Chopper88
39
I also found out after I purchased...
Luckily it wasn't a Patek, but a small independent who's willing to work with clients to keep everyone very happy 
I also found out why people say "Don't touch a polished used watch", which is exactly what you wrote. I think the only way to be sure (and still it isn't a guarantee) is when there is a receipt from servicing including a polish (done by Patek of course), which was done very shortly before you checking out the watch. But still I'd be hesitant...
Don't polish WG
By: chris russell : May 7th, 2014-07:38
A few years ago I went into a watch shop dealing mostly with 'previously-loved' PP and Rolex, looking for a 5296 in RG. They happened to have one in WG. I looked at it and noticed the left side of the case was quite scratched up, as though the previous ow...
Polishing WG
By: Grisar : May 7th, 2014-17:10
Patek has almost stopped plating white gold except for a few lady's jewelry pieces. The older versions of white gold watches are plated, but the latest production is non-plated and thus can be plated. In the 5296 case, there are also newer versions (e.g. ...
Are you sure?
By: tom2517 : May 8th, 2014-02:47
I read somewhere that Patek stopped plating is a false rumour from some ADs. Someone went to ask Patek service centre and they said they still plate white gold. Anyone else got info. on this?
Never polish if you
By: watch-er : May 8th, 2014-15:44
can. PP does a good job but even they tell you it will be evident where there are deep marks and they limit a piece to about 3 polishing's. Never let just anyone polish a PP watch as they always leave burns and abrasions and PP will not touch a case polis...
You're welcome.
By: patrick_y : May 20th, 2014-09:52
It's ultimately a practice that they don't normally offer. And if they do, they don't publicize it as much as Lange does. They're certainly capable of doing it. They have the machines to do it at some locations.