What checks do you do before walking out the AD with your new watch?

[GradyPhilpott]

Well, I've paid cash for all but one of my Rolex watches and I deal with people I trust, like an AD or a reputable used watch dealer, so the credit card is not a factor, I just do a cursory check of the piece, shake a few hands and off I go--beaming, of course.

[Beo3]

Originally Posted by Game Hunter

I was about to walk out of an AD in Europe and I noticed that they were trying to send me off with a Rolex carry bag.

It would have been much easier if he just spray painted rob me on my jacket. We managed to find a bag that was a bit more anonymous.

I never leave the store with a brand name bag either. I usually stick the box in a backpack and look both ways when I exit the store.

Normally I also have an "unmentionable" item on my person when I'm picking up a new watch.

It's the cop in me.........PARANOID!

[Geckobros]

I pull out the electron microscope, gotta let them know I mean biz.

[Nova1]

I look at myself in the mirror and think, you handsome devil.

[SkyDFan]

I normally ask for an insurance appraisal, which is given at no cost.

[jaySL350]

Ensure I have a plastic Waitrose or Tesco bag to carry it in to the car park,,,

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye98

Bring your own loupe and check the dial. I just picked up a MOP dial with diamond markers so I paid very close attention to the condition of the dial, along with making sure there was no dust beneath the crystal. My AD had a play-school loupe, self-admitted, so bring your own!

I bring a x5 loupe with me. I find x5 isn't a ludicrous level of magnification and it just tends to make blemishes that would be visible to the naked eye much easier to spot.

I know some here will say, "it's just a watch" and "you can't expect perfection", but when most "normal" people (i.e. non-WIS) would balk at paying more than £100 for a watch, I think when you're paying £10,000 for one you should expect QC that'll stand up to a little bit of scrutiny.

[Brny11]

Originally Posted by Driver8

I bring a x5 loupe with me. I find x5 isn't a ludicrous level of magnification and it just tends to make blemishes that would be visible to the naked eye much easier to spot.

I know some here will say, "it's just a watch" and "you can't expect perfection", but when most "normal" people (i.e. non-WIS) would balk at paying more than £100 for a watch, I think when you're paying £10,000 for one you should expect QC that'll stand up to a little bit of scrutiny.

Yeah, nothing wrong with that. to each their own. I do believe it is just a watch. I got random scratches on every watch I own. Inevitable. Could care less at AD or after. Major defect seen by eye is a non starter. But minor issues, misalignments, scratches, etc. NBD.

[alphadweller]

Other than bringing a loupe with me for a thorough inspection, I make sure I've got the watch in a pouch inside my pocket when I leave the shop, not just the box and papers in the bag.

[Ichiran]

I don't check. I just pay and go.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Andad

I agree 110%,... couldn't live with that issue.

Not an issue, more like a ten thousand dollar irritation.

[AlanH]

I check for any undesirable characters hanging around outside the store before I leave.

[cotignola]

Originally Posted by AlanH

I check for any undesirable characters hanging around outside the store before I leave.

Crazy days but I have been hearing this a lot … I will definitely need an store exit strategy!

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Chester01

Have to tell you, never did any checks. Have it sized, Strap it onto my wrist, walked out, that's it.

Originally Posted by beshannon

That I get my credit card back

Pretty much this.

[JSolution]

Never check anything… just buy, say thanks and walk out.

[Spoonage]

I just check to make sure everything is there i.e. full set, even the plastic coffin. That's it. I size it myself when I get home.

[Easy Rhino]

Originally Posted by cotignola

Crazy days but I have been hearing this a lot … I will definitely need an store exit strategy!

Sadly, I would have not thought about this 17 years ago when I proudly and perhaps stupidly walked out with a bag containing the box containing the watch and papers.

Today I would likely case the store from outside for a period of time before going in to try to see if anyone else was casing the store for an easy score, including looking for a non-shady looking accomplice that might flag you to their partners when you leave.

I would also likely have my little friend with me.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by jaySL350

Ensure I have a plastic Waitrose or Tesco bag to carry it in to the car park,,,

Last I heard Waitrose shoppers were using Rolex bags when leaving their local store ...

[Thehedgehoncho]

Make sure serial number on watch and card match. Check for any scratches or dings. And listen to the clicking when winding the crown up.

[Thuilln]

It’s complicated buying a Rolex these days… so many strategies listed here. Ouf!