Interesting conversation with AD today

[clb521]

So I called my local AD and asked if I could order some SS links for my SS ceramic hulk sub. The salesman said he would ask the watchmaker on duty and call me back. He then called me back a few minutes later and asked that i bring the watch in to make sure they order the right links. I said it was for a newet ceramic hulk sub. He asked if the sub was a 2017 or 2018 sub. I told him its only 2 years old but its the same link for the sub as for the deepsea dweller. He insisted i bring the watch in so they could verify the link size before they ordered it.

Has anyone ever been told this? I found my extra links so I dont need to order extra but i thought it was a strange request. Does anyone know if there is a new bracelet on the brand new subs that is somehow different than one from 2 years ago?

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[Amochosto]

I have purchased links for a couple of my Rolexes and had to bring them into the store I was told this is because Rolex requires the serial number of watches before they can sell a link. Maybe this has something to do with it.

[junamuan]

I was trying to buy a spring bar and they told me bring in my watch because they need to check serial number first before selling it to me.

[clb521]

Wow. That is just a little scary if you ask me.

I bought a link before from a different AD and they didnt ask for the watch.

I wonder what the logic is for needing the watch serial number for just adding a link.

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[tyler1980]

what is strange? the fact you had to bring the watch in? Making sure you own it and need the parts is a good way to prevent parts from showing up for sale on the internet.

I don't think the bracelets are different, but i do think they try to communicate in a way that makes it about a functional reason they need to see the watch and so its not being presented like they don't trust you

[clb521]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

what is strange? the fact you had to bring the watch in? Making sure you own it and need the parts is a good way to prevent parts from showing up for sale on the internet.

I don't think the bracelets are different, but i do think they try to communicate in a way that makes it about a functional reason they need to see the watch and so its not being presented like they don't trust you

This still doesnt make sense. Even if i bring the watch in and say i want an extra link i can still turn around and sell it on ebay.

Its not like each link has an individual serrial number or is tied specifically to one watch bracelet.

If this is true its complete overkill.

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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by clb521

This still doesnt make sense. Even if i bring the watch in and say i want an extra link i can still turn around and sell it on ebay.

Its not like each link has an individual serrial number or is tied specifically to one watch bracelet.

If this is true its complete overkill.

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that is why you don't get old parts back if you have things replaced and its why you cant buy parts for watches they dont go on. You cant buy OF for a non OF watch. You cant buy a sub bracelet for a GMT etc. They need to see the watch to sell you that stuff. Links are not a huge deal but its part of the same sort of policy.

I see no issue in verifying you own a watch to sell you extra links. Patek wont sell me an Aquanaut strap without me bringing in my aquanaut either and you can only buy the color that your specific watch comes on.

[phez]

My AD order me a 1.25 link for my PT DD40, without asking to see the watch. A watch I did not buy from them as they couldn’t meet the discount I wanted.

They did install the link and no damage to screw head or links

[beshannon]

Sounds like they want to get it right before ordering parts. Same thing for my car, my camera . . .

Not everything with Rolex is a massive conspiracy

[brandrea]

Normal. I ordered a 1/2 link and had to do the same.

[Dogdad]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

that is why you don't get old parts back if you have things replaced and its why you cant buy parts for watches they dont go on. You cant buy OF for a non OF watch. You cant buy a sub bracelet for a GMT etc. They need to see the watch to sell you that stuff. Links are not a huge deal but its part of the same sort of policy.

I see no issue in verifying you own a watch to sell you extra links. Patek wont sell me an Aquanaut strap without me bringing in my aquanaut either and you can only buy the color that your specific watch comes on.

What is OF? Looked it up on the list and it's not there....

[torifile]

Originally Posted by Dogdad

What is OF? Looked it up on the list and it's not there....

Oysterflex. It’s Rolex’s fancy name for their rubber bracelet.

[GoingPlaces]

What's the big deal? So go in, show him the watch and order your part. Like someone else mentioned, it's not some elaborate conspiracy.

[clb521]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

What's the big deal? So go in, show him the watch and order your part. Like someone else mentioned, it's not some elaborate conspiracy.

Its a mute point since I found my extra links.

It's not that I think this is a conspiracy theory or anything. I just thing its a completely unnecessary step which is a waste of time.

This AD is 30 minutes away from me with daytime hours during the week and only open on Saturday and closed on Sunday. That means I have to either take time away from work to bring the watch in just to show them my watch, place the order and then come back to pick it up.

OR

2nd AD said they would just order them for me. They are 45 minutes away located in a mall which means longer hours open and they are open 7 days a week. They also have a bigger selection too. Lastly I only have to make one trip.

I think its un necessary thats all. Thankfully I found my links so I don't have to do anything. I just thought it was an odd request and was curiuos if anyone else had been asked this.

Thanks for the feedback

[Colin G]

I just received a 1/2 link for my newer 2017 Sub C. The AD I buy from is in another province and all he asked for was my serial # to make sure they got me the correct link.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Colin G

I just received a 1/2 link for my newer 2017 Sub C. The AD I buy from is in another province and all he asked for was my serial # to make sure they got me the correct link.

I was asked this when I wanted to order an AP strap, think this should be sufficient rather than taking the watch in, unless they don't trust you own the watch.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by AK797

I was asked this when I wanted to order an AP strap, think this should be sufficient rather than taking the watch in, unless they don't trust you own the watch.

they also want the serial number to know you own the watch. The model number isnt sufficient as you could just be a parts dealer. I know clearwater does this on occasion when they are selling over the phone. You cant say i need a bracelet for a 15400. You have to say i need a bracelet for serial number XXXXX (and they check) even though the model number does give them the same information on what item you need.

[rollee1]

Rolex way of keeping any parts out of the open market, no matter how insignificant a part may be, it is still a product of Rolex engineering.

[dafuture]

Most ADs now want you to bring your watch in. Rolex corporate is cracking down on ADs who are selling parts without verification that you own the watch. The last thing they want is people getting access to extra parts to create "frankenwatches" or to sell at a premium in the grey market.

I'm not surprised that they requested this, but it's a little strange they didn't just tell you the real reason up front.

[clb521]

Originally Posted by dafuture

Most ADs now want you to bring your watch in. Rolex corporate is cracking down on ADs who are selling parts without verification that you own the watch. The last thing they want is people getting access to extra parts to create "frankenwatches" or to sell at a premium in the grey market.

I'm not surprised that they requested this, but it's a little strange they didn't just tell you the real reason up front.

But the problem is me bringing in the watch doesnt keep me from turning around and selling the link on ebay.

Whats next are they going to require a wrist measurement to make sure i use the link right away?

I remember buying a link a few years ago for my milguass and they never asked for the watch. I told them what i had and they sold me the link.

If this is new policy then i guess its just the hoops we jump thru to wear a rolex.

The funny thing is that the sales rep helping me has seen me wear these watches when i come in looking. I was also going to trade my millguass for a new black ss sub but cancelled when a TS had one in stock and the AD was 2 months out. So its not like he didnt know who i was. But if they actually have to take down the serial number just to order the link that they feel the need to keep track.

What happens if i decide every other month to ask for another link? Will they at some poont stop selling me extra links?



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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by clb521

But the problem is me bringing in the watch doesnt keep me from turning around and selling the link on ebay.

Whats next are they going to require a wrist measurement to make sure i use the link right away?

I remember buying a link a few years ago for my milguass and they never asked for the watch. I told them what i had and they sold me the link.

If this is new policy then i guess its just the hoops we jump thru to wear a rolex.

The funny thing is that the sales rep helping me has seen me wear these watches when i come in looking. I was also going to trade my millguass for a new black ss sub but cancelled when a TS had one in stock and the AD was 2 months out. So its not like he didnt know who i was. But if they actually have to take down the serial number just to order the link that they feel the need to keep track.

What happens if i decide every other month to ask for another link? Will they at some poont stop selling me extra links?



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its making it harder to run a parts shop not making it impossible. You cant buy booze until you are 21 but that does not mean people dont drink under 21. It just makes it harder.

[wrxsti]

rsc canada requires a serial number before orders

[dba]

If I want an extra link, it's probably because I need it. So the watch is with me when I go to the AD and they put it in for me at no charge.

[gtruex]

I have been able to buy both leather and rubber straps from Breguet ADs and Vacheron ADs to go with my Marine and Overseas. Didn't need to bring in the watch. Simply called around and found ADs for the respective brands that had them in stock, paid over the phone, and they shipped them out. Rolex is a little over the top with their control issues.