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

[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.

[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!!

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by superdog

wait, this happened in 2012 and you are upset now?

you have enjoyed it this long without knowing and now that you are "aware", this has you upset.

let go brother, let go.

This

What's UP Seth?

[Rolexitis]

Regardless of what others have said, they clearly aren't in your position. I would be upset. It's like finding out that your child isn't really your child after ten 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!

[gwozhog]

Originally Posted by Rolexitis

Regardless of what others have said, they clearly aren't in your position. I would be upset. It's like finding out that your child isn't really your child after ten years.....

I take it you don't have children. It's really not that bad.

[crew]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

I take it you don't have children. It's really not that bad.

Amen.

To the OP: Let it go.

[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.

[sdwtchlvr]

Originally Posted by Rolexitis

Regardless of what others have said, they clearly aren't in your position. I would be upset. It's like finding out that your child isn't really your child after ten years.....

lol...not really the same thing.

[jay1988]

Originally Posted by Rolexitis

Regardless of what others have said, they clearly aren't in your position. I would be upset. It's like finding out that your child isn't really your child after ten years.....

I can say with some certainty that I would rather find out all my wathes were fakes then find out my 10 year old child wasn't mine. I don't have kids but based on talking to many parents over the years I'm still 99% sure on this.

"You don't realise how much you can love something until you have a child" - My Mum.

I'd be very surprised if watches came close.

[T.S.Eliot]

Here is my take:

1. You eventually did not know the difference between model years at the time of buying.
2. The AD sold you a new watch (10 or 20 years old doesn't matter as long as it was new). You could've noticed this if you knew (refer to point 1).
3. It took you 10 years to realize what you have after being told by others (refer to point 1).

You are upset at Rolex for not doing your homework?

To me, you bought a timepiece based on the brand name and did not really know what you were getting.

[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

[Rolexitis]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

I take it you don't have children. It's really not that bad.

I have three kids, thanks. I was being sarcastic. My children are the most important people in my life. I could care less about a watch.

[Michael N Q8]

Caveat emptor. I don't believe anything can be done at this stage, so just accept it, move on and accept the "loss" as school fees.

[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.

[chicfarmer1]

Lesson: you weren't as fussy as you thought you were. If you were, you would have (1) researched to be sure the place of business was in fact an authorized Rolex dealer--this seems uncertain in your telling, (2) bought the watch yourself in person so you could go over all assurances face to face, (3) checked its specs including its vintage immediately upon receipt of it, and (4) made sure all those details were listed in your insurance policy. Since none of those happened, it may be unfortunate but finally just something that happened.

You are now a more informed buyer. Think about this and move onward. Nobody owes you anything.

[gpfps]

You vented and now move on. I think like you do, but life is short and don't sweat the little stuff .

[VetteBandit]

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.

+1.

[Postnikov]

...and last but not least: the cardboard outer box pointed edges looked the tiniest bit worn too....