returned my submariner today..

[thesharkfactor]

i hadn't mentioned it on the forums, but the submariner i bought 3 weeks ago had issues.

upon close scrutiny over the last weeks (im always staring at it lol), i noticed a few imperfections inside the watch..

there was 5 visible flecks of dust, the number 10 marker's lume had dirt on it..but worst of all.. a watermark (like a droplet of water had dried) under the crystal!..

im sure you'll agree, the flecks of dust you can live with, could only be seen in bright daylight if you look hard, but the watermark is unforgiveable.. once i had noticed it, everytime i looked at the watch it caught my eye..almost like i was looking for it..you know what i mean.

its a 16610 Z series first registered in early 2007, i bought it pre-owned and in what i would consider mint/worn once or twice condition.. i paid £3100 which i reckon was very reasonable for an over the counter purchase from a non AD pre-owned rolex specialist.



i have to say.... though im disappointed in the imperfections of the watch, im delighted with the service from the shop.. they offered me my money back right there, or to replace the watch, or have it fixed by thier watchmaker.. all very apologetically.. as they had just sold the ideal replacement (a 2008 16610) only 30mins earlier, i opted to have it repaired.

this is the 2nd time ive had this kind of problem.

the 1st rolex, i bought in 2004 a brand new 14060m sub, it had a tiny metal burr shaving attached itself to the underside of the crystal, it would sparkle and catch the eye at certain angles.. rolex repaired it but it took 3 weeks. i'd only had the watch a week...

so for the 2nd time, and with my 2nd rolex, im experiencing problems with debris under the dial.

i have to say.. and i'll get stick for this, ive seen better quality control in replica knockoffs.

whats going on with rolex qc??

all said and done, i'll have it back within 2 weeks and hopefully it should be clean. i few flecks of dust i understand can be unavoidable, but the other marks just shouldnt be there.

ive read a good few other threads with similar stories.. it seems worst with black dialed watches. if your like me, i can stare at my watch and not even notice the time! i just like looking at it. but when i get it back, im going to try not stare too long incase i spy something else lol..!

[deserted]

You have a well trained eye ...no shame in that.

[Nicko]

You know, this seems to be the way we're going lately. Everyone is out to make the most money and spend the least amount of time doing it. Quality it seems is nonexistent anymore and it's gone so far as to luxury items as well. Sometimes we wonder why no one will buy American. What do we as Americans make that is quality anymore? There was a time when "Made in America" meant something, sadly though not anymore.

[unclesallie]

Originally Posted by Nicko

You know, this seems to be the way we're going lately. Everyone is out to make the most money and spend the least amount of time doing it. Quality it seems is nonexistent anymore and it's gone so far as to luxury items as well. Sometimes we wonder why no one will buy American. What do we as Americans make that is quality anymore? There was a time when "Made in America" meant something, sadly though not anymore.

Steve: ok, i know what you mean, but you, of course, realize that this is like Bluto's rant in Animal House, eh? I mean the Germans didn't invade Pearl Harbor and a rolex isn't made in America.

However, I would appreciate it if you would continue on your roll, unabated !

[Nicko]

Originally Posted by unclesallie

Steve: ok, i know what you mean, but you, of course, realize that this is like Bluto's rant in Animal House, eh? I mean the Germans didn't invade Pearl Harbor and a rolex isn't made in America.

However, I would appreciate it if you would continue on your roll, unabated !

Yeah, I know it's not but you kinda get my drift....

[iSellJerseyShore]

I am sorry to hear that you had those problems




-Frankie

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Nicko

There was a time when "Made in America" meant something, sadly though not anymore.

Oh, it still means something: it means you're most likely buying crap.

[ingoodtime]

Originally Posted by Nicko

You know, this seems to be the way we're going lately. Everyone is out to make the most money and spend the least amount of time doing it. Quality it seems is nonexistent anymore and it's gone so far as to luxury items as well. Sometimes we wonder why no one will buy American. What do we as Americans make that is quality anymore? There was a time when "Made in America" meant something, sadly though not anymore.

What do we as Americans make?

[thesharkfactor]

thanks guys.. i thought perhaps i was just being pedantic. but in my opinion and im sure you'll all agree, a (new or newish) rolex should be perfect inside the sealed case. marks on bracelets and cases are expected, but as consumers we have no access to the interior of the watch and it should remain perfect. thats what i come to expect from the brand. the brand sells us quality and perfection..or so they say.

[Bisquitlips]

I would have done the same thing on any one of those issues.

When you acquire a new Rolex is should be a close to perfect as possible.

Good call!

[DRAWTOOL]

You might try and let one of your mates buy your watches for you, In case the Rolex Grimlin Squad has you Marked!!

[Perdu]

Rolex craftmanship is better but I have had more luck with Omega and Seiko if you measure quality as zero defects.

[RolexPete32]

My sub had a black spot on the 5 dot and it was returned. Rolex put a new dial on my watch and now it is OK.

[dalip]

In all of this it seems that Rolex after sales service is outstanding..and to me that's what really counts.

[snow_rocks]

Too bad there isn't a 'WatchFax' for used watches, like there is for automobiles with 'CarFax'.

Sounds like this one was flooded.

[sleddog]

Glad to hear the place of purchase is going to do right by you and repair the defects....Hope it comes back in tip top shape for you!!!
ROb.

[Speed]

Yup...you need to be 100% happy buying from a shop / paying those prices. Good luck / keep us all posted please.

[thesharkfactor]

thanks for all your kind words folks. the after sales service from the shop has been superb. offered a refund, replacement or (timeous) repair no quibbles at all. cant say any fairier than that. best part of 2 weeks without it is a disappointment, but i can live with that.
i'll be sure to update once i get it back.