Shocking Experience with a Reseller. Is it me?

[AdamW]

I called a pretty well known reseller today looking for more info on a Tuxedo DJ they had listed as unworn. In fact they had two listed as new. She said they didn't have the watch but they would get one. It would be the price of a new DJ because it would be new. In fact, NONE of the watches listed that said "Call for price" were in stock. Dozens of them. None in stock. Total false advertising.

When I informed her that they didn't make the Tuxedo dial any more and hadn't for quite a while, she said she could find the dial and put it on a new watch!!!! She offered to make me a Frankenwatch! For the price of new. And thought Rolex would honor the warranty? WTF???

The way she said it, it seems like it's something that's a regular occurrence. Like they mix and match all the time.

Now, I have a very large collection of watches. Only two Rolex ( A coke GMT II and an AirKing) but many other luxury brands and this is my first foray into buying from a reseller. Am I missing something here? Is this kind of stuff common practice? Makes my want to run screaming with my credit card in hand back to my AD.

Not sure if it's appropriate to list the name so I will hold off but if a moderator says it's ok, I will. PM if you want the info.

What say you all?

[breitlings]

some resellers are better than others. I like bobswatches.com they pretty assiduous about their watches although some have some wear but no one is perfect. Had some rough interactions with some sellers and a few good ones.

[GB-man]

I'm not surprised.

[droptopman]

I believe forum rules require the watch for sale to be in possession of the seller. As well as pictures of the actual item for sale.
What you describe does not conform with the rules.
I would guess the mods will be interested in this.
I certainly would not deal with a seller doing what you described.

[77T]

Originally Posted by droptopman

I believe forum rules require the watch for sale to be in possession of the seller. As well as pictures of the actual item for sale.
What you describe does not conform with the rules.
I would guess the mods will be interested in this.
I certainly would not deal with a seller doing what you described.

I believe the OP is talking about a seller outside TRF...

But the point of this whole story is...BTSF
Buy The Seller First.


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[Speed]

I say don't buy from them. That's just me tho.

[JP Chestnut]

Post the seller's name publicly. Despite how it may feel, you actually can and should name and shame these people.

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Post the seller's name publicly. Despite how it may feel, you actually can and should name and shame these people.

I don't normally agree with naming and shaming but in this case, I think it should be done. Offering to Franken a watch is plain wrong

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I don't normally agree with naming and shaming but in this case, I think it should be done. Offering to Franken a watch is plain wrong

When you only hear the good, people get unreasonable expectations. It doesn't help that legit complaint threads seem to "disappear" around here.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

When you only hear the good, people get unreasonable expectations. It doesn't help that legit complaint threads seem to "disappear" around here.

It does seem that way for sure.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

When you only hear the good, people get unreasonable expectations. It doesn't help that legit complaint threads seem to "disappear" around here.

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

It does seem that way for sure.

I personally take offense to that as well...Pure and utter rubbish as my friend Rob said above. We work hard together to keep this community safe and free from scammers and BS. So for you to make foolish statements like this is pure insult.

As for OP it sounds like you dealt with an online seller away from here. I am curious who it is so please name so others don't make same mistake.

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

When you only hear the good, people get unreasonable expectations. It doesn't help that legit complaint threads seem to "disappear" around here.

Uh oh.

[AS1]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I don't normally agree with naming and shaming but in this case, I think it should be done. Offering to Franken a watch is plain wrong

totally agree

[tng11]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I don't normally agree with naming and shaming but in this case, I think it should be done. Offering to Franken a watch is plain wrong

100% agree. I find it rather jarring that people around here are so scared to name and shame. Just like how in the Patek forum, someone was sent a junked up 5164, and the seller initially refused to take responsibility for it until that person posted the watch on the thread and everyone pointed out how bad the watch was messed up. Again, no names were named.

[Tridor]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

Post the seller's name publicly. Despite how it may feel, you actually can and should name and shame these people.

This!

[bbressler]

Just to play devil's advocate here...won't AD's switch out DJ dials on new watches if they don't have the one you want?

[77T]

Originally Posted by bbressler

Just to play devil's advocate here...won't AD's switch out DJ dials on new watches if they don't have the one you want?

Good question - since it may have been lost in the dust up I can share my POV. Yes, an AD with a parts account and certified watchmaker can procure a dial to match your preferences. There is one proviso - it must be a dial that is allowable per the model configurations that Rolex designed for it.

But any gray dealer or indie watchmaker who does the same will void warranty...


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

Good question - since it may have been lost in the dust up I can share my POV. Yes, an AD with a parts account and certified watchmaker can procure a dial to match your preferences. There is one proviso - it must be a dial that is allowable per the model configurations that Rolex designed for it.

But any gray dealer or indie watchmaker who does the same will void warranty...


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Agree

Also RSC will swap out a dial as long as it is one that is meant for the same reference. I swapped out an azzuro blue dial for a blue index dial on my DJ2 at RSC Toronto. They kept the azzuro dial after the swap.

Edit: they also swapped out the hand set to match the dial.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I don't normally agree with naming and shaming but in this case, I think it should be done. Offering to Franken a watch is plain wrong

If this were about a TRF seller I would not just name and shame, always go through a Mod to sort it out. It's the right way

Originally Posted by 77T

Good question - since it may have been lost in the dust up I can share my POV. Yes, an AD with a parts account and certified watchmaker can procure a dial to match your preferences. There is one proviso - it must be a dial that is allowable per the model configurations that Rolex designed for it.

But any gray dealer or indie watchmaker who does the same will void warranty...


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This

An AD or Rolex watchmaker would never compromise his own ties with Rolex to make a frankenwatch like described in the OP.

DateJusts have many different dials and a dealer can never have them all in stock, so a customer can always pick a dial from the book, which will then be placed in that watch.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by 77T

Good question - since it may have been lost in the dust up I can share my POV. Yes, an AD with a parts account and certified watchmaker can procure a dial to match your preferences. There is one proviso - it must be a dial that is allowable per the model configurations that Rolex designed for it.

But any gray dealer or indie watchmaker who does the same will void warranty...


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Curious how anyone would know the difference though?

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Curious how anyone would know the difference though?

Rolex has its way. As we know:
Each watch has a unique S/N.
In their database Rolex knows the precise build.
ADs or certified watchmakers who order a replacement dial enters S/N when work is done to change dial.

So when you submit a watch for warranty service, RSC checks the database for several reasons (is it stolen, is it correct, any aftermarket parts or past reports on servicing). So a watch that may have started life with one dial, and shows up with a Tuxedo dial - but no authorized service to do that - gets flagged.

No Soup For Owner.


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[Tony64]

Originally Posted by 77T

Rolex has its way. As we know:
Each watch has a unique S/N.
In their database Rolex knows the precise build.
ADs or certified watchmakers who order a replacement dial enters S/N when work is done to change dial.

So when you submit a watch for warranty service, RSC checks the database for several reasons (is it stolen, is it correct, any aftermarket parts or past reports on servicing). So a watch that may have started life with one dial, and shows up with a Tuxedo dial - but no authorized service to do that - gets flagged.

No Soup For Owner.


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Now I get it, didn't realize the AD recorded the change in a database.

Makes sense

[gregmoeck]

They will say anything to get your money and then play delay games and all kinds of bs

[sampelligrino]

I choose to buy directly from an AD or only from one of three trusted sellers on here who are are quite literally the best at what they do for this reason! Always buy the seller before the watch.

[Al1969]

Name the seller OP.

[vman]

Walk away.

[Marinelife]

Dont think an AD is any better. I went to an AD in Sydney and saw a nice DJ but wanted a different dial. They said they dont have it and it would be ordered if so. I walked away telling them I'll think about it. To my surprise the next day they called and said it came from an interstate dealership and it's here ready to be viewed. I arrived shortly after and caught them out. Turned out they were going to do a dial swap before I would come in to trick me. When I arrived however it wasn't done yet it which they then confessed telling me it's discontinued model and they couldn't order so to assist they would do the dial swap. Although it was true that it just got discontinued I also realised it wasnt even a combo Rolex offers!

Point is whether it's an AD or trusted seller you need to do your research.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

When you only hear the good, people get unreasonable expectations. It doesn't help that legit complaint threads seem to "disappear" around here.

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

It does seem that way for sure.

First off, I think the OP is talking about an online site reseller. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...

Secondly, I personally take offense to these two comments above!
In no way, EVER, in my tenure as a mod here on TRF, has any thread been removed with the intention of smothering or covering the truth! No matter who it is directed at.. If misgivings are proven to be correct, and there is fraudulent activity, and or problematic sales tactics, this forum is all about naming and shaming those who don't follow the basic ethic of fair trading! To insinuate anything less is outrageous!

The only time threads are removed in these types of 'watchout' threads, is when false accusations, forum legality exposures, stories that are far from truths, and or both parties formally agree to settle with an amicable outcome outside the forum. Never has there been anything swept under the rug here.
We always welcome the discussion, and the legitimate outing of those who try to deceive or defraud the above board members of the watch community!
Anything less is a failure in my eyes, and that includes the core of this site, from top to bottom.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by sleddog

First off, I think the OP is talking about an online site reseller. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...

Secondly, I personally take offense to these two comments above!
In no way, EVER, in my tenure as a mod here on TRF, has any thread been removed with the intention of smothering or covering the truth! No matter who it is directed at.. If misgivings are proven to be correct, and there is fraudulent activity, and or problematic sales tactics, this forum is all about naming and shaming those who don't follow the basic ethic of fair trading! To insinuate anything less is outrageous!

The only time threads are removed in these types of 'watchout' threads, is when false accusations, forum legality exposures, stories that are far from truths, and or both parties formally agree to settle with an amicable outcome outside the forum. Never has there been anything swept under the rug here.
We always welcome the discussion, and the legitimate outing of those who try to deceive or defraud the above board members of the watch community!
Anything less is a failure in my eyes, and that includes the core of this site, from top to bottom.

I agree Ken and Rob

[AdamW]

OP here

Thanks for the replies. I knew this was not a practice that was appropriate and I appreciate you all bearing this out.

This was Wingate (https://www.tic-tock.com/watches/all/Rolex). I don't believe they post here so they aren't in violation of the "must have it" rule. However, if you go to their site, the woman told me that ALL the listings that say "Special, Phone Sale Only" represent items THEY DON'T HAVE!!

To be sure, I will never do business with them. This whole episode has turned me off from the reseller concept. I am sure that there are very honest resellers, I was told by a bunch of folks they were one of the good guys. Frustrating!

Enjoy your Friday.

Thanks for all the responses.