I think that it's time to send my Alpinist for a service
Last week I had a premonition that unfortunately turned into a reality today. The SARB017 needs a service.
The problem is with the crown that refuse to engage the quick date setting and it also feels a bit stuck. It's rather unfortunate since I already know about the inflated service prices and the long wait until it will be back.
Alternatively I could also pretend that it's not an issue and keep it, but I know that this is one of these problems that won't go away and may even get worse if not addressed in time.
Sight...how unfortunate. But at least I'll keep it on my wrist for today.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Do you have a local watchmaker that could take care of it? Could cut down on cost / time.
Do you have a local watchmaker that could take care of it? Could cut down on cost / time.
There is one 20 minutes from where I live and maybe I'll drop by today and leave the Alpinist there.
You could obviously live with it by spinning through 24 hours on those annoying short months (more on February) assuming all else is well, but there is the possibility that this is something quickly remedied by a capable watchmaker or daring DIY type. I'd assume a tripped lever or something. Estimates are usually free!
Like @PoorMansRolex said, it could be a small issue that does not even require a full service. If it was my watch I'd probably just poke around the keyless works and see what went wrong.
Maybe consider a movement swap too. In my Dad's old Seiko it was actually way more economical to source a NOS movement and just swap them over, rather than service the gear train. Then we just kept the old movement for parts in case we need it down the line.
Maybe consider a movement swap too. In my Dad's old Seiko it was actually way more economical to source a NOS movement and just swap them over, rather than service the gear train. Then we just kept the old movement for parts in case we need it down the line.
The 6R in the Alpinist is a step up from the 4R/NH35.
Quick update: I went to the watchmaker shop, he fiddled with the watch for 15 seconds and gave it back saying that it's fine for now and to return if the situation get worse.
Pheeew....saved for now I guess.
Quick update: I went to the watchmaker shop, he fiddled with the watch for 15 seconds and gave it back saying that it's fine for now and to return if the situation get worse.
Pheeew....saved for now I guess.
Great news.
Great news.
Indeed. It just made me feel a bit foolish, like when you get to the car's service shop to complain about a noise from the engine bay and it disappear once the mechanic lifts the hood.
Indeed. It just made me feel a bit foolish, like when you get to the car's service shop to complain about a noise from the engine bay and it disappear once the mechanic lifts the hood.
Fortunately, watchmakers deal with people who are much more ignorant than us. I'm sure the fact that you could even identify where the crown was came as a relief in his otherwise exhausting day.