radone
1588
My 5711 has just come back from an ultra complete overhaul with PP in Geneve
Dec 04, 2019,08:46 AM
I decided to bring it to a like new condition, opting for a bracelet replacement also. The 11 yo one was slightly used and I am a "maniac"
Many reasons for joy BUT...unfortunately it involves a "but" and I would like to hear your opinions on how big is this "but" because I have never heard or seen anything similar.
My
2008 5711 1A had an old style bracelet, with screws. Besides, when I sent it for the revision, I did not know that I might decide to change the bracelet and it had an optional 1 1/2 link on it.
Without any reference on the price for the replacement, it was steep, I encountered the following surprising situations:
- they refused to return the old bracelet (I can accept that, hardly, but I can)
- they changed it with the new style bracelet, with pins, that was introduced only after some years ( impossible to tolerate)
- they did not return the extra link for which I paid 300 CHF, nor included a suitable one for the pin bracelet ( impossible to understand unless they introduced a suitable one on the new bracelet)
I believe that the integrity and collectability of my 2008 watch has been voided by the manufacturer itself and I would have never expected that from Patek or any other brand that has TRADITION among its key communication concepts. I would have mentioned that I wanted it replaced with the same style but simply could not imagine that this could EVER happen.
Obviously, I noticed that the bracelet was different only after I broke the service seals.
What would you do? Would you accept it as such considering that it was done by Patek themselves and only ask for the suitable 1 1/2 link? Would you insist on having the right bracelet with the sacrifice of not having the watch for another few months?
Do you have any similar stories, is this a regular practice?
PS. Thank God they did not change the dial!!!