Gold "Scratches" on New Watches? Normal AD Polishing?

[CrazyMD]

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Yeah they looked like light small baby scratches in uniform directions, possibly amplified by the constant polishing.

Also, there was only plastic on the back of the clasp area and not all around the bracelet.

I'd assume that brand spanking new out of the box would not be in that condition but seems hard to actually get one like that unless you put in a custom order or ask for a piece not in stock.

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

[Jack Bauer]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

Thanks for sharing, I can definitely relate, in Costa Rica right now where there's only one AD to choose from, and they hardly ever update their collection and won't even tell you when or if they'll have new models arriving. I almost felt like buying one of their all stainless steel models just because they didn't show that obvious wear like the two-tones and the price was the same as the States when paying in cash.

[Highendtime]

Originally Posted by Jack Bauer

Would you expect the dial to also be covered?

In your experience you've been able to try a Rolex on from the display case (assuming not as extensively covered so you can gauge fit), and then ask for one not tried on to purchase? Or you've tried on one with a bunch of plastic all around?

Fully covered mate - everything but the clasp - the wrap is so thin that you can easily gauge fit.

You can always ask for a sealed piece if you like though, of course.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Could be the person at the AD is using a cloth to wipe the watches down after they are handled by customers and the cloth is putting micro scratches on the gold PCL's.

That's my thinking as well.

My other thought is that it doesn't matter. Once you've worn the watch once it's going to develop those scratches. Just from the air, apparently.

[Roll the Lex]

Originally Posted by CrazyMD

My experience, I was looking for a gold ceramic sub. Went to one AD in the Caribbean, it was full of scratches. Told them I wanted one not touched and not displayed. They said it was their only one. Next island I went to, walked into the AD and again their display model had scratches. They tried to sell me that one. When they saw I was leaving they told me to wait while they call their other store. They told me that they had another one at their other store that was never displayed and unhandled. 15 minutes later the watch arrived. I watched as they opened it. Inspected the watch and it was mint. I bought it, put it on my hand and went scuba diving with it 2 hours later. Wife thought I was nuts.

I wouldn't buy a watch with scratches...I would wait. Eventually they do scratch but I would rather be the one scratching it, not 100 other people that tried a display model on for fun.

I'd agree with you, but if the ad gave me a big enough discount, I'd but it

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't expect to find scratches on a BNIB piece.

I'm with you. It's really not BNIB if you didn't pull it out of the box....you know....brand new