6 month old Pam 390 not working

[cchaplow]

Hey guys,

I bought my first rep PAM 390 about 6 months ago and it just stopped working. I have been careful not to over wind and it has not been dropped or handled harshly. I purchased it from a reputable dealer and it was listed as "special edition" whatever that means. I paid ~$300. Any suggestions? Is it something simple that I could fix myself (zero experience with watches but pretty handy)? Or is there someone on this forum that I could send it to? Thank you in advance for your help.

Chris

 

[cchaplow]

After looking around a bit on this forum I see that I am not the only one. I really like the watch and wish there was someone here that I could send it to to fix. This was my first rep purchase and I was pretty excited to figure the whole thing out. For a newbie there is a big learning curve and this forum really helped me out. I was still a bit worried sending a bank transfer to a strange address in China but it all worked out (except the non functioning watch now). I now feel a bit disappointed after all the time and money put into it. I purchased a new gen (not a PAM) today and have to admit I feel good knowing that it will not fail 6 months in. I get the whole researching, comparing and excitement associated with rep's, a cool hobby. I would love to try it again but I just don't have the time it takes to research to find the best version, TD, waiting days for reply emails, etc. Busy job, kids and wife take up most of my time. Is there a person out there that does all the leg work (broker). Someone that would email me when something cool and worthy came out, give good advice on what to purchase, search for what I want, take care of repairs (I would pay), accept U.S. funds and email me back in a timely manner? It would be worth the extra that they would charge. Sorry if this sounds like a rant, well I guess it is a little. I think it is a great hobby and maybe I am just disappointed that I don't have time for it and the reward was not worth the time spent; at least in my experience.

 

[Strodda]

Ive never heard of a broker, what you're describing is basically someone else having the hobby and you just wear watches. But back to the original topic... are you going to be selling or parting out this broken 390? And any chance of front and back pic?

 

[kilowattore]

Chris, there are trusted watchsmiths here on the forum you can send your watch for repair if you wish so.
Any chance to have some more details about the movement's behaviour?
Does the crown turn? Can you wind the watch? Can you set the time? Did you try slapping the watch on your palm with some force? Sometimes the balance wheel gets stuck and a little hit brings her back to life.
Of course a clear pic of the movement could help us to determine the issue.
Also consider that worst case scenario a brand new a6497 can be purchased on ebay for circa 50 usd.
The asian 6497 is a very robust movement so you have been quite unkucky to see it die after 6 months.

 

[cchaplow]

Thanks guys.
Yes, Strodda I would have the hobby of wearing them. I know it seems a bit lazy and not as fun but my I just don't have the time and would be willing to pay.
Kilo, yes it winds and I can change the time. I took the backplate off and the balance wheel does not appear to be bound. I can rotate the watch to get it spinning albeit slowly and it gradually comes to rest. The watch is currently fully wound. See below pic's. If other pictures would help let me know and I can take more. Thank you very much for your help.

 

[cchaplow]

http://postimg.org/image/wnbp6y2j9/

Another pic if it helps

 

[cchaplow]

 

[silverclaw]

Replace the movement. They're about 25+shipping + watchmaker fees. Send it to a trusted RWI watchsmith, or a local watchsmith at your area if he is willing to work on reps.

 

[kilowattore]

Unfortunately nothing obvious, at least to my eyes.

If you feel comfortable with it, try gently pressing down the balance wheel with a toothpick, give it a couple of taps, and see if it starts moving. Don't touch the spring!
If that doesn't work I'm out of options.
My knowledge on movements is pretty poor though, maybe someone more in the know will chime in.

 

[Retina]

i had the same problem when i first received my pam. i had to send the watch back to my dealer and he had it serviced. still had problems and had to send it to a local watch smith to fix it.
imo, just send it to a local dealer who is works on reps. the movements are not that difficult to fix tbh.

 

[wingzee]

I think the best option is still sending it to a watch smith (if he's willing to work on it) or just send it to a trusted RWI repairer.

Of course both options would incur costs but at least you can be rest assured that it will be working as new again. It's a rep after all hence getting it in the first place is a bet itself. It costs like 1/10th or less than the gen's price.

 

[Strodda]

Try one thing that was already suggested. Give the balance wheel a little flick and see if the pallet fork moves the escape wheel or if its stuck.