Looks like i got conned when i bought my gold rolex submariner

[jolimont]

have you seen what gold subs go for these days?

if you're selling it for 7500 pounds I would take it off you right now

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tools

As far as "What should I ask Rolex to do", I'm not sure I follow you.. There is nothing that Rolex needs to do or should do for you... They were not a part of your purchase in any manner that I can see..

The OP stated:
"I specifically asked the retailer if he was an official Rolex Agent, which he said he was and I'm pretty sure I checked with Rolex Germany."

So he is suggesting Rolex is responsible. Yes, we know that ADs are independent dealers with a franchise, but the OP is not as aware IMHO.

[RIPLEYXL9]

Originally Posted by 77T

The OP stated:
"I specifically asked the retailer if he was an official Rolex Agent, which he said he was and I'm pretty sure I checked with Rolex Germany."

So he is suggesting Rolex is responsible. Yes, we know that ADs are independent dealers with a franchise, but the OP is not as aware IMHO.

It all irrellevant now as Rolex UK have verified the watch is actually as it states a 2002 watch.
But just so people don't think I'm too unreasonable and also to learn about Rolex watches and what goes on, as this wont be my last Rolex I answered a few posts.

OK Rolex are not liable directly, as legally they are 3rd Party to the contract.

However if Rolex promote a trusted franchise or dealership - i.e. you must buy here as they are registered trusted dealers; then they should police the dealership/franchise properly to trade honourably and with integrity. Or am I wrong expecting that?

Also remember Rolex did however look at the watch in March 2002 at London Rolex within a week or two of taking possession of the watch - when I asked them to check it was genuine, and that the watch was new, and that the hidden [under the braclet] serial number was the same on the paperwork!
So I would have expected them to alert me to the fact the watch was 11 or 9 years old!

Sure next time I will go further and get the serial number and pay a deposit and then get from Rolex written confirmation that this watches serial number means it is circa a few month old?
Actually I'm old school and think I should just be able to ask my local Rolex dealer or Mercedes Dealer how old is this watch? / car? and get a straight honest, answer.

[mjclark32]

How about some pics?

[U5512]

Ten years later and possibly £7,500 in your pocket.....I'd say you're doing quite good!

[Tri-Tip]

Think about it this way...it will be an antique that much sooner!

[goldrolielove]

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it . You have a great watch , enjoy it, and move on.

[Vienna_Peter]

only 7500 british pounds for a full gold sub?

this are only 6.400 euros.

i would buy three of them if i could.....:-)

greetings

peter

[Furbo]

Originally Posted by Vienna_Peter

only 7500 british pounds for a full gold sub?

this are only 6.400 euros.

i would buy three of them if i could.....:-)

greetings

peter

7500 pounds = 8,690€

[jay1988]

I'd let it go.

You went to a lot of effort to get a cheaper price and now you're annoyed because you can't get a good price on selling it ?

YOU should of asked for the serial number all those years ago. Then you would of known.

I don't know what you mean about duty free watches btw. I'm currently considering asking someone to pick up a smooth bezel DJII for me and as it was only released at Basel 2012 I see nothing wrong with picking it up duty free. Also fully recommended a friend of mine who likes the 114060 (Basel 2012) or the 116610LV (Basel 2010) consider buying either from there. Bought from an AD with a 20% discount and at most it's three years old ? I'd take that.

[RIPLEYXL9]

Originally Posted by jay1988

I'd let it go.

You went to a lot of effort to get a cheaper price and now you're annoyed because you can't get a good price on selling it ?

YOU should of asked for the serial number all those years ago. Then you would of known.

I don't know what you mean about duty free watches btw. I'm currently considering asking someone to pick up a smooth bezel DJII for me and as it was only released at Basel 2012 I see nothing wrong with picking it up duty free. Also fully recommended a friend of mine who likes the 114060 (Basel 2012) or the 116610LV (Basel 2010) consider buying either from there. Bought from an AD with a 20% discount and at most it's three years old ? I'd take that.

OK crisis over as I said above Rolex have confirmed it is a 2002 watch.
Just so people don't think I'm too unreasonable:-
a] I didnt go to a lot of trouble to buy it cheaper, the price just happened to be slightly cheaper in Gernamy at that time because the £ spiked up against the Euro - a few hunderd pounds???.
The real reason for buying there was German dealers could get allocation from Rolex and the UK dealers were having to wait longer. And my localRolex AD dealer allows people to buy the watch and if they dont like it return it within 3 days, providing it doen't look damaged! I don't like that: reason e.g. some inexperienced rolex owner dont pull out the winder correctly thinks hes winding it and actuall is turning the date the wrong way - then goes oh sh+t and takes it back.

Re Duty free shops - no nothing against them, other than its hard to get them to order in a specific watch direct from rolex. And I personally had seen a Gold GMT Master sitting in the same place on a shelf in Heathrow for like years. Personally if oil deteriorates with age I 'd prefer a movement that has recent lly left the factory if buying new.
Thats all I meant by that.

[Kingair]

What a story . . . be lucky . . . most of the people here want a nice Vintage . . . and you are already half way . . . with a new one . . .

HAGOne

[kultschar]

Unfortunate however Rolex clearly is not responsible here.

For a minute there I thought you was about to say it was a fake!!

[QuantumMechanic]

No doubt frustrating, but at the end of the day is it really that big of a deal ? Were there any major improvements implemented over that 10 year period on the watch ?

You have a very nice watch. Enjoy it knowing that it was brand new and trust that you will have more memories to make with your 16618.

Life is good !

[Matt_Regan]

I understand your concerns, I had a few (smaller) panics when buying my Rolex, all I will add is don't let small details cloud the pleasure of owning an amazing time piece. Enjoy it, you own a stunning watch!

[VICI]

Originally Posted by Casey VP-26

At this point, Over 10 years later, Forget it. I'm sure its a nice watch or you would not have kept it for over 10 years. Don't torment yourself.

What are you gonna do now - go after the seller?

It sucks that you were misled but you have a working watch and you could have check the serial before you bought it.

Next time, buy the seller 1st and check anything you want. The naked eye can only see so far.

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by RIPLEYXL9

After I had the watch a week I realised that the strap was on the last peg hole and if my wrist swell a bit I have no expansion slot left. So decided to get another link. I ordered this from the German dealer and it was delivered. so took it to Rolex London and they said it was the wrong link.

This should have been your first clue a week after buying it. You may have had some recourse with the dealer at that time. Suprised you missed this opportunity to question the age of the watch considering how thorough you were during the purchaing process.

[RIPLEYXL9]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

This should have been your first clue a week after buying it. You may have had some recourse with the dealer at that time. Suprised you missed this opportunity to question the age of the watch considering how thorough you were during the purchaing process.

Yeah good point.
I just assumed as it was ordered over the phone without the watch there they had just made a mistake. Plus having faxed him specifically that I wanted a new one direct from Rolex - I guess I just trusted him.
Which now appears to have been justified!

[landroverking]

Just enjoy

[Eulogy]

Considering a Rolex is an 'eternal' timepiece 10 years either way is not such a big deal.

Heck my DD from the early 60's is a year or two away from 50 years old and going strong and I'm not concerned that it isn't only 40 years old.

[ronbo710]

...these earlier (drilled lug hole) 16618's didn't have spring bars connecting the bracelet but rather solid pins. I had a later model black dial/bezel 16618 for a while and LOVED it. You still have a GREAT Rolex. -Ron

[Armyguy03]

You enjoyed it for 10 years, please don't let this ruin your great memories. I'd personally keep the watch unless you really need the money. In another 10 years, you'd still get the same, return, if not more depending on condition.

[HL65]

10 years later?? Rolex do anything?? Think not--sorry. Enjoy your watch for the next 10 years!!

[gwozhog]

Sorry but your just now having buyers remorse about a watch you bought 11 years ago. Wow I'm in sales and that is a first. If it was purchased on American Express there is no time limit to dispute a charge. You may want to check if it was on another card. However your rolex was still considered new because you were the first owner with his name on the card. So you probably will not have much leverage. Now that Rolex has gone to this random serial BS this sort of thing will probably happen again to many people 10 years from now on less desirable models. Hey man if this is this worst thing that has happened to you in the last 10 years you are doing fine in life. 1st world problems my man!

[mmmk604]

There's absolutely nothing Rolex will do for you. It was, in fact, a brand new watch when you bought it.
You may have overpaid for it, but it's been so long now...just enjoy your watch.

[Rolexman28]

Pics pics pics

[sdwtchlvr]

As others have mentioned, this is exactly why Rolex has introduced the random serial system. There really isn't anyone to blame. It's not uncommon for full gold models to sit in display cases for years. If you want your watch to be exactly the same as a 2002 version, have RSC swap the dial, insert and hands and you'll be set because that was essentially the only change. Same case, same movement, same crystal, same bracelet, etc. You might have gotten a no lug hole version & SEL but considering it's a gold model, many ADs were probably sitting on old stock.

To be bringing this up now is silly, in my opinion...11 years later??

Don't take this the wrong way but it sounds like a case of an uneducated consumer.

[Passionata]

do you have the paperwork ?which date indicated on the warranty paper ?
well i don t think it s a big deal to sell it here on TRF

[ChuckFinlay]

I think you have to learn a very serious life lesson here, you can never send children back, no matter what they do!

[Tony-GB]

OP: I don't see your point. You've been a member here since 2008, barely posted & now just want to moan about something without loading any pics...?

Just enjoy the damn watch.