Patek Phillipe parts search

[Jim Myers]

I have a customer's PP pocket watch that needs a new or replacement balance assembly. Can anyone direct me to a parts source, other than sending the watch back to Geneva (through their US agent in NY City)?

[Jim Myers]

I have a customer's PP pocket watch that needs a new or replacement balance assembly. Can anyone direct me to a parts source, other than sending the watch back to Geneva (through their US agent in NY City)?

[Dr. Jon]

From what I have heard for a long time Patek i spretty careful not to let material out of their hands.

One possible way around this is to post a picture of your movement and ask if any members can supply a balance from a parts movement.

Patek movement sometimes come up on Ebay and you shopuld be able to find one that way in time.

Patek movements used to be cheap so there are a lot of them around. Even at what I think are going prices, buying a similar movemetn will be a lot less money than Patek will charge to make fit and adjust a balance.

A swap from a parts movement can probably be made to look OK and work but the time keeping wil probably suffer as Pateks are notoroiusly hand adjusted.

I am tempted to advise you to bite the bullet and suggest that you just send it to Patek but I suspect the repair will cost more than the watch would be worth after restoration. If you got a certificate of origin which you can get when you return it to them, this might make their repair a better economic option.

Tough choice, possible marginally running watch putting another wounded Patek into apparently running order versus possibly spending a lot more than it is worth.

[B Carter]

Jim.
What is wrong with the existing balance wheel that it needs to be replaced?
Barry