Gold "Scratches" on New Watches? Normal AD Polishing?

[Jack Bauer]

Looked at a two-tone Sub and Datejust today as its all my AD had in stock. The gold on each, when you looked kind of close, had noticeable straight markings that appeared like scratches.

The dear girlfriend suggested that it was from being polished and that there were no markings in a horizontal direction, and even the AD said oh it's from polish, and offered to wipe with a cloth and polish, but it didn't remove the tiny little markings.

All my new gold jewelery has never had such obvious signs of wear until I actually bang it around, I understand gold takes a beating, but shouldn't a brand new Rolex have about perfect gold sans any finger smudges from display case moving? Wasn't comfortable with the look of it, the white gold pieces they had showed no such imperfections as the yellow gold.

Is this normal? Will any BRAND NEW Rolex yellow gold actually look somewhat close to the glossed up photos online? That being said, the dial was as beautiful in person especially with the jeweler's loupe, but the gold looked like it had been run over a few times.

[Wine4Golf]

I wouldn't trust that at all, would not buy a new watch that has scratches

[CrazyMD]

The gold watches I have bought I made sure were not in the display case and still had plastic on them. They were not scratched. Watches in display case usually have light scratches from constant handling.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

The gold watches I have bought I made sure were not in the display case and still had plastic on them. They were not scratched. Watches in display case usually have light scratches from constant handling.

Yeah they looked like light small baby scratches in uniform directions, possibly amplified by the constant polishing.

Also, there was only plastic on the back of the clasp area and not all around the bracelet.

I'd assume that brand spanking new out of the box would not be in that condition but seems hard to actually get one like that unless you put in a custom order or ask for a piece not in stock.

[CrazyMD]

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Yeah they looked like light small baby scratches in uniform directions, possibly amplified by the constant polishing.

Also, there was only plastic on the back of the clasp area and not all around the bracelet.

I'd assume that brand spanking new out of the box would not be in that condition but seems hard to actually get one like that unless you put in a custom order or ask for a piece not in stock.

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

Thanks for sharing, I can definitely relate, in Costa Rica right now where there's only one AD to choose from, and they hardly ever update their collection and won't even tell you when or if they'll have new models arriving. I almost felt like buying one of their all stainless steel models just because they didn't show that obvious wear like the two-tones and the price was the same as the States when paying in cash.

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

I'd agree with you, but if the ad gave me a big enough discount, I'd but it

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

The gold watches I have bought I made sure were not in the display case and still had plastic on them. They were not scratched. Watches in display case usually have light scratches from constant handling.

That would be preferred, but so far, I've never been told there's a piece waiting in the back not shown in the display cases, from both a Tourneau in NYC and outside the US. Planning on going to a wider range of ADs next time I'm in the States. Do you just say hey I want to buy but not a display case model? Tourneau claimed as soon as they receive models they're shown but one time a sales rep said to let her know what I wanted to see so she could make sure it was in stock, unclear if it'd just come from another Tourneau store or directly from Rolex where presumably before never shown in a display case.

[Muzz]

A lot of ADs put additional plastic on PM pieces that are in the display case for this exact reason. So I would say their practice is a little unusual based on my experience.

[japenney]

Look for a heavy discount if they are trustworthy or take your business elsewhere

[mtgjr]

Originally Posted by japenney

Look for a heavy discount if they are trustworthy or take your business elsewhere

I don't see how offering a heavy discount or not relates to trustworthiness in any way here. Fairness possibly.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Muzz

A lot of ADs put additional plastic on PM pieces that are in the display case for this exact reason. So I would say their practice is a little unusual based on my experience.

Yeah and if it was draped in proper protective plastic, I'd think then the AD wouldn't need to polish the crap out of as the two I tried on were. I guess the plastic was removed so it could be more comfortably tried on, but there was just a tiny bit of plastic on the clasp and below the dial [though not on dial].

It was fairly eye-opening though, for all the talk of not babying your watch, gold seems like it will take a beating over time, white gold or stainless at least would be blended better with light scratches.

[watchwatcher]

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't expect to find scratches on a BNIB piece.

[gummy]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't expect to find scratches on a BNIB piece.

This +1000

I would take my business elsewhere.

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't expect to find scratches on a BNIB piece.

I'm with you. It's really not BNIB if you didn't pull it out of the box....you know....brand new

[Highendtime]

For some bizarre reason, I find that Rolex Gold (prepared in their own foundry) scratches fairly easily - more so than the other gold watches I own.

That being said - BNIBs bought from an AD should be perfect - no imperfections of any kind. They should wrap the whole watch to avoid dust particles from scratching it, anything less is a careless dealer!

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Highendtime

For some bizarre reason, I find that Rolex Gold (prepared in their own foundry) scratches fairly easily - more so than the other gold watches I own.

That being said - BNIBs bought from an AD should be perfect - no imperfections of any kind. They should wrap the whole watch to avoid dust particles from scratching it, anything less is a careless dealer!

Would you expect the dial to also be covered?

In your experience you've been able to try a Rolex on from the display case (assuming not as extensively covered so you can gauge fit), and then ask for one not tried on to purchase? Or you've tried on one with a bunch of plastic all around?

[Highendtime]

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Would you expect the dial to also be covered?

In your experience you've been able to try a Rolex on from the display case (assuming not as extensively covered so you can gauge fit), and then ask for one not tried on to purchase? Or you've tried on one with a bunch of plastic all around?

Fully covered mate - everything but the clasp - the wrap is so thin that you can easily gauge fit.

You can always ask for a sealed piece if you like though, of course.

[Sublover2166]

Could be the person at the AD is using a cloth to wipe the watches down after they are handled by customers and the cloth is putting micro scratches on the gold PCL's.
Some of us here including myself will request the AD order in a brand new untouched watch that is still in the shipping box and not touched by anyone. Most BNIB pieces for sale by trusted sellers here on the forum are pristine because they have not been handled by anyone other than the seller placing the new watch in the box and shipping it to the buyer. PCL's are a scratch magnet, but that doesn't mean you should have to buy a "new" watch that is already buggered up.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Could be the person at the AD is using a cloth to wipe the watches down after they are handled by customers and the cloth is putting micro scratches on the gold PCL's.
Some of us here including myself will request the AD order in a brand new untouched watch that is still in the shipping box and not touched by anyone. Most BNIB pieces for sale by trusted sellers here on the forum are pristine because they have not been handled by anyone other than the seller placing the new watch in the box and shipping it to the buyer. PCL's are a scratch magnet, but that doesn't mean you should have to buy a "new" watch that is already buggered up.

Thank you for the response, actually the AD used a cloth to wipe it down right in front of me.

Good suggestion. Guessing it doesn't work as well with chain store type ADs? I didn't push very hard, but was told at one Tourneauthat new models only come when the display case runs out.

[RichM]

I would not accept a watch from an AD with scratches, period. If they want your business, tell them you would like a BNIB or a hefty discount on a scratched one.

The one with scratches is like a demo.

[Hodog16]

Has to be from the cloth they are using to clean the watches for display. Dunno why they would take the plastics off though unless the watch is sold.

At any rate, some watches sit in the case for years so after awhile it's easy to pick up those hair-line scratches.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Hodog16

Has to be from the cloth they are using to clean the watches for display. Dunno why they would take the plastics off though unless the watch is sold.

At any rate, some watches sit in the case for years so after awhile it's easy to pick up those hair-line scratches.

Yeah, watching YouTube you can catch them easy at certain angles up close. Maybe a little OCD but for that $ I want to be the one to put those markings on:

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Could be the person at the AD is using a cloth to wipe the watches down after they are handled by customers and the cloth is putting micro scratches on the gold PCL's.

That's my thinking as well.

My other thought is that it doesn't matter. Once you've worn the watch once it's going to develop those scratches. Just from the air, apparently.

[sechsgang]

Honestly I see micro scratches in pretty much any polished watch thats in a case and handled even once...anything rolex polished seems to get scratched if they are even lightly breathed on...so if you're talking those hairline things on polished thats life...the minute you wear it youll put them on yourself. If they are REAL scratches then walk away or get ar really good discount.

[handsfull]

You'll put those scratches on a gold watch within the first few days of wearing it, that's just gold being gold.

[jschmidtdmd]

Despite being on a watch forum, you guys have to understand that these gold/ "high end" rolexes DO NOT SELL.......they are handled for days, weeks, months.

We all realize why rolex went to a "random serial number" right?

As a result these pieces are handled.

Again, get the coffin or out the back door from a trusted seller.

[Tools]

Doesn't sound like half the people on here have ever had a gold watch.

No matter how well it's carefully polished and wiped by the AD, you'll make marks on it just putting it on your wrist. By the end of the first day, it's a used watch.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by Tools

Doesn't sound like half the people on here have ever had a gold watch.

No matter how well it's carefully polished and wiped by the AD, you'll make marks on it just putting it on your wrist. By the end of the first day, it's a used watch.

Well when you put it that way, a watch that has had residence in a display case and been shown dozens or hundreds of times would count as being a used watch.

A BNIB watch shouldn't have that type of wear. Even my gold ring that I have clanked on numerous objects an untold number of times looked to be in better condition and always looks like new after a solid buffing.

That being said, the watches I saw probably would look like new with a buffing, but you shouldn't need to buff a brand new watch, it should only need a proper buffing once its sent in for service after a few years.

[T. Ferguson]

This begs the question - what exactly is BNIB? Is it a watch that has never been sold or is it a definition of ideal (i.e. perfect) condition?

The problem for practical purposes is unlike a real popular professional model like the SS DateSub, most dealers will only carry a single PM watch of a given configuration. If they want to sell it, they probably need to display it (perhaps the Platona is the exception to this). The watches in the case at my AD are all stickers on. The only thing missing is the crystal/bezel cover.

If you absolutely want a scratch free watch for your money, you probably need to order it and tell the AD you want to be the one to unseal the coffin. Even then, you'd better take all the stickers off right then and there and examine it real close under a loupe.