buckle
Shiny Chocolate Brown Alligator
Padded & SStitched
16mm Yellow Gold Calatrava Pin Buckle $625
Shipping and Handeling $140

Hello, many years have passed. Well, this bracelet is a Gay Freres expandable bracelet in 18 carat gold. Yes it is original for patek philippe.http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/ZoomImage.aspx?image=http://www.christies.com/lotfinderimages/D60285/d6028546&intObjectID=6028546&lid=1

A glorious moment has arrived. I made a trip to Geneva and I delivered myself the watch in Patek Philippe central salons.They said that I have to wait for an estimate until the end of January. They don’t know if it is possible to rewrite eberhard Milan because this was done by the retailer and not by them.. I will let you know about the repair cost estimate as soon as they inform me.

I had the dial cleaned and of course eberhard Milan was deleted. The repairman in PP centrals could not believe that the watch I gave him was the same with the one shown in previous posts! He said that he had never seen in his life such a case! After removal of the lacquer the dial has remained the silver metal! Hopefully it will be restored in original condition and I pray to god to be able to reprint eberhard Milan over because it is part of watch’s history and character

Hi. 

I agree in all that you say. Thank you for giving me a good idea and a hope. I will communicate
with eberhard in Milano and ask them if they can do it. It is really worth of it.Restoration will take several months in PP but I think that it was the best move that could be done for that watch.

Finally today I received an answer from PP Geneva about service total cost!