WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
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Cazalea shares a personal anecdote about a missing watch cushion from a newly acquired IWC titanium chronograph, sparking a discussion about the importance of a complete set for collectors. His story highlights the emotional and practical value collectors place on every component of a watch's original packaging, even seemingly minor ones.
Prompted by Ken's post on IWC service issues, I have decided to post this story.
Just before Christmas, my wife took me over to a watch dealer (once IWC authorized but no longer). There we found this IWC titanium chronograph, a perfect match for my perpetual calendar.
This "pre-owned" IWC split seconds / rattrapante came in its original box, with all the cards, books, accessories, plastic wrap for front crystal - even a wiping cloth.
( I think a link may be missing, but I have enough from other watches. )
We paid for the watch and they took it and the watch into the back to wrap it up for Christmas. My sensors were vibrating "Never let a watch out of your sight" but I conceded since it was a gift.
We got home and the watch in the dealer's bag sat next to the other presents. I was distracted, so did not do my usual open-it-early plea with my wife.
But the next day, on Christmas eve, I opened the box and took out the watch to play with it. And I discovered the cushion was missing.
Anyone who's had a lot of watches knows that the bracelet, if adjusted to suit, might be tight or too tight for the insert. That's a nuisance but we can leave it unlatched when (if ever) we replace it in the box. But in this case, it was now missing. I took the box all apart, looked in the bag, then got on the phone. My sales lady was incredulous, and promised to "look into it". She knows me well, as we've done business together for over 10 years.
What I was thinking was "How could this happen?"
Her assistant was the one who wrapped up the watch, so it had to have been him, no one else would touch a sold watch. And I wondered how much of a nuisance I should be over this admittedly minor issue. But I felt he shouldn't be able to get off without enough pain to remember the event! What if it was a REAL LUNATIC customer? Or a Patek watch?
Anyway, rather than stew over it, I hopped in the car and drove over there, with a similar cushion from my other IWC box, just in case they needed it for identification (thinking they must have a huge box of discarded watch cushions in the back ...).
As soon as I walked in the door she spotted me, and walked over to her desk. Mr Assistant was staying well out of sight. She lifted up a sandwich bag with my cushion inside, and said "Mr Assistant had to do some genuine dumpster diving, and has learned his lesson."
He had thrown the cushion out, and the trash had been taken to the alley.
I was SO relieved. Partly because I didn't have to make a nuisance of myself at the store, and mostly because I just want the complete set, especially after it was all there when I bought it! I thanked my saleslady, and drove home.
I know this box is not perfect, it's old. And the watch will probably not ever circle this cushion during my ownership ... but still, it bothered me.
Am I being petty?
