Another Rolex Quality Control Thread.

[MJaber]

Greetings,

Rolex has always represented near perfection to me. I know, that's too much to expect from a watch manufacturer, but I believe they built a reputation on getting things done right every time, and I totally expect each watch to have a fault or two.
A month ago i was fortunate enough to purchase my first Rolex, the Explorer 1 (2016). First thing I noticed is the Crown on the rehaute doesn't align with the triangle and is actually quiet off centre to the right by a large margin. Second, the E in Explorer print has some ink bleed which left the poor fella with a lump on his back. I'm surprisingly fine with both.

Now, third and what is actually irritating me is what seems to be a scratch or maybe some sort of particle on the metal part of the 2 O'clock stick. I cannot Unsee it. It stares at me every time I look at my otherwise handsome watch.

Is this something I should be upset about? And has anyone here had any experience with any of these issues? Is it covered by warranty?

Any guidance would be very much appreciated.

Sorry if the pics are not so clear but It's very difficult to capture a proper picture.

[VIG]

I get it, we all like our things to be perfect, especially expensive things, but how do you people notice this stuff?

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by VIG

I get it, we all like our things to be perfect, especially expensive things, but how do you people notice this stuff?

I was thinking the same thing as I have many times before. There's no such thing as a perfect watch. Anything created and assembled by man will have differences from another like it. But in the case of Rolex you really have to bust out a fine tooth comb to find them. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll just enjoy mine. And that's the last time I'll ever comment on this subject on this forum.

[SeaAndSky]

Originally Posted by VIG

I get it, we all like our things to be perfect, especially expensive things, but how do you people notice this stuff?

I was thinking the same thing as I have many times before. There's no such thing as a perfect watch. Anything created and assembled by man will have differences from another like it. But in the case of Rolex you really have to bust out a fine tooth comb to find them. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll just enjoy mine. And that's the last time I'll ever comment on this subject on this forum.

[Thatguy]

I don't see anything worth sending it in over but if you are not happy then send to RSC.


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[rudestew]

Mmmm if you didn't mention it you'd never know but i do see your point and you do have one.

[c41006]

If you can't live with it, send it in.

[nursejm]

After reading this thread I immediately inspect my submariner bought 2days ago from ad..

The crown rehaute also is not centered.




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[tommi_6o]

Originally Posted by nursejm

After reading this thread I immediately inspect my submariner bought 2days ago from ad..

The crown rehaute also is not centered.




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Mine is also just a bit to the right on my 2017 114060.

[TheVTCGuy]

Are you asking for my opinion? If not, then disregard this post. If yes, then here it is:

You are being WAY over the top OCD. I don't know how you can even see these things you describe without a lupe. Every watch is going to have microscopic imperfections, that's what separates it from every other watch. I say it makes it YOUR watch and gives it a bit of character. I think if Rolex replaced your Explorer, you would find something wrong with the next one, and probably the next.... Your watch is a beautiful timepiece, congratulations on getting it, be proud of it, show it off, and enjoy it.

That's my opinion, if I misinterpreted your post and you were not seeking it, then please disregard.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Are you asking for my opinion? If not, then disregard this post. If yes, then here it is:

You are being WAY over the top OCD. I don't know how you can even see these things you describe without a lupe. Every watch is going to have microscopic imperfections, that's what separates it from every other watch. I say it makes it YOUR watch and gives it a bit of character. I think if Rolex replaced your Explorer, you would find something wrong with the next one, and probably the next.... Your watch is a beautiful timepiece, congratulations on getting it, be proud of it, show it off, and enjoy it.

That's my opinion, if I misinterpreted your post and you were not seeking it, then please disregard.

Well said!

[hoppes-no9]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Are you asking for my opinion? If not, then disregard this post. If yes, then here it is:

You are being WAY over the top OCD. I don't know how you can even see these things you describe without a lupe. Every watch is going to have microscopic imperfections, that's what separates it from every other watch. I say it makes it YOUR watch and gives it a bit of character. I think if Rolex replaced your Explorer, you would find something wrong with the next one, and probably the next.... Your watch is a beautiful timepiece, congratulations on getting it, be proud of it, show it off, and enjoy it.

That's my opinion, if I misinterpreted your post and you were not seeking it, then please disregard.

^^^ this x100 (emphasis added for the important bit).

[kid4life]

Wow OP - glad I am not OCD like you - would make for a terrible life.

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by kid4life

Wow OP - glad I am not OCD like you - would make for a terrible life.

I was hoping after the rebuke another poster got yesterday (JustBlueFish's thread) that this kind totally inappropriate stuff would stop for a while.

Apparently not, some people can't happy unless they can find something nasty to say.

[RaceDoc]

Well said.

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Are you asking for my opinion? If not, then disregard this post. If yes, then here it is:

You are being WAY over the top OCD. I don't know how you can even see these things you describe without a lupe. Every watch is going to have microscopic imperfections, that's what separates it from every other watch. I say it makes it YOUR watch and gives it a bit of character. I think if Rolex replaced your Explorer, you would find something wrong with the next one, and probably the next.... Your watch is a beautiful timepiece, congratulations on getting it, be proud of it, show it off, and enjoy it.

That's my opinion, if I misinterpreted your post and you were not seeking it, then please disregard.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by sensui

The solution is really to avoid the loupe whenever possible.

Originally Posted by brandrea

This is why I don't have a loupe

Bingo.

[MJaber]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Are you asking for my opinion? If not, then disregard this post. If yes, then here it is:

You are being WAY over the top OCD. I don't know how you can even see these things you describe without a lupe. Every watch is going to have microscopic imperfections, that's what separates it from every other watch. I say it makes it YOUR watch and gives it a bit of character. I think if Rolex replaced your Explorer, you would find something wrong with the next one, and probably the next.... Your watch is a beautiful timepiece, congratulations on getting it, be proud of it, show it off, and enjoy it.

That's my opinion, if I misinterpreted your post and you were not seeking it, then please disregard.

I appreciate your response. The reason i posted was to seek opinions- Having an understanding of how people react to certain situations sometimes help with putting things into perspective.

it is indeed a beautiful timepiece and i am very proud of it- my concern was whether or not the things i listed were considered faults and required sending it in under warranty.

On that note, thank you kindly to everybody who took the time to share their perspective- your respective opinions are highly appreciated.

[ryan.uk]

Originally Posted by MJaber

I appreciate your response. The reason i posted was to seek opinions- Having an understanding of how people react to certain situations sometimes help with putting things into perspective.

it is indeed a beautiful timepiece and i am very proud of it- my concern was whether or not the things i listed were considered faults and required sending it in under warranty.

On that note, thank you kindly to everybody who took the time to share their perspective- your respective opinions are highly appreciated.

What a great attitude you have! I faced a similar onslaught posting on here the first time for actually a similar thread about expectations of the Rolex brand versus my experience, though you have conducted and articulated yourself far better than I.

I think you're absolutely right to expect a flawless timepiece for the price paid, and like others have said, especially when Rolex themselves consistently throw words like 'superlative', 'exemplary', 'perfect' in your face.

If the problems are enough that you can see them at a glance with the naked eye... I'd be thinking about getting it sorted myself.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by ryan.uk

What a great attitude you have! I faced a similar onslaught posting on here the first time for actually a similar thread about expectations of the Rolex brand versus my experience, though you have conducted and articulated yourself far better than I.

I think you're absolutely right to expect a flawless timepiece for the price paid, and like others have said, especially when Rolex themselves consistently throw words like 'superlative', 'exemplary', 'perfect' in your face.

If the problems are enough that you can see them at a glance with the naked eye... I'd be thinking about getting it sorted myself.

Agreed.

If you think the OP's watch is sub-standard, you should've been around in 2001 when the 114270 was released.
The imperfections on the 3,6 and 9 markers were glaring, with the white printing on them being offset in every direction possible and to varying degrees depending on the individual dial.
Fortunately it was possible to have it rectified by Rolex.
The dial on the OP's watch will be comparitively very easy to rectify with a very nicely worded letter of complaint to Rolex in Geneva citing QC concerns at that price point.
I believe the OP will be pleasently surprised at the result.

IMO, Rolex may well be at the bottom of the list when comparing dial quality but I accept it up to a point.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Agreed.

If you think the OP's watch is sub-standard, you should've been around in 2001 when the 114270 was released.
The imperfections on the 3,6 and 9 markers were glaring, with the white printing on them being offset in every direction possible and to varying degrees depending on the individual dial.
Fortunately it was possible to have it rectified by Rolex.
The dial on the OP's watch will be comparitively very easy to rectify with a very nicely worded letter of complaint to Rolex in Geneva citing QC concerns at that price point.
I believe the OP will be pleasently surprised at the result.

IMO, Rolex may well be at the bottom of the list when comparing dial quality but I accept it up to a point.

I noticed the 6 on my Z-serial 114270 was a bit off like that. Never knew it was a widespread issue. Any thread links? Not bothered, just interested...thanks.

[MJaber]

Originally Posted by ryan.uk

What a great attitude you have! I faced a similar onslaught posting on here the first time for actually a similar thread about expectations of the Rolex brand versus my experience, though you have conducted and articulated yourself far better than I.

I think you're absolutely right to expect a flawless timepiece for the price paid, and like others have said, especially when Rolex themselves consistently throw words like 'superlative', 'exemplary', 'perfect' in your face.

If the problems are enough that you can see them at a glance with the naked eye... I'd be thinking about getting it sorted myself.

Thanks bud! Glad you agree.

Also,I think it's worth mentioning that I've never looked at my watch through a loupe- it's all visible to my naked eye.

[sensui]

The solution is really to avoid the loupe whenever possible.

[Ec2016]

Those things would bother me. When i look at my rolex, it brings a smile to my face. That smile would be a little less big due to those imperfections. I would send it in

[ash95608]

Those things would really bother me, as quite a bit of people have mentioned you are paying a lot of money for these watches and there is definitely enough margin in these watches to hire more quality control people so they don't let these leave the factory. I personally don't need a lupe to see these thing, flaws always seem to draw to my eyes and that is why all my clients are very happy with the work I do for them, in fact my company is called Attention to Detail Design so it's not a bad thing to be a perfectionist but you just tend to see all the flaws in everything.

[Juantxo]

Please shoot me now...!!!

By the way, next time you buy a watch, go to the store with a microscope and check the watch thoroughly before paying for it. Oh, and don't you buy a Patek Philippe or you'll end up in the psych ward.

[FTX I]

That's why I use my loupe before buying.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by FTX I

That's why I use my loupe before buying.

This is why I don't have a loupe

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by brandrea

This is why I don't have a loupe

I get your point my friend but they have always served me well. No regrets.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I get your point my friend but they have always served me well. No regrets.

I'm only half teasing too

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm only half teasing too