Patek Philippe

Hello all,

 

I'm looking at adding a 5167 to my collection.   One of the appeals of this piece is the versatility of changing between the tropical strap and the steel bracelet.   I've read a lot of posts here where members discuss changing these.   However, my AD called Patek and they say the watch must be sent back to them to switch straps.   They said a special tool is required which most watchmakers don't have.   I'd love to get some information on this.   I'm especially interested in those who have this watch with both straps.   Is your AD changing it for you?    Are they having any problems?   Are any members changing the strap themselves?    I've search the forum pretty diligently but haven't seen a good answer to this question.    Thanks in advance!

If it's true, it is among the most absurd design errors ever made.

.. the reason Patek might of said that is because at one point the 5167's straps weren't interchangeable and only they would be able to attempt to put a bracelet on a version of the 5167 that wasn't meant to have one.  This can be determined by the serial number.

As for the current models, its as easy as knowing how to remove the spring bar from the lugs.  No special tools that i am aware of besides the flat head used for any watch, but feel free to call patek, ask to speak to someone in repairs and ask them if its possible in reference to a "current" model 5167.

The Henry Stern Watch Agency (Patek)

212.218.1240

Goodluck & Enjoy it if you do decide on it!

Rob

If you own the new 5167, the bracelet should be quite easily changed.

What my AD did, was contact Patek with my movement number and they were then able to confirm, that the bracelet could be used with my piece.

Perhaps a quick phone, to your AD could resolve this issue? 

The Patek Geneva store (no less) confirmed to me in May this year that the straps were 'absolutely not interchangeable' - although I have heard from almost all on this forum that this is not the case!
But I do understand what the original question refers to: namely that especially re-attaching the rubber strap is fairly  'intricate operation',
as it attaches on the crown as well as on the sides. It would be possible to scratch the watch and/or damage the strap unless one was careful (so no doubt they do use a special instrument when doing this).

OK.  I took Rob's advice and I called Patek in NY (repairs department).   Thanks Rob for that recommendation.    First, they were extremely helpful and pleasant to speak with.   As it turns out, all the replies are correct, and all the replies are incorrect.    I know this sounds strange, but here's the  information I received.

 

With the 5167 design, Patek wanted to address the aesthetics of the tropical strap to case interface.   Apparently, Patek had some customer feedback that the gap present on the 5065 and other models could be improved.  So, with the 5167 design the tropical strap attaches directly to the case as well as the side lugs.   So, the first 5167a watches produced (with tropical straps) *can not* be fitted with a bracelet.  There is a size mismatch and it simply won't fit.   No special tool will help.   If you own one of these, well then sorry.   Later, Patek made the decision to change this.   They changed the products and now the 5167a can be fitted with a bracelet.   If you have a 5167a you need to call Patek and give them the case number and they can tell you if it can accept a bracelet. 

 

Now, if you do have a later model 5167a which can accept a bracelet then can the local AD change the strap?   Unfortunately, no.    Because the strap attaches to the lugs and the crown a special tool and a special technique is needed to change the strap.   You *must* send it to Patek (Stern) in NY.   Apparently they have received special training from Genève on the technique.

 

By the way, the 5065 does not have this issue since it simply connects via the lugs.