AFK
165
Game of changing the dials
Years ago I somehow jumped into the game of changing dials with one of my UNs. During a visit to the AD who sold me the watch, I told them I regret that I ordered the watch in black dial because I didn't know it was also available in silver guiloche. They offered me to change the dial and so I jumped into the game. They ordered the dial from Switzerland and as it arrived, they told ne that the operation will be done in the local authorized service. Although I was a bit suspecious about the local service, I decided not to make it an issue. When the watch came from the service I realized that the the digits on the big date window appeared to be white on black where as they should have appeared the opposite way. So the dealer apologized for not considering the date window at his order and once again the same procedure started. Finally when I received my watch, it loked as it was supposed to look. Testing the performance of the watch for a few weeks, there appeared to be nothing wrong with it at all; but...
I never and ever felt comfortable with it. I knew it was stupid and totally unlogical but I couldn't change this weird feeling of uncomfort. So in a few months, I sold it at the first offer. The one and only experience I had on changing a dial is it.
Idea of playing the same game with my Pateks didn't even come to my mind, neither with my JLCs. I personally and humbly recommend everybody not to touch their watches' dials; even mentally. I believe living in harmony with our watches, accepting them as they are, will extend their lives. This claim may sound some sort of methaphysics but I know it will sure extend our lives since we will experience no stress at all. As I said, very personally...
Sincerely
Ahmet
Dials & Contrasting Hans