BHJ2013 / BeaconHillJewelers - BUYER BEWARE

[matt.wu]

I purchased a 1601 Datejust from Kevin aka BHJ2013/BeaconHillJewelers at [email protected], and the experience was a headache from the start.

The watch was advertised as just fully serviced, "running as new" (pulled directly from the ad). Advertised with either the Rolex bracelet or a leather strap.

I opted for the leather strap and wired money on Monday, watch did not ship until Thursday. Seller stated they were out of stock of leather straps and that was the reason for the delay. At my request, they shipped it out without a strap, and the strap is still in transit at the writing of this review. Don't know why you would sell a watch on a leather strap without having one available, but I was not too bothered by it - minor inconvenience.

The watch arrived yesterday (Monday). I immediately strapped it on, ready to enjoy it for a bit, while I decided whether or not this would make a good gift for a friend who was looking for a nice watch (which was the reason I had purchased it in the first place). After about a half day, I noticed the timekeeping was approximately 12 seconds slow already, translating to about an unacceptable rate of -25 seconds/day - especially for a watch advertised as recently serviced and "running as new".

I immediately contacted BHJ about it and pointed out the issue. They stated they guarantee their watches to within 2 minutes/day accuracy. Wow. So much for "running as new".

Okay, maybe I can get it regulated by my watchmaker to keep more accurate time. I continue wearing the watch. Around dinner time on Tuesday (I've owned the watch for a little over 24 hours), I notice condensation under the crystal. The watch was never submerged, and never even near water, as I was wearing long sleeves all day. This is DEFINITELY not a watch that has been serviced, at least not by a competent watchmaker. Again, I contact BHJ about the issue and ask for a refund. I state I would return the watch immediately, requested compensation for return shipping, but stated I would absorb all the payment fees I incurred.



BHJ kindly replied with a "tough luck", basically. They stated that they don't accept liability for any "water issues". They then said that even though the watch was keeping time at -25 sec/day and was not even slightly water resistant, "The servicing standard is exactly what I've received from RSC in the past, I'd say to expect better on a watch that's approaching a half century old is being picky." That is verbatim. So RSC has lowered it's COSC timekeeping and pressure testing standards on oyster watches? That's news to me.

After numerous back and forth emails, BHJ offered a "refund" if I pay for all sorts of fees, amounting to $100+ in addition to the cost I will incur in shipping the watch back to them. Additionally, they are not even guaranteeing a refund. The refund may be reduced or withheld, if the watch is not up to their standards when received. Though I'm now convinced that those standards are quite low, no thanks.

After further emails, they then agreed to lower the fee to $50, with me still paying return shipping costs. Thoroughly frustrated, but only wanting to wash my hands of this nightmare experience, I accept, pack up the watch, and head to the post office. Literally en route to the post office (you almost can't make this stuff up), I check my phone and notice a long email which, summed up, basically said, "I changed my mind, no returns. It was probably your fault for the failure, and it sounds like you're lying to us anyway." Wow, nice.

At this point, I'm done interacting with Beacon Hill Jewelers. I'm guess I'm going to chalk this up to a life lesson and eat the cost of the repairs myself. At least I know it'll be going to a competent watchmaker, and I will have the peace of mind in knowing the watch is actually trustworthy.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like additional clarification or are interested in email transcripts so that you can verify the truth in this review.

[imono]

Was it an ebay purchase?
A TRF purchase or elsewhere?
The link to the ad?

[matt.wu]

Ah, sorry for the confusion. This was a TZ purchase. I posted here because it was a Rolex, and I know many members do purchase on TZ as well.

Here is a link to the ad:

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php...2&rev=&reveal=

[imono]

The only thing you can do now is to write about your buying experience with them.
Most people who reads it will definitely avoid them for no after sales service and with the Buy at your own risk I don't care about you call your mama if you have a problem attitude.
A reputable seller will go to the ends of the world to fix it.
Apparently that store has plenty to learn.
And of course when they read this they will be hopping mad.

[MonBK]

Have you reported it to TZ's complaint dept, Watchnet good guys?

[floater156]

I'm sorry that you had to experience that. I'll avoid BHJ like the plague and make sure everyone I know does the same.

[MoBe]

Thanks for the heads up Matt !

[ptugolf]

Sorry for your bad experience at this store.

[Kevin B]

Just read the listing and boy did he pump this one up! Basically it sounds like your getting a well checked out and serviced watch. That really sucks it has a moisture issue. When you have it serviced please update this thread with what your watchmaker comes up with with regards to the condition of the parts allegedly used (Crystal, Crown, Stem, & All Gaskets using only GENUINE ROLEX Parts to cut and paste from his ad). Either way it seems like the way he handled it after the sale was below average. I wonder if he is a member here as it would be nice to hear his side of it.

[Kevin B]

After reading the return policy it seems somewhat contradictory. Ruby Lane seems to have one policy and Beacon Jewelers has a different one . It also seems like there is some type of parent company this guy is doing business under as a kind of "sub contractor" of types. Maybe you could contact Ruby Lane and let them know what happened with one of their sellers? Then again I could be totally wrong about the way they are doing business. At best it seems convoluted .

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by Kevin B

After reading the return policy it seems somewhat contradictory. Ruby Lane seems to have one policy and Beacon Jewelers has a different one . It also seems like there is some type of parent company this guy is doing business under as a kind of "sub contractor" of types. Maybe you could contact Ruby Lane and let them know what happened with one of their sellers? Then again I could be totally wrong about the way they are doing business. At best it seems convoluted .

I checked out the Ruby Lane Beacon Jewelers web site. Only estate jewelry - no Rolex. I don't think it is the same.

[Kevin B]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

I checked out the Ruby Lane Beacon Jewelers web site. Only estate jewelry - no Rolex. I don't think it is the same.

http://www.rubylane.com/shop/beaconhilljewelers

Well this is a little confusing I'm sure your right, thanks for that

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Sorry to hear about your experience. Thanks for the heads up.

[Mosco]

Do they advertise as being members of any organization i.e IWJG, NAWCC, WWT?

[toph]

Unreal.. i have dealt with people like that before saying i was a liar, that i had opened the back and damaged it myself , whilst at work all within 5 minutes of recieving it obviously.. it was on ebay and not a rolex but i won my case.
Having dealt with you too, i would suggest that you could go further.. you have consumer rights. They have virtually admitted their guilt
a)They then said that even though the watch was keeping time at -25 sec/day and was not even slightly water resistant
b)They stated they guarantee their watches to within 2 minutes/day accuracy
best of luck

[joesephcho]

terrible situation. I hope your watchmaker brings it back to as new and within a reasonable price. Good luck to you.

[aboen]

Poor form Beacon Hill Jewelers.

[vmm]

Will avoid like the plague. You should post your experience on Timezone and other websites as well. What a ridiculous experience.

[jwalther]

Bummer Matt. How did you pay? Open a paypal or cc company dispute?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by jwalther

Bummer Matt. How did you pay? Open a paypal or cc company dispute?

Wired the mone !!!! time to head to the top of google with complaints

Really important to use a charge card to protect yourself unless you really trust the seller

[Bangel]

Thanks for the warning. I feel for you.

[Andad]

BHJ2013 / BeaconHillJewelers - BUYER BEWARE


I will avoid this seller like the plague.

Thanks for the warning.

[Roley]

BHJ has been added to my BLACK LIST.

Thanks for the warning.

[djemmtee]

Thanks Matt for the info, I will add them to my list of people not to do business with. I can't stand people that have to lie cheat and steal to make a living.

[jolimont]

what a sh**ty seller

All the best with the watch!

[1William]

I will avoid and never do business with them.

[Kringkily]

wow that's horrible...I've sold many watches and whenever there was any issue I offered to fork over money to get it repaired by a competent local watchmaker or offer to take it back on my expense weeks after first delivery. Some people have no shame.....

[hsfrank]

Kevin is at Beacon Hill Jewelers at Ruby Lane. Take him to small claims court. Check you local small claims court to see how to sue out of state. Contact Ruby Lane and ask their help.http://www.rubylane.com/court/qualityassurance.html. There is also a Beacon Hill Business Assn. Ask for their help. Complain to Time Zone. Don't give up.

[bayerische]

Sucks big time!

[mvmbles]

Wow, thanks for the warning. I find it shameful that they use the name of my neighborhood to employ such dubious business practices. I will definitely stay away from them!

hsfrank, they're just using the Beacon Hill name but aren't located here so I don't think the Beacon Hill Business Association would be much help. That said, I definitely would pursue further action.

Good luck.