Reliability issues with my Datejust

[Jamesash]

Hi Guys and girls first time poster here I've had a good look around, what a great and I must say very friendly forum so I'm sure I will be posting again soon.

I'm really after advice from someone who has experienced reliability issues with their watch. In September last year after three years of hard graft starting my own business I decided it was the right time to treat myself to something I have always badly wanted, a Rolex I decided on a Datejust (I just love how they look).

Initially I was delighted with my purchase but unfortunately after only a month or so my watch suddenly stopped. I returned it to Goldsmiths who in turn sent the watch back to Rolex before the watch was returned I was promised it would be serviced, cleaned and returned back to me in as new condition. My watch was ready for collection 3/4 weeks later. At the time of collection I asked what the problem was however, they told me Rolex do not supply that kind of information they essentially make the repairs and return watches in prefect working condition so no need for any kind of explanation.

Two months later same problem my watch had stopped again, so back to the shop same speel from the very friendly man about the watch being cleaned and serviced before being returned to me. I asked again if this time I could be provided with some information on what is causing the problem. Four weeks later the watch is ready for collection, still no explanation of the problems and still no cleaner than it was when I gave it to them.

Ten months later I realise my watch is losing time not just a bit but nearly half an hour each day so again back to the shop and back to Rolex for repair. I insisted I am given some kind of explanation as to what is going wrong with my clearly dodgy watch. I also request for the warranty to be extended to help ease my concerns about this watch being unreliable and potentially very costly to repair once the warranty expires.

I collected the watch today still no information on the cause of the latest issue or any of the previous issues. I was also informed that Rolex do not extend their warranties but would potentially look favourably on the situation should my watch should fail again within the next few months.

As you can imagine I'm very disappointed not only with my new watch but also the service I have received from Rolex and Goldsmiths.

I contacted Rolex UK to find out if they can provide information on what has been causing my watch to fail. I was told:

October 2011 (watch one month old): New main spring fitted and new 3rd wheel

December 2011: Serviced

October 2012: They are not sure but have promised to come back to me with more information.

So guys and girls my question is what would you do or what do you think Goldmsiths on Rolex should be doing?

Thanks in advance

James

[Jamesash]

*update. According to Rolex this morning it was the balance bridge screw coming loose that caused the 3rd fault.

[supertrooper]

IMHO, the watch you got is a lemon. It happens. Even to Rolexes.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Jamesash

*update. According to Rolex this morning it was the balance bridge screw coming loose that caused the 3rd fault.

Thats quite possible when any thing mechanical is basically held together with screws its possible for any screw to become un-screwed.But hope now your watch will now give you long and reliable service for the next 30-40 years.

[77T]

Welcome to TRF!

Certainly a sad experience with your first Rolex. If there were no environmental factors leading up to the initial fault, or even the second one, then I would expect some consideration on extending the warranty. That is my 2¢

Now on your new business, does it have anything to do with machinery or heavy-duty dynamos, generators, data centers, etc? That would be a source of magnetizing components in the movement.

Of course, IMHO the 3rd fault was clearly human error when doing the 2nd service.

[Brushpup]

I think they should be replacing the watch or at least the movement, but sadly this won't happen. I would watch it very closely and contact someone as high as possible with RUK with the history and a solution.

I hope it is resolved and that you update us when you know for sure. I feel bad for you on this as I know first hand how frustrating and quite frankly emabarrasing this can be.

Welcome to TRF! Stick around and enjoy the forums.

[CoachRolexRyan]

Sorry to hear that. I'm sure the watch will be fine going forward. I bet it will even keep very accurate time as well. I wouldn't worry about it too much because you've already been through the worst of it. Now just enjoy your great new Rolex!

[Jamesash]

Thanks for all the replies much appreciated, fingers crossed I’ve had my run of back luck now and like some of you have said hopefully it will be smooth sailing from now on, I will be sure to keep you all updated.

77T: My work is office based so no machinery just me a PC and a desk I always take my watch off for sport/exercise!

Brushpup: I have to agree with you on the embarrassing comment, lots of my friends like watches and even the people I know who have no interest at all, frustratingly seem to notice instantly when I’m not wearing my watch. Each time it breaks down I have to tell them it’s broken AGAIN it does start to become rather embarrassing.