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25 September 2013, 10:34 AM | #1 |
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Disagreement with a Grey Dealer - Opinions Needed
I'm having a disagreement with a retailer and I would like some feedback regarding who is right here. Thanks for your help TRF!! I don't know if I agree with this "normal wear" thing and that the link being "stiff" is not indicative of damage. More pictures to follow, this is only 2 of the 5 that I sent the retailer -
I sent the retailer the following message the pictures I sent are also below - "I'm going to send you 5 photos by email - 4 of them are at the lugs that indicate damage, the last one is a picture of how the bracelet is stuck likely because of some of the damage to the lugs. Keep in mind that the watch was represented as like new, and none of this is was represented in the listing. The watch is currently at my AD and they think that the RSC can fix by polishing the lugs, but I requested that the watch maker at the AD verify before it can get sent to the RSC. If it can't be fixed, then we have an even bigger problem than we have now, but that's not likely the case. If you do not get all 5 pictures, please let me know. Then please let me know whether a condition of "like new" is appropriate. Then we can go from there." The response from the retailer - "I do not think that is damage to the lugs, that is normal wear from the bracelet being removed and would fit within our grading of Like New. The bracelet being stiff is not a sign of damage. If you disagree or are unhappy with the condition as described as Like New, you are welcome to simply return the watch. If you choose to make this decision, please make it sooner rather than later so that I don't have to send the box/papers out unnecessarily." My response - "The link that you see stuck there is caught on the damage from the lug. The damage causes the thing where the spring bar is at to be raised a very little bit, which catches the link. I think that this can be fixed by polishing, and I'll get confirmation from my ad this Thursday. I'll address your argument regarding the condition later. Good idea, please wait until I get confirmation that the rsc can fix the stuck link which I am expecting Thursday to send me the box and papers. I'll let you know. I'll only want to return if the stuck link can't be fixed by polishing down the lug damage. This was an unpleasant surprise but I guess this is much better than having band stretch that wasn't disclosed. The band looks fine here." |
25 September 2013, 10:38 AM | #2 |
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3 of 5 and 4 of 5
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25 September 2013, 10:39 AM | #3 |
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Real Name: Brad
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5 of 5
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25 September 2013, 10:42 AM | #4 |
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Again, thanks for any feedback TRF!!! I really appreciate it. Of course the link in photo 5 of 5 is not permanently stuck there, I can move it from that position with minimal force. But I think that the damage from the lugs causes it to be "stiff" as the retailer says it, I can't think of a better way to say it.
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25 September 2013, 10:43 AM | #5 |
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How old is the watch and bracelet, out of curiousity? Looks like nowhere near current..Is that an acrylic crystal?
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25 September 2013, 10:45 AM | #6 |
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I am not an expert but in my opinion that does not look like "normal" wear and tear! It seems more like carelessness in removing and replacing the bracelet "several"times. Just my opinion. I would send it back immediately, Brad!
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25 September 2013, 10:46 AM | #7 |
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Real Name: Brad
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One more thing (point of clarification) - I am asking my AD's watch maker to verify that RSC can fix the "stiff" link. In your opinion, will the RSC be able to get the top link to be completely free moving by polishing the damage out?
If the RSC can, I am planning to send to the RSC for a full service and polishing. |
25 September 2013, 10:46 AM | #8 |
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The lugs look fine. It's the bracelet endlink that looks worn (from frequent bracelet removal with the wrong tool). I don't see how the endlinks can be repaired... Easier to just replace them.
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25 September 2013, 10:47 AM | #9 |
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25 September 2013, 10:49 AM | #10 |
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Looks like someone tried to remove the endlinks with a Dremel or chisel.
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25 September 2013, 10:49 AM | #11 |
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That looks like pretty significant damage from careless attempts at removing the bracelet. Far from being 'llke new', return the watch IMO.
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25 September 2013, 10:49 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
Sorry, I didn't know that was called a bracelet endlink? Yes, there is little to nothing wrong with the actual lugs. |
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25 September 2013, 10:49 AM | #13 |
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Is that a modern/current Air-King? I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I don't think that bracelet is even for your watch. That looks to me like the bracelet from a 36mm explorer (notice the old school flip-lock clasp) that's been filed down by 1mm to fit the lugs of the Air-King.
The older Air-Kings had a non flip-lock clasp, and the current ones have a machined steel clasp. None that I've ever seen have a poor fit between the lugs like that. Edit: Just saw your reply above after I wrote this..disregard. I was looking at the AK in your avatar. In any case, for a 2002 watch described as like new....well, that's not "like new".
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25 September 2013, 10:50 AM | #14 |
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my view is that if that watches bracelet has been removed by amateurs over and over again imagine if they opened the case
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25 September 2013, 10:51 AM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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25 September 2013, 10:54 AM | #16 |
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I'm a newbie, but it looks pretty bad to me. Definitely not "normal wear". But rather "minor damage"...
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25 September 2013, 10:56 AM | #17 |
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If you like the watch head, I'd see if the dealer will source you better endlinks/bars or just accept a return.
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25 September 2013, 10:57 AM | #18 |
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Anyone have a hacksaw? I want to remove my bracelet. Send it back, def not normal wear.
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25 September 2013, 10:58 AM | #19 |
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25 September 2013, 11:00 AM | #20 |
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25 September 2013, 11:00 AM | #21 |
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It doesn't look like new to me. But he says if you're not happy, return it for a refund. So why go through all of this other stuff with an AD and RSC? Just return it for a refund and move on.
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25 September 2013, 11:02 AM | #22 |
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25 September 2013, 11:04 AM | #23 |
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I'm asking myself the same question. Number 1 - I have looked for this watch for years and this is the first I've seen of it. Number 2 - If I return it I'm on hook for shipping, return shipping, and the wire fee. This could be around $100. And that's not fair.
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25 September 2013, 11:05 AM | #24 |
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Return it for a full refund. Not worth the headache in the end.
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25 September 2013, 11:26 AM | #25 | |
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Quote:
By the way, I've dealt with this retailer before and had a great experience. Very very disappointed by this. There were more issues that the retailer has agreed to fix and I have not named the retailer, and prefer not to do so at this time. |
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25 September 2013, 11:29 AM | #26 |
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I'd return it even if I was out some cash. Lesson learned and hopefully you'll recoup your losses on your next watch.
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25 September 2013, 11:34 AM | #27 |
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I agree this is too much sugar for a dime. Return it and find one in better shape.
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25 September 2013, 11:37 AM | #28 |
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Hearing this makes me nervous of buying online, grey etc. you have risks involved and you seem like a candidate to buy bnib from an AD.
wear it and forget about it and think about the money saved from buying at AD |
25 September 2013, 11:41 AM | #29 | |
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Quote:
Hopefully, they refund you fully, if not, I agree that returning it, even at a $100 loss, may be the best decision. Good luck. |
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25 September 2013, 11:50 AM | #30 |
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You're obviously not happy, I wouldn't be either. I'd just send it back, who knows what else might me wrong with it internally?
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