MAD Paris: Customizing Patek Philippe Watches

Saz · 2018-08-31T12:20:02Z

Explore the debate around customizing luxury watches like Patek Philippe by firms like MAD Paris. Collectors weigh aesthetics vs. voided warranties and resale value.

Saz

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

32 replies7008 views2 photos

Saz initiates a compelling discussion on the controversial practice of customizing luxury watches, specifically Patek Philippe, by firms like MAD Paris. This thread explores the tension between personal aesthetic preference and the preservation of a watch's original design, warranty, and resale value. The community's diverse opinions highlight the complex considerations collectors face when contemplating such modifications.

I was in discussion with a friend whose sole interest is the watch’s aesthetics. He doesn’t care about the history of the brand, the mechanism and complications, the novelties. He thinks very highly of the Mad Watches store. For those who are not
familiar with it: it’s a store that takes used watches and customizes them (PIMP my watch). So the end product is unique but all warranties from the manufacturer are voided. Also the value of the watch is only in the eye of the beholder. It can go skyrocketing if this one rich person likes it and makes you an offer you can’t refuse. Or your taste is that exotic that you will have a really unique watch and that’s it.

Here are a few pics from there website:

Would anyone of this community dare to give them his watch to do that with it? I personally wouldn’t.

To me a watch should not be unique, the way you wear it makes it this way, hairline scratches make it unique. You’re smile when you wear it does also.
But it should also be sellable in case you grow out of it.

Awaiting your thoughts,

SAZ

Key Points from the Discussion

Customizing high-end watches often results in a quality level far below the original manufacturer's, particularly with treatments like DLC coating on a Nautilus, which compromises its iconic polished and satin finishes.
The concept of watch customization is not new, with vibrant communities like the Seiko mod scene producing impressive results, though the value proposition for high-end modifications remains debatable.
While some collectors appreciate the uniqueness of customized watches and the special feeling they provide, the voided warranty and near-zero resale value are significant deterrents for many.
Many Patek Philippe enthusiasts value the brand's understated elegance, suggesting that extensive customization often goes against the core appeal of these timepieces.
The personal connection to a watch, developed through wear and natural patina, offers a different kind of uniqueness compared to aftermarket modifications.
The decision to customize a watch is ultimately personal, but the financial implications, including the loss of manufacturer warranty and potential resale challenges, are crucial factors.

The Discussion

Watchonthewrist

Aug 31, 2018

If somebody thinks he need to do this to his watch its fine by me . I have a few ,,unique,, watches , by factory and aftermarket and love them a lot . Will not let them go for a long time because they give me a special feeling when i have them on the wrist.

Saz

Aug 31, 2018

As long as the watch make you happy. What made you customize your watches? Best, SAZ

FabR

Aug 31, 2018

However, personally I would *never* let them come anywhere close to one of my watches! Cheers.

Watchonthewrist

Aug 31, 2018

Some watches are special from factory but others just need a little bit of ,,something ,,(like DLC or so) to make it the perfect watch for me . 😉

Jay (Eire)

Aug 31, 2018

This is not new, people have been doing it for years. The whole Seiko Mod scene is very deep, and those guys come up with some really great looking watches. And that Aquanaut looks great, the Nautilus not so much (I think due to the strap being a better match than a PVD'd bracelet). (I don't know anything about Mad Paris though, first time I come across the name).

Wristenthusiast

Aug 31, 2018

I just rarely see customizing that is done to anywhere near the level of quality of the original watch (Bamford I'm looking at you). Also, when I see customizing that basically destroys what made that particular watch great, I cringe. Examples: DLC coating a nautilus. That watch is known for its mirror/satin polish and you did a half ass dlc coating over it? Or even when the bracelet of nautilus is bathed in diamonds. It's just feels like you could have done that on a different watch. That's jus

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MAD Paris: Customizing Patek Philippe Watches

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