: Nice, I assume R71?

: Is the dial deep brown or black?

: I like it a lot, do you get a mixed reaction on the second hand?

: LLC

I'd say that the dial is a black that's starting to fade. I haven't heard anyone that hates the watch because of the chrono hand, but I'm sure that there are purists that would change it back if they owned the watch themselves.
Over the years I've had it, I've stopped caring about it being in original condition and learned to appreciate that it's one of a kind. I really do think that the change in the hand was made in the 70's or 80's at the very latest, so it's definitely not something new.