New watch but has scratches

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by Sublover2166

Dr. Tom Kerr may beg to differ from you. His AD gets a watch in still in plastic shipping coffin for him to inspect and if not perfect, in comes another one. Sir, would you buy a new 200K Ferarri that was scratched and dinged? Not me, but to each his own.

Well I do do that, and like, actually really demand my brand new watch to be perfect when I get it. Sounds silly and we all have different standards

I never buy a watch out of the case, if you hang around ADs you will watch them practically throw them around putting them away at the end of every day, day after day

To me a watch in the display case is already used

Is this OCD or obsessive behavior? Maybe but would you want your surgeon any other way?

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

The OP isn't talking about scratches he put on his watch. He's talking about scratches that came on his new watch.

In some circles, this is called shop-worn and while the watch is technically new, it is not pristine, which is what most normal people want when they buy and pay for something new.

I think this post by Grady puts the scratches in the correct perspective

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I don't disagree with you, but your comments are not germane to this discussion.

We're discussing a watch that was purchased as new that came with scratches.

Maybe we don't know the whole story, but what is being discussed is not what you're discussing.

So, while I agree with your assertions, they are irrelevant.

I understand, but lets see some pics......my hunch is that we have some swirls at worst.

[nyman23]

Will posts pics asap. Did get a good deal on the price tho. Looking back maybe I would of paid about 200-300 more and it would be perfect.

[VICI]

Which retailer is this so we don't use them?? =)

Brand new means brand new.

[Nycturbovr6]

I would speak to the ad about it

[rolexnub]

If you are really not happy with what you got from the AD, then go back and return it.

[asmfa5]

The only way for these stores to prevent scratches is to refuse people from trying them on, and that usually doesn't happen. We all know as attested by some individuals in here that make an effort to visit multiple ADs and trying on over a dozen watches with no intention on buying them and putting wear and tear on these watches for the next person to buy. The watches will get handled and people do buy display models all the time.

Since you brought up this question here's my opinion:

If you paid full retail on it then yes return it or get something in return to your satisfaction.

If you were made aware of the condition prior and received a discount that is commensurate with the condition then I would live with it since it's going to scratch up anyway. Im not sure if you walked into a brick and mortar store or if you had it shipped to you. If it was shipped and the condition wasn't disclosed to you until after you received it then regardless of discount request a different watch or maybe additional discount or some AD swag to make up for it.

[Ravager135]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

Well I do do that, and like, actually really demand my brand new watch to be perfect when I get it. Sounds silly and we all have different standards

I never buy a watch out of the case, if you hang around ADs you will watch them practically throw them around putting them away at the end of every day, day after day

To me a watch in the display case is already used

Is this OCD or obsessive behavior? Maybe but would you want your surgeon any other way?

I have no problem buying a watch from a case. As long as it is in reasonably new shape with the stickers on, it's a go for me. I've purchased two Rolex watches and a Breitling in this manner. I also don't inspect my watches with a loupe. If the watch passes a general appraisal then I am good to go.

That said, I also don't have the collection my surgeon colleague does and when I am out of residency and on his level I will certainly want any precious metal watch I am getting to come unscathed. I would likely just tell my AD to order whatever it is I wanted. I have done this once before with a Milgauss. If they had the GV in the display case I probably would have bought it as is, getting it in the Rolex shipping container was nice though and I see the allure.

[Choo Yao Chuen]

I would ask for a deep discount. Otherwise I would have it returned.

[francis]

Return it if it bugs you for sure... personally i only buy used lightly scratched watches ( there gonna get scratched anyways) and pay about 35 to 50 percent off compared to a new one... this way i can have a lot of em ;)

[sco]

I agree, and would want it perfect. I'm wondering if the dealer is going to believe / question OP... I would also like to see some pictures just so we know what we are dealing with.

Good Luck

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

I understand, but lets see some pics......my hunch is that we have some swirls at worst.

You have preferences and seem to be willing to accept a new watch with scratches or swirls. Good for you. It doesn't mean everyone have to follow the same standards.

I will never accept a new Rolex with scratches or swirls, never have. Period.

[Al1969]

Any chance you didn't remove all the stickers? Let's see pics. You learn a lot on TRF. I didn't even know they were shipped in the plastic coffin until Dr. Tom posted a pic. So, I 'demanded' the same on my most recent purchase.

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by DCgator

You have preferences and seem to be willing to accept a new watch with scratches or swirls. Good for you. It doesn't mean everyone have to follow the same standards.

I will never accept a new Rolex with scratches or swirls, never have. Period.

I understand, I just voiced my opinion as did you.

My opinion may not be the popular one, and thats okay just my thoughts is all.

[DCgator]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

I understand, I just voiced my opinion as did you.

My opinion may not be the popular one, and thats okay just my thoughts is all.

Roger that.

[sturgeon123456]

Originally Posted by DCgator

Roger that.

[redsubby]

Some ADs handle their watches very poorly, they get banged around and metal to metal. I would have inspected the watch before I left the shop. After that I don't think you should be able to return it.

[roklee]

Return

[capote]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

New simply means you bought a watch at an AD and have your name in the warranty card.

Some precious metal models can sit for months, even years and are still considered new. But from in and out of the case, people trying on etc bruises happen.

I do not understand this obsession with something being immaculate as the minute you put it on and wear it scratches will happen.

I should develop a rolex condom that protects the entire watch. I think thats a void that needs to be filled (pun intended)

For now....to everyone thats worried about scratches.....just wrap your watch in scotch tape after the factory stickers have fallen off.

If I buy something new I want to be the one who is scratching it, not some random window shopper before me.

[crowncollection]

Pics would help, I think you should return it, it seems to bug you. Without pics I am little help.

[joli160]

New for me is fully stickered and pristine. Anything else I don't accept as new. Return it and have your AD order a new one.
I bought pre-owned as well and scratches caused by previous owners keep on bothering me a little.
I would like to have the same experience as Tom one day, sealed in the shipping container, but it's not a must though

[travisb]

Each buyer is different. It's your money and you should get what you would expect.
I expect it to be perfect. If it's not, I have the AD order me in a new one.
To some, it doesn't matter. To me, it does.

[zama]

I am the luckiest person in the world I have a AP RO with no scratches, 2 weeks into its life with me and it has already been on a number of road trips! Destiny will get me in the end.

I see both sides of this story, seems to me the only way you can be sure, is to heavily scrutinise the watch at the time of purchase. I completely understand that the AD is going to have a number of people try on most watches particularly if they are PM or a DJ that sits in the case a while. If you want absolutely new then you need to specify this and have it shipped in or as noted really go over everything at the time. I have only bought new twice my AP and my PP both were still in absolutely original packaging (and out of the vault) with covering stickers in the AP's situation which are a pain to remove.

I get when you pay top dollar you want perfect and that is cool, but I guess you have a bit of a duty of care to go over what you are buying when it has been in the window a while, and as noted use this in the negotiation.

[abg]

What people have been saying, new is new. I wouldn't be happy with it either.

[brooklyndodger]

I bought a white gold Cartier Santos Dumont in Kuwait at a factory authorized store that came with several “swirls” on the face of the watch. The watch was 50% off so I was able to ignore a few imperfections that would appear sooner or later from my own use. I was a little upset when I eventually discovered that the watch I purchased had originally come from the Cartier boutique at another mall in Kuwait owned by a member of the ruling family of Kuwait. It seems like the display models at the official Cartier boutique get passed down to a secondary store where they sell various brands of watches. I guess all that showing to prospective buyers and the constant rubbing to remove fingerprints will eventually cause imperfections. Again, it was on sale for 50% so I had that fact to make me feel better. I would not be happy unless I got a huge discount on a floor model watch with obvious imperfections. My future TT Submariner came directly from the safe with all of the plastic stickers and plastic shipping container included. There was not a scratch or imperfection to be found.

[Catyack]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

New simply means you bought a watch at an AD and have your name in the warranty card.

Some precious metal models can sit for months, even years and are still considered new. But from in and out of the case, people trying on etc bruises happen.

I do not understand this obsession with something being immaculate as the minute you put it on and wear it scratches will happen.

I should develop a rolex condom that protects the entire watch. I think thats a void that needs to be filled (pun intended)

For now....to everyone thats worried about scratches.....just wrap your watch in scotch tape after the factory stickers have fallen off.

It's not an obsession to have the expectation an AD not sell a watch as "new" if it is already scratched-up and marked, it's holding them to a reasonable standard. "New" doesn't merely mean one bought it at an AD and my name is on the card, it also means in new condition. As in, fresh-from-the-factory condition.

I didn't even think there could be a debate as to what the definition of "new" is, or the expectation of something in "new" condition. Did someone change language when I wasn't paying attention, or something?

Look at it this way; If I were the buyer who was sold a new Rolex with scratches already on it and you ran the AD that did the selling, and I complained to you, and in answer you responded with exactly what you wrote in your above post, my next step would be to copy it all and contact Rolex directly and ask them if they side with your definition/standard as the seller of their "new" luxury merchandise and I as a customer have to accept whatever degraded condition you chose to sell it to me in, or mine, where I expect "new" to be unblemished.

I'd be perfectly happy letting Rolex decide.

[RetailSlave]

I'd say return it or negotiate a discount. The argument that eventually you'll get scratches on it is true but doesn't sit well with me. I'd relate it to driving your new Porsche off the lot with 800 miles on the odometer. That's not new IMO.

[m j b]

Originally Posted by 1st amg

No way, spending that type of money on anything needs to be flaw less.

Absolutely. It's not like you spent $25 for a Timex. Take it back and exchange it or have them polish it.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

New simply means you bought a watch at an AD and have your name in the warranty card.

Some precious metal models can sit for months, even years and are still considered new. But from in and out of the case, people trying on etc bruises happen.

I do not understand this obsession with something being immaculate as the minute you put it on and wear it scratches will happen.

I should develop a rolex condom that protects the entire watch. I think thats a void that needs to be filled (pun intended)

For now....to everyone thats worried about scratches.....just wrap your watch in scotch tape after the factory stickers have fallen off.

New means exactly that. If the OP did not get a significant discount it was his mistake. I bought a new watch from DavidSW with my name on the warranty card and I pulled the stickers off. I would have saved $5-800.00 on one that had been worn or pre-owned. My experience with our trusted sellers has been superior to ADs and I really don't understand why anyone would bother with one. To each his own.