Fix a rep or just buy a new one?

[fakeprophet]

My 2 year old BP 904L A2824 39mm Explorer is dying, currently, I can't manually wind it.

Should I get it fixed or buy a new Clean/VSF 36mm Explorer?

 

[Feefo]

The BP explorer is such a good watch... Swap with a gen ETA and keep it for ages to come

 

[p0pperini]

What @Feefo said. One of the best benefits to owning an Asian ETA rep is the opportunity to swap out the movement for a gen ETA when the A-ETA bites the dust.

 

[fakeprophet]

@Feefo @p0pperini, I considered the ETA2824/SW200/PT5000/ST211 swap. However, my research into the subject on forums yielded more questions than answers. There were no threads on how to do this successfully. The threads I found regarding the matter showed that the watchmakers' skills are the deciding factor whether it will be successful. Example thread: https://forum.replica-watch.info/th...en-eta-2824-2-in-bp-explorer-214270.10928813/

Instead, would simply fixing the A2824 be economical in the long run?

 

[Feefo]

The threads I found regarding the matter showed that the watchmakers' skills are the deciding factor whether it will be successful.

That's it, you have to find one who knows what he's doing.

On the economy of the operation, Asian ETA clones are so cheap that fixing them doesn't make much sense imo. And you'd have again a more fragile version of a gen ETA/Sellita.

 

[Geonor]

Here's what to do:

1. Google search Miuksi Store on AliExpress and buy a Seagull ST2130. It should cost around $60.

2. Search for an ETA 2801 setting lever jumper on eBay. The part number is 2801-445. This will eliminate the ghost date crown position. The cost is approximately $10-$15.

3. Take your new movement and the ETA part, along with your watch to an independent watchmaker. Have them swap the movement and install the setting lever jumper.

This will get you a much better movement and gen-like crown operation for less than the cost of a typical service.

 

[fakeprophet]

Here's what to do:

1. Google search Miuksi Store on AliExpress and buy a Seagull ST2130. It should cost around $60.

2. Search for an ETA 2801 setting lever jumper on eBay. The part number is 2801-445. This will eliminate the ghost date crown position. The cost is approximately $10-$15.

3. Take your new movement and the ETA part, along with your watch to an independent watchmaker. Have them swap the movement and install the setting lever jumper.

This will get you a much better movement and gen-like crown operation for less than the cost of a typical service.

Thanks very much for this executable instructions.
I will show this to my watchmaker and see if he can execute it.

 

[derjenigewelcher]

1 Question, 10 opinions

Inwould go for the CLEAN Version with Clone movement. But i have a fetish for smooth winding. Bracelet are also maximum quality.

 

[Horace_Derwent]

Interesting thread , i don't like throwing away items (especially watches ! ! ) so i will go for the ETA Swap option; then, if @fakeprophet decide to buy also a Clean Explorer, it would be fine...but i would not thow away that BF Explorer

That said, @Geonor did make an excellent cost details....but how much would be a correct labour cost for the independ watchmaker in order to swap movement ?

Your mileage may vary of course, but it would be interesting at least an estimate of labour costs....i myself really don't know which a reasonable labour cost would be !

 

[asusundevils1971]

if @fakeprophet decide to buy also a Clean Daytona, it woukld be fine...but i would not thow away that BF Daytona.

You make confusion.... Didn't know the Explorer and Daytona were the same model...

My 2 year old BP 904L A2824 39mm Explorer is dying, currently, I can't manually wind it.

Should I get it fixed or buy a new Clean/VSF 36mm Explorer?

 

[Horace_Derwent]

You make confusion.... Didn't know the Explorer and Daytona were the same model...

Neither I ! !

I will edit my post, anyway the question remains...how much an indepent watchsmith would charge for a movement swap ?

 

[Geonor]

A swap runs you somewhere between $50-$150

 

[Itto]

I vote for fix it, if the model is worth it. And probably also if it's not worth it, just for learning purposes.

Personally, I'm in the lucky position that i can practice on @Feefo 's watch.

 

[trustytime]

If all else fails on fixing it, you can come to me for a new VSF one or anything you might take a liking to...

Have a nice weekend.

 

[fakeprophet]

Here's what to do:

1. Google search Miuksi Store on AliExpress and buy a Seagull ST2130. It should cost around $60.

2. Search for an ETA 2801 setting lever jumper on eBay. The part number is 2801-445. This will eliminate the ghost date crown position. The cost is approximately $10-$15.

3. Take your new movement and the ETA part, along with your watch to an independent watchmaker. Have them swap the movement and install the setting lever jumper.

This will get you a much better movement and gen-like crown operation for less than the cost of a typical service.

Would the SW200-1b work for the swap? I found it here and its a no-date

 

[Geonor]

Would the SW200-1b work for the swap? I found it here and its a no-date

Yes that would work just fine.