El Primero a385 repair

barbecoa · Apr 25, 2023

I have a vintage a385. I believe the dial and hands are original. The chrono stopped working correctly and doesn't reset to zero. The chrono second hand slides all over the place.

I took it to a repairman in S Florida, and he said I should send it to the Zenith for repairs. However, I'm well aware that Zenith will replace the hands and parts of the dial. Does anyone have a good watch repairman in the US that they can recommend who will not mess with the dial/hands?

Thank you in advance!

jantjewgm · Apr 25, 2023

Can’t help you with that but that is an awsome watch!

Scarecrow Boat · Apr 25, 2023

Have you tried reaching out to LAWW? They service the 3019PHC movement and will leave the dial/hands alone.

YY77 · Apr 25, 2023

On the Zenith site they offered the icons collection available to purchase, which seemed to me as serviced at the manufacture but kept in original condition, could be they offer this possibility if you ask;

https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_nl/products/icons

Risto · Apr 26, 2023

You should send it to a proper vintage watchmaker like Simon Freese. I am sure that @wristpirate would agree with me!

Geezer · Apr 26, 2023

As has been mentioned, find a good independent watchmaker.

Good chance that the tube of the second hand is damaged and that's why it's sliding around. You need a watchmaker that can replace the tube instead of changing the entire hand (as I'm sure Zenith will do).

I had the same issue on mine.

Good to go:

barbecoa · Apr 26, 2023

Geezer
As has been mentioned, find a good independent watchmaker.

Good chance that the tube of the second hand is damaged and that's why it's sliding around. You need a watchmaker that can replace the tube instead of changing the entire hand (as I'm sure Zenith will do).

I had the same issue on mine.

Good to go:

Thank you, all! This is all super helpful. I'll do a search for independent watchmakers. - That's a beauty of a watch, Geezer!