I Just Couldn't Take It Anymore

[macrowatch]

Quite the fun story!

In fairness to the sales person, probably not enough stock to know by feel in a blind bag what’s a PM watch and what’s a SS watch anymore!!!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by bp1000

It’s pathetic

I wear jeans and tee every day pretty much.

I probably look like a student to most ADs of any brand. Yet I’m a big collector.

I know they don’t take me seriously sometimes, unless they know me. I think judgements are face value are an awful trait in people and some ADs are terrible for this!

I’m not going to put on skin tight chinos that are not long enough for my legs and wear Gucci loafers and a flamboyant collar shirt to overtly show wealth so they will get on their knees and bow before me and usher me in with champagne.

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[007_Omega]

I wouldn't be too hard on the sales staff, especially if they are trained to be a certain way. If she was acting out of company policy, then that is a different story.

My first paid job was working as a bank teller and I had a terrible experience when an investor ridiculed me and caused a petty tantrum. I had no idea who he was, was one of the early days at the job, and I asked him to see his ID. It's what I was specifically trained to do and always ask for. I was at the main branch of the bank and he literally got the President to come out of his office and act like he cared.

My manager and President told me it was no big deal after the guy left and everyone just explained to me he is an extremely moody and prideful guy.

Point is, no matter where you are in life, we all start somewhere and treat everyone with respect...

I'm sure you just felt like she was being a snob, if this was the case then that is not ok. Plenty of AD staff these days, specifically Rolex staff have lost the plot.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by 007_Omega

I wouldn't be too hard on the sales staff, especially if they are trained to be a certain way. If she was acting out of company policy, then that is a different story.

My first paid job was working as a bank teller and I had a terrible experience when an investor ridiculed me and caused a petty tantrum. I had no idea who he was, was one of the early days at the job, and I asked him to see his ID. It's what I was specifically trained to do and always ask for. I was at the main branch of the bank and he literally got the President to come out of his office and act like he cared.

My manager and President told me it was no big deal after the guy left and everyone just explained to me he is an extremely moody and prideful guy.

Point is, no matter where you are in life, we all start somewhere and treat everyone with respect...

I'm sure you just felt like she was being a snob, if this was the case then that is not ok. Plenty of AD staff these days, specifically Rolex staff have lost the plot.

I'd been asked by a company officer to bring it in and get it cleaned-up. I didn't think she was acting like a snob but just doing her job which is fine although I'm not fond of the policy. I'm glad they could manage to do a bracelet polishing and I found it surprising that it took pressure to be able to get it done. For example Omega will do watch interventions at different levels and costs. It's nothing to get a watch worked on for what ever it needs. I don't see the Rolex all or nothing standard as reasonable. I actually don't know if this is a Rolex policy or a store policy. Maybe someone can speak up with authority.

[whited3]

You didn't even have to flex as other folks mentioned. The lady simply had to see the expensive watch in order to decide to give you a better level of service. Not like you went in there waving platinum in her face.

I guess we can't really be surprised though money makes the world go round (quite a lot of money in this case)

[Rebel]

I hope your watch is returned in a manner pleasing to you.

[Ntoz]

Haha great story. Waiting on the after pictures

[envuks]

This seems strange. I wonder if their service techs are really busy. Why else would they try to push away business?


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[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by Maxy

Don't get the post at all. So you wanted AD to do polishing for you and not RSC? Not every AD has their watchman on site and if they do they pay it with their own money and then polishing is not their job. Yes, buffing, cleaning and minor touch ups they do for every customer for few years but polishing specifically is not their job. They might have done exception for you as its Platona but you expecting that they do it for every customer watch? They need to hire another watchman just to do that job!

The point is the dip sh** AD was trying to pass some sort of judgement as to whether Howard’s watch or him even deserved their attention. And the tune changed when they saw what his watch was worth. This kind of practice from the AD is just gross in my opinion.

Howard glad you’re get things sorted. Hopefully in the future you buy from another AD that would treat you better


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[jimcarver]

I think its a slippery slope. A year and a half is not long to be wearing a watch for the scratches to become unbearable, 6 months from now they will be back again, what then?

[Bladeshot]

Lee, if it was bothering me, I’d have it polished too! Life is too short. And if you polished it every other year it would still outlast us. It’s a shame they took the initial approach they did. My AD can do most anything RSC can do. They are supposed to follow some rules. But it’s their shop. They have the ultimate say.

I just try to remain humble and calm in the face of a challenge. Most times, that results in a better outcome. Sounds like you pulled it off. But I know it was frustrating.

That’s one magnificent crown jewel in a collection. It’s something to admire and enjoy. Here’s to you enjoying it again soon!

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

To start off with I must apologize for not taking any before photos. So it goes. I couldn't take wearing the Platona with the amount of scuffs on the bracelet that it's accumulated in the last year and a half so I went to the shop I bought it in with it carried in a Rolex pouch and not saying what it was. At the door they asked what I wanted I showed the pouch and said I need to get some service work done. Went through hand sanitization and mask rules and was escorted to their service counter.

The lady at the counter asked what I wanted and I explained that the watch bracelet was getting beat up and I'd like to get it polished. She had the green Rolex pouch in her hand and asked if I bought the watch from them. I said I did about a year and a half ago. She launched into her spiel about how they only polish with a full service and that they would be unable to do anything for me. I said something along the lines of, "do I need to find another shop to take care of this?" At which point she pulled the watch out of the pouch and the look on her face changed to "omg, what have I said?"

At any rate they quickly came up with an ability to get the minor polishing done that I needed. Really, they have the techs in house to do the work. Why would they turn a customer away even if it wasn't a Platona? So, the watch will be in the shop for a couple of weeks. I'm certain that when I get it back I won't get depressed looking at the wear I've added to it. Maybe I should have said in the first place that I had a Platinum Daytona I bought from them that needed some polishing but I didn't think that I would have needed to do that.

Again, sorry I have no before photos; I'll promise to take some when I get it back.

Lee: Did the Platona developed more scratches on the bracelet than the EXP2, the SkyD or any other of your former Rolex pieces?

Haven’t seen Dr. Tom in a while on the forum but remember his Platona / GMT Pepsi WG / Smurf had some visible wear as he did not babied his watches, wonder how they look by now!

Originally Posted by jimcarver

I think its a slippery slope. A year and a half is not long to be wearing a watch for the scratches to become unbearable, 6 months from now they will be back again, what then?

Exactly my point!


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[Nixshah]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

What I have read is that platinum gets “pushed around” with a polish, but metal isn’t removed. Not sure if it’s true.

I wear mine every day, but the little blemishes don’t bother me. What would likely bother me is getting the bracelet polished so it looked new, and then seeing the inevitable hairline scratches and nicks come back.

To each his own!

+1 I’ve heard the same explanation about platinum...never been able to confirm it though...

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

What I have read is that platinum gets “pushed around” with a polish, but metal isn’t removed. Not sure if it’s true.

I wear mine every day, but the little blemishes don’t bother me. What would likely bother me is getting the bracelet polished so it looked new, and then seeing the inevitable hairline scratches and nicks come back.

To each his own!

The "pushed around" part is absolutely true. Pt tends to 'gall' as opposed to having tiny amounts of metal removed such as when steel or gold gets scratched.

Pt is also somewhat more difficult to polish than steel or gold due to its physical characteristics.

And it is true that Pt scratches more easily.

But ya gotta love the heft if it.

[Handey0465]

Sounds like an ego-stroking story to me.

“I was treated poorly until she saw my Daytona and then her countenance changed”

Blah blah blah......

[downtorock]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

OK, I felt bad about the prior pictures, making it look worse than it is. I spent 30 seconds cleaning the watch and retook some similar shots. These are more representative of how it looks after 3 1/2 years of daily wear, but freshly cleaned.

Thank you for this! Both sets of photos were helpful.


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[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

... about how they only polish with a full service ...

Nonsense .RSC rebrushed and polished my 116660 without a service .Was running +1s/day and asked them not to service since its not needed.They agreed.Came back new.

[KevWatch]

I completely understand and agree with your approach. A lot of folks like to shame people who are adamant about keeping their watches pristine. I know from experience that PCLs are a scratch magnet and when it gets to a point where the center links look fully brushed from wear & tear, it lacks the luster that drew you to the watch in the first place.

At least you have the YM to hold you over Looking forward to pics!

[Andad]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Nonsense .RSC rebrushed and polished my 116660 without a service .Was running +1s/day and asked them not to service since its not needed.They agreed.Came back new.

But you are MY Neef.

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

...For example Omega will do watch interventions...:

I think I need a watch intervention. I have a problem.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

I think I need a watch intervention. I have a problem.

That, I believe is their term (from communicating with them regarding my old Mark II).

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

Nonsense .RSC rebrushed and polished my 116660 without a service .Was running +1s/day and asked them not to service since its not needed.They agreed.Came back new.

Mine is running as near perfect as any watch I've ever owned. I certainly didn't want that changed.

Originally Posted by Handey0465

Sounds like an ego-stroking story to me.

“I was treated poorly until she saw my Daytona and then her countenance changed”

Blah blah blah......

You know what sounds like ego stroking; passing judgement on others.

Originally Posted by fskywalker

Lee: Did the Platona developed more scratches on the bracelet than the EXP2, the SkyD or any other of your former Rolex pieces?


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I wore it non stop pretty much for a year and hardly wore the Exp2 at all that's why it's gone and replaced. So it's not really a fair test.

[Jim_GMT]

I personally don't like the story as makes you sound a bit cocky. If you can afford that watch then get it sent off to RSC for a proper job.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Jim_GMT

I personally don't like the story as makes you sound a bit cocky. If you can afford that watch then get it sent off to RSC for a proper job.

Why when they're an authorized Rolex repair shop should I have it sent to NYC when I can drive a couple of mile and have it done by them with as much expertise and no shipping risks? That doesn't make a lick of sense.

[Jim_GMT]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'm over the top cocky, I hear you.

Why when they're an authorized Rolex repair shop should I have it sent to NYC when it can drive a couple of mile and have it done by them with as much expertise? That doesn't make a lick of sense.

I see what you saying. But the way you have gone about getting it done doesn't really add up. If you got that watch from them, the person who sold it you would certainly remember you and be happy to assist so why not call ahead and arrange it rather than just popping in unannounced.

Sounds like you wanted to get a reaction.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Jim_GMT

I see what you saying. But the way you have gone about getting it done doesn't really add up. If you got that watch from them, the person who sold it you would certainly remember you and be happy to assist so why not call ahead and arrange it rather than just popping in unannounced.

Sounds like you wanted to get a reaction.

Yes, he would, in a non-Covid world. But this isn't that world. I was escorted to the desk and he was with customers in another part of the store. I had to agree to follow their rules to enter the store. I didn't call ahead because I didn't know that I'd have had time. As it was that thought never even occurred to me as I've never seen a large group of people in their stores and have never had an issue getting service. Any more issues that you can come up with, let me know.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chiboy

OK, I felt bad about the prior pictures, making it look worse than it is. I spent 30 seconds cleaning the watch and retook some similar shots. These are more representative of how it looks after 3 1/2 years of daily wear, but freshly cleaned.

You take good care of your watch

I realize this is a horrible photo... I can't really capture the "patina" finish I'm talking about.

Here is a picture of my wedding band ... I've tried to illustrate the outside surface which has the dull, worn, patina finish after years of wear, vs the inside which is how the outside used to look when new ...

I wonder if your polished center links will take on the same patina effect eventually?



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[Watch This]

Originally Posted by handey0465

sounds like an ego-stroking story to me.

“i was treated poorly until she saw my daytona and then her countenance changed”

blah blah blah......

+1

[aczaja10]

I saw a video on YouTube that says when you polish platinum you just move the metal around, that is, that the metal is not removed like when gold and silver get polished. Anyone else who knows this stuff shed some light if there is truth to this?

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

To start off with I must apologize for not taking any before photos. So it goes. I couldn't take wearing the Platona with the amount of scuffs on the bracelet that it's accumulated in the last year and a half so I went to the shop I bought it in with it carried in a Rolex pouch and not saying what it was. At the door they asked what I wanted I showed the pouch and said I need to get some service work done. Went through hand sanitization and mask rules and was escorted to their service counter.

The lady at the counter asked what I wanted and I explained that the watch bracelet was getting beat up and I'd like to get it polished. She had the green Rolex pouch in her hand and asked if I bought the watch from them. I said I did about a year and a half ago. She launched into her spiel about how they only polish with a full service and that they would be unable to do anything for me. I said something along the lines of, "do I need to find another shop to take care of this?" At which point she pulled the watch out of the pouch and the look on her face changed to "omg, what have I said?"

At any rate they quickly came up with an ability to get the minor polishing done that I needed. Really, they have the techs in house to do the work. Why would they turn a customer away even if it wasn't a Platona? So, the watch will be in the shop for a couple of weeks. I'm certain that when I get it back I won't get depressed looking at the wear I've added to it. Maybe I should have said in the first place that I had a Platinum Daytona I bought from them that needed some polishing but I didn't think that I would have needed to do that.

Again, sorry I have no before photos; I'll promise to take some when I get it back.

I agree with you. I understand each store is different with different policies, etc, but asking for a basic polish for ANY watch should be more or less standard from a jeweler. In general, I won't take a reference to a dealer that doesn't also sell that brand (assuming their technicians are more familiar with pieces they see often). I had an IWC Portugieser 7 Day Automatic that I took to my local AD who sells IWC and they had no problem touching up the case even though I didn't buy this particular watch from them. They didn't even ask a question. I asked that they barely polish the lugs to get rids of marks from strap changes, that's it. They did exactly as I asked in the middle of pandemic.

It just shouldn't be that hard I guess. I have purchased both Rolex and IWC from this AD previously, but they didn't even ask me.

[Jim_GMT]

Originally Posted by Watch This

+1

Yes, definitely a story to create a post about and show off about an expensive watch.

I mean, would you randomly drive into the Ferrari dealership and request that they detail your car for free and when the sales chap says no, sorry, you say but it is an Enzo and then the whole dealership bows down and apologies and then send 3 detailers out to get started.