Sending my 15400 for service

[VICI]

I called AP in Clearwater today as my 15400 is gaining about 2 minutes a week... they suggested that I send it in to be looked at.

In the instructions, it says to "bubble" wrap the watch, not to send in the original watch box...

Any suggestions on the best way to package it for service?


Thanks guys

[simongpaez]

Would like to hear suggestion for when it's time

[KtownGreg]

I just sent my new to me vintage royal oak in the first of May. Placed it in a Breitling foam watch case and wrapped in bubble. Took it FedEx for peanuts, box and tape. They had it the next day and called to inform me of its arrival. Within a week or two I had an email with pictures of my watch along with detailed estimate and desire for work to be done. Excellent service.

I actually called today and was able to quickly speak with a representative who informed me it would be returned by mid-July. Looking forward to that.

Greg


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[kilyung]

I usually unscrew a link so the watch is flat and roll it in bubble wrap with packing tape around it (don't go nuts or AP may scratch it trying to get the tape off). Then I place it in a small FedEx box and seal it. Then put the small box in a medium FedEx box and seal it. Shipping it double boxed is a ParcelPro requirement but also a good safety measure in case of accidental opening.

[Glenn422]

Sorry for my ignorance, but why not just drop it at the AD?

If not, I usually wrap with microfibre first then bubble wrap it until it is sort of like a ball and seal it with masking tape. I'd then put it in a box and put more bubble wrap to make sure that ball is 'snug' and doesn't move around. Pack it and then ship it :)

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Glenn422

Sorry for my ignorance, but why not just drop it at the AD?

There have been a few cases of the AD/Boutique scratching watches during handling. It's also very tedious to have an intermediary when discussing, with APSC, the desired services to be performed.

[VICI]

Thanks guys - I heard stories about the watch getting scratch at the AD - that's why I thought about shipping it myself.

There is an AP boutique near my office - just concerned about any 'issues'

[VICI]

Question: if it send it in a Breitling service box, will they return that box along w a leather AP box?

[CharlieSheen]

alex...I wonder the same..

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Question: if it send it in a Breitling service box, will they return that box along w a leather AP box?

Normally not.

[kungpow]

Originally Posted by Alex_NYC

Question: if it send it in a Breitling service box, will they return that box along w a leather AP box?

I recently sent my AP in for service in a Panerai service case. The service case was returned to me, but I didn't receive an AP leather box unfortunately

[VICI]

Guess it's getting shipped in a simple FedEx box then.

[HKRolexFans]

Its our pleasure that we can drop by the local APCS in person as the centre is just atmost 2 hours travel from any point in my city

[Glenn422]

Originally Posted by kilyung

There have been a few cases of the AD/Boutique scratching watches during handling. It's also very tedious to have an intermediary when discussing, with APSC, the desired services to be performed.

I see.

[Hairdude1]

When I sent in my 15300 I sent it in a Rolex service box...They kept the rolex box and sent it back in bubble wrap. They did send me a nice AP leather box

[improviz]

Originally Posted by kilyung

I usually unscrew a link so the watch is flat and roll it in bubble wrap with packing tape around it (don't go nuts or AP may scratch it trying to get the tape off). Then I place it in a small FedEx box and seal it. Then put the small box in a medium FedEx box and seal it. Shipping it double boxed is a ParcelPro requirement but also a good safety measure in case of accidental opening.

Question for you, Mike: is ParcelPro available for use by private individuals? I was under impression it is not...

[MrJ320]

Originally Posted by improviz

Question for you, Mike: is ParcelPro available for use by private individuals? I was under impression it is not...

It is available, individuals can sign up for a ParcelPro account as well.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by MrJ320

It is available, individuals can sign up for a ParcelPro account as well.

Good to know, thanks! Is turnaround time pretty quick for approval? Need to send one into Clearwater pretty soon here...

[Baco Noir]

I just packaged my Blancpain for shipment. I closed the watch around one of those air pillows in the center of the watch and then wrapped it in bubble wrap. I placed that inside a box lined on all sides with the big air pillows. I do like the idea of the double boxing. Will keep that in mind for the future.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by MrJ320

It is available, individuals can sign up for a ParcelPro account as well.

[improviz]

Could either of you please PM me info about how an individual can sign up? I went to application page and it's clearly set up for businesses, wanting business name/references, tax ID, etc. etc....thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

[improviz]

Never mind, it seems that USPS raised their coverage limit at some point. I'll probably go with registered mail.

[scuba77]

guess those of us leaving in london are spolit , I took my bumble bee for its 3 year stamp to hanover square and done while I waited .
Funny my 15400 is running about 10 sec fast per day so same as yours and got them test the watch at the same time ...they said all was ok but their could regulate it but take 5/6 weeks so I didnt bother

[Baco Noir]

I decided to set up a Parcel Pro account after reading that it's not just for businesses. After talking to their rep, I'm set up properly now, although I have to apply for a Federal Tax ID number to use FedEx through them, but FedEx offers better rates and will pickup packages at home for free. UPS added $12 to the bill. I can use UPS without the Federal Tax ID.

She looked at the shipment I just did to Blancpain in New Jersey and she gave me a quote of $48 with their discounted rates versus the $129 I paid!

If anyone wants to set up an account with them, PM me and I can give you the point of contact I spoke with and she said she'd give me a $25 credit and guide you through the process as well. She was extremely helpful and answered a LOT of questions for me.

Some things to note:
1) They do require that you double box the watches for shipment
2) Can not use a UPS Store (private owner franchise), but can use a FedEx store (not a franchise) and can schedule pickups at home (free from FedEx, but a charge from UPS).
3) You set up the shipment through the Parcel Pro website, but then get a FedEx/UPS shipping label to print.

I will definitely be using this in the future and will feel much better about shipping the AP when it comes time to send it in for for the pressure test to activate the 3rd year of warranty.

[zeppelin55]

I took a piece of wrapping foam and put that in the middle of the band. Then wrapped that in bubble wrap.

AP returned the watch double boxed and with two shipping labels.


When I got it back, it had foam in the middle and tons of cool bubble wrap. It wrapped around the watch and really held it in there. I think it was head sealed on so you had to cut it open as well.

[Daytona4130]

When I did it, I just put it on a cheap watch pilliow, and heavily bubble wrapped it. Then, I put it in a tiny box with tightly packed peanuts. if you send the box, they will keep it.