Returning a watch to a trusted seller

[Miguelon]

Hey everyone - quick question

I've never purchased a watch from a one of our trusted sellers but after speaking with a couple of them, its my understanding that most will accept a return of a purchased/shipped watch within 1-3 days for a full refund. I'm wondering if anybody has ever done this?

There is a particular PM sports watch named after a fictional blue character that I am close to pulling the trigger on. However, while I have tried the watch on briefly at several ad's with horrible lighting, I've never had the privilege of sitting with the watch for a few hours and really making a final decision.

I'm wondering if anybody has been in a similar situation and made a purchase...only to decide after a day or so that this watch wasn't for them? If so, did you return the watch? Was that process seamless? It's hard for me to make such a large purchase without knowing I have the option for a quick return if I feel I've made a mistake....I appreciate your feedback.

Mike

[CrazyMD]

I doubt they will take it back if you wear the watch and go sit outside with it in the sun for a few hours. I'm sure you would likely have to return it in the same exact condition you received it in.

[azguy]

Get on a plane and offer to meet David SW and buy him a coffee or lunch, I'd be surprised if he wouldn't sit and chat with you for an hour with a potential "smurf" watch in the balance.

[vman]

Originally Posted by Miguelon

Hey everyone - quick question

I've never purchased a watch from a one of our trusted sellers but after speaking with a couple of them, its my understanding that most will accept a return of a purchased/shipped watch within 1-3 days for a full refund. I'm wondering if anybody has ever done this?

There is a particular PM sports watch named after a fictional blue character that I am close to pulling the trigger on. However, while I have tried the watch on briefly at several ad's with horrible lighting, I've never had the privilege of sitting with the watch for a few hours and really making a final decision.

I'm wondering if anybody has been in a similar situation and made a purchase...only to decide after a day or so that this watch wasn't for them? If so, did you return the watch? Was that process seamless? It's hard for me to make such a large purchase without knowing I have the option for a quick return if I feel I've made a mistake....I appreciate your feedback.

Mike

Not every trusted seller will accept a watch. Please work with each seller individually and make sure that they understand what you will do. Also, if you buy a pre-loved timepiece and then choose to sell it, you won't lose as much.

[tifosi]

I have returned a watch to a trusted seller before, yes. I bought a pre-owned watch and once received, just realized it wasn't for me. I returned it the next day. Of course I put it on my wrist and checked it out for a bit. As long as you don't size it, scratch it or remove any protective plastics, etc.; it shouldn't be a problem.

It was a quite easy process. Of course this depends on the seller.

That being said. I would not use a trusted seller as a "rental". I would try it on as many times as possible at an AD before making a decision. If I can't decide if I want something after having it on at the AD then I don't want it.

[Miguelon]

Thanks Guys - makes sense that its probably much easier if a preowned piece. Obviously a BNIB that gets removed and worn I can't expect to get full refund. Hard for me to fly to Florida to look at a watch tho I would love to have a F2F with David SW. Thanks for the feedback all.

[tifosi]

I've met with David and he's as awesome as you'd expect.

[Chewbacca]

yes. its happened to me about 12 times in the last 7 years. thats what the classifieds are for. flip it until you're happy i says and spare a TS a refund nightmare.

buy it!!!!

[Lordofrolex]

I would ask the seller before pulling the trigger. Honestly when you buy over the internet you don't really get the luxury as you do when your in store. But even in store they don't let you walk around with it. Watches are kind of like a "i want it" type of transaction. Ive never returned a watch before. Decided after 2 months my DJ II wasn't for me and lost 3k on the trade in for another watch. Its part of the game.

[Chadridv]

I personally wouldn't feel right about returning a watch under those circumstances. I actually had to return a watch to David almost two years ago, but it was because there was an issue with the watch, not because I wasn't sure if I really wanted it. David handled the situation like the pro he is.

Before committing to purchase I would do whatever you have to do to make sure it's the watch you really want.

If the seller is cool with this, that's one thing, but how many times can you buy and return a watch just so you can try it on for extended periods or times, before it becomes an abuse of a policy?

[tifosi]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I personally wouldn't feel right about returning a watch under those circumstances. I actually had to return a watch to David almost two years ago, but it was because there was an issue with the watch, not because I wasn't sure if I really wanted it. David handled the situation like the pro he is.

Before committing to purchase I would do whatever you have to do to make sure it's the watch you really want.

If the seller is cool with this, that's one thing, but how many times can you buy and return a watch just so you can try it on for extended periods or times, before it becomes an abuse of a policy?

Totally agree. I would not purchase a watch with the intent to use it as an extended try on. Buy it cause you want it. If you end up hating it, see if it can be returned. If not, sell it.

I went to an AD on Sat. to check out a watch. I ended up having easily 30min. of solid wrist time while talking, checking out other pieces and just shooting the shit. If you don't know by then...you don't want it. Maybe I just got a cool salesperson?? Dunno.

[Miguelon]

Great points all. I definitely appreciate the education on operating policy in the watch world. Definitely would not want to abuse a trusted seller's policy and try and "rent" a watch for extended try-ons. I would still like to figure out how to spend a little more time with ol papa smurf before finalizing...only place i've been able to try on is Rolex Boutique on 5th ave in NYC and Wempe Jewelers right across the street. For anyone who's been there...the vibe is pretty snooty and stuffy and the lighting is terrible....maybe I can find a local trusted seller who's willing to let me try on in a more casual F2F....thanks again guys!

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Miguelon

Thanks Guys - makes sense that its probably much easier if a preowned piece. Obviously a BNIB that gets removed and worn I can't expect to get full refund. Hard for me to fly to Florida to look at a watch tho I would love to have a F2F with David SW. Thanks for the feedback all.

Yeah, much more convenient for you if he ships it so you can try it on for a couple of Hr's.

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by Miguelon

I've never had the privilege of sitting with the watch for a few hours and really making a final decision.

I'd be surprised if there was anywhere that you could sit with an un-bought watch for a few hours to contemplate its purchase - a few minutes maybe.

[porschedude]

Good luck with the potential purchase, but I would go AD if I were you.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Miguelon

Great points all. I definitely appreciate the education on operating policy in the watch world. Definitely would not want to abuse a trusted seller's policy and try and "rent" a watch for extended try-ons. I would still like to figure out how to spend a little more time with ol papa smurf before finalizing...only place i've been able to try on is Rolex Boutique on 5th ave in NYC and Wempe Jewelers right across the street. For anyone who's been there...the vibe is pretty snooty and stuffy and the lighting is terrible....maybe I can find a local trusted seller who's willing to let me try on in a more casual F2F....thanks again guys!

If you can make it to LI, London Jewelers in Manhasset has a really professional staff and a ridiculous selection! I would make a short day of it if you have a car. It will be worth the trip.

However, I never had any issues with the ADs on 5th ave in the city. Worst case scenario, you can bounce around from Rolex Boutique, to Tourneau to Wempe. If you get a snotty attitude in any shop you should just walk out anyway.

[enjoythemusic]

Usually when I read OP like this, it means you're not really sure of a watch. Visit an AD and see if you like it first would be a good idea. Just remember, if you return the watch to a trusted seller you'll be paying for shipping and insurance.

[GB-man]

I would go back to an AD and be sure. Yes they will likely take it back but it's bad practice as a buyer imho and it will be remembered in the future.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

I'd be surprised if there was anywhere that you could sit with an un-bought watch for a few hours to contemplate its purchase - a few minutes maybe.

My AD allowed me to wear a Panerai to lunch, then comeback to let them know if I wanted it.
I am a big proponent of buying used, but in this case it sounds like the OP should use this opportunity to build a relationship with the local AD.
Go check it out in small doses. I'm sure they would accompany you outside so that you could see it in the sunlight.
Can't imagine spending that kind of money in a watch if you aren't even sure you like it

[arcadelt]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

My AD allowed me to wear a Panerai to lunch, then comeback to let them know if I wanted it.

I stand corrected.

[t60]

Let's not forget we should also respect the ADs too..While I haven't bought a watch from an AD yet, I always tell them up front that I'm window shopping and not to expect my wallet to open up that visit. If they get another customer coming in I tell them to work with them instead.

Most of the ADs I've been to don't care and just open the cases up to talk to me about Rolexes. For the ones that don't want to spend the time, I just walk out; no harm, no foul.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

I stand corrected.

meh,

it was likely the only way to get a PAM out of the case.








(i'm actually a PAM owner, so i can say that.)

[watchwatcher]

Nope, I've never done this. I personally wouldn't think of returning a watch unless there was an issue with it I couldn't live with.

If you can't get a sense of whether you want it or not from trying it on at the AD, then I don't think you're ready for a purchase.

TBH, I really don't think it's fair to use the seller as an extended try on. Although

[kromdom]

a watch you have bought, worn and then returned may not be sold as BNIB with a corresponding drop in asking price.

OP, would you take that hit if you were the seller?

[Boaters]

I can understand your concern most of the AD's I have been to don't even have PM's in stock and I can totally understand trying it on and checking the color in a natural light ... Good luck and post some pics

[maton12]

The Smurf is a beautiful watch, with no shortage of quality images available

If an AD from NYC won't come outside with your for five minutes after negotiating a price and swiping your credit card subject to yoru approval, then keep looking as am sure one would, allowing you to either buy it or consider something else

[fskywalker]

As said by others, with used pieces it is a lot easier to return a watch for a full credit (less shipping and insurance). There are some online companies, such as Jomashop, Watchmax, etc which have pretty generous return policies, but don't know if they carry the Smurf. Also, there a quite a few mates in New York, perhaps you can try one on a watch event / reunion?

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by maton12

The Smurf is a beautiful watch, with no shortage of quality images available

If an AD from NYC won't come outside with your for five minutes after negotiating a price and swiping your credit card subject to yoru approval, then keep looking as am sure one would, allowing you to either buy it or consider something else

I'm not certain, but maybe their insurance policy prohibits this?

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

My AD allowed me to wear a Panerai to lunch, then comeback to let them know if I wanted it.
I am a big proponent of buying used, but in this case it sounds like the OP should use this opportunity to build a relationship with the local AD.
Go check it out in small doses. I'm sure they would accompany you outside so that you could see it in the sunlight.
Can't imagine spending that kind of money in a watch if you aren't even sure you like it

So when you got back from lunch did you buy it?

I thought I might have seen a little bit of spaghetti sauce between the links on the last PAM i tried on at the AD

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Tony64

I thought I might have seen a little bit of spaghetti sauce between the links on the last PAM i tried on at the AD