Have you had problems with Steve Mullholland?

[djkennedy67]

Last month I purchased a supposedly full set matt 5513 Submariner from Steve Mullholland.

I initially inspected the watch, which looked in great condition, and stuck it in the safe before heading off on holiday.

On returning I took the watch out and checked the serial number and typed papers, which showed 8.67mill. After looking at various reference material and consulting some local collectors, which took a couple of weeks, there seems to be a doubt about a Mark III matt dial on an 8.67 mil 5513.

I love the watch and paid dealer price for peace of mind with an original watch.

I have asked for a full refund, but have only been offered a credit or trade value, as Steve reckons the watch is totally legit.

However, I think an 8.67mil 5513 was never a matt dialled watch and Steve seems to be in a minority of 1 in believing that it was the original dial.

'I am 100% confident that the dial is original in that watch, and anyone who says differently doesn't know crap.'SM

The papers show as shipped 1985 from the factory - RTTX. Also, it was advertised as a full set, but when it arrived it had no submariner booklet and those that did come had most of the pages stuck together.

The watch looks great, but a premium is always evident on matt watches and having paid good money, $6800, on a watch that I believe was originally a gloss dialled model I feel aggrieved. Gloss dialled watches pass hands for considerably less money.

As this was my first purchase from the states I thought it would be seamless with good reassurance that the watch and dealer would have good probity.


Am I being unreasonable asking for a full refund?


All opinions welcome.

Regards

David Kennedy

PS After discussing this on a UK based Rolex forum I have been contacted by a couple of people who have both backed my assessment of the watch and the dealer.