New Rolex Stickers

[watchwatcher]

The subject of stickers does pop up from time to time...whether it's really a "rule" or not, I don't know.

Maybe it's one of those "rules" that is not really a rule. As in, nobody follows it, it's not uniformly enforced, or people selectively follow it on occasions that suit them.

Either way, congrats on the new watch...and post some pics.

[phez]

Originally Posted by shipseys

Hi looking for some advice please.
I am collecting a new piece this evening to add to my collection and am very excited.
I really want to try and keep it as new, but the dealer will not release the watch with the stickers on. They are saying that this is a Rolex rule.
Is this true.
I have never had this with PP or Tudor , but this is the first new Rolex that I have purchased in a long time

Thx
Scott

My AD in the UK has said removing stickers and even retaining the Guarantee Card is a Rolex instruction.

Having said that, as I am a respected customer, and they know I won’t immediately flip for a profit. I walked out with my SkyDweller intact and still in its “coffin” with the box and card as a separate parcel

[pilotjim]

Would Rolex really take away an AD's status for something like not peeling off stickers? That's unbelievable! I mean, if it's really presenting a problem, give them a slap on the wrist and a stern warning, but if a retail location is making you money, I would think you let them continue to bring in the profits.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by adg31

There would appear to be rather too many reports of AD's saying that Rolex are insisting on their removing stickers and retaining Warranty Cards for it to be a pure coincidence...


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My info comes from two AD's (one of which is Aurum group and one of which is independent) and from Rolex reps directly. It is absolutely not Rolex UK official policy to insist on destickering and retaining warranty cards to prevent flipping. That is entirely the individual AD's policy.

Don't forget that the card is also the Chronometer Certificate. Are you suggetsing that Rolex UK are instructing their dealers to sell Officially Certified Superlative Chronometers without the certificate?

AD's in the UK are under pressure from Rolex UK to prevent immediate flipping to grey dealers. They are being told to vet their customer base. If the AD's say "its Rolex policy" its easier for them to deal with potentially irate customers complaining about this. Its also harder for those customers to complain in the first place. Simply, it gives the AD's an easier ride while doing what the ADs feel they need to to protect themselves.

[Beckster]

I guess I could live with them removing the stickers but retain the warranty card as well? That's quite harsh I'm my opinion.


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[adg31]

Originally Posted by Devildog

My info comes from two AD's (one of which is Aurum group and one of which is independent) and from Rolex reps directly. It is absolutely not Rolex UK official policy to insist on destickering and retaining warranty cards to prevent flipping. That is entirely the individual AD's policy.



Don't forget that the card is also the Chronometer Certificate. Are you suggetsing that Rolex UK are instructing their dealers to sell Officially Certified Superlative Chronometers without the certificate?



AD's in the UK are under pressure from Rolex UK to prevent immediate flipping to grey dealers. They are being told to vet their customer base. If the AD's say "its Rolex policy" its easier for them to deal with potentially irate customers complaining about this. Its also harder for those customers to complain in the first place. Simply, it gives the AD's an easier ride while doing what the ADs feel they need to to protect themselves.

I'm not saying anything, it's the AD's that appear to be saying that they have been told to remove the stickers and hold onto the card for 12 months.
Given the number reportedly saying this is Rolex policy the AD network are either acting together in a global conspiracy to deprive customers of a few pence worth of stickers - or there would appear to be some possibility of there being a policy in place?
As for the Rolex chronometer certificate it's hardly a COSC certificate since it gives you neither measurements nor access to measurements.


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[bobernet]

I’d be happy not to have to pull all 50 stickers off. I always end up missing one. Posted pics of my 116506 here, and only then noticed where I had missed a sticker on one of the lugs.

Sealed Pateks, cardboard boxes, Rolex stickers... I’m not saying anyone else is wrong for their opinion, but I just don’t get it. I buy all of my watches to wear.


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[tng11]

Every time I've bought a Rolex from my AD, they have asked if I would like them to remove the stickers for my convenience if I wanted to wear it out of the shop. I declined, and that was the end of that discussion.

IMO, being concerned with sticker removal should be the least of Rolex's concerns with in combating the grey market. I've noticed some re-sellers now simply state that the AD removed the stickers and that the watch is still BNIB, with no impact on price.

[adg31]

Originally Posted by tng11

Every time I've bought a Rolex from my AD, they have asked if I would like them to remove the stickers for my convenience if I wanted to wear it out of the shop. I declined, and that was the end of that discussion.



IMO, being concerned with sticker removal should be the least of Rolex's concerns with in combating the grey market. I've noticed some re-sellers now simply state that the AD removed the stickers and that the watch is still BNIB, with no impact on price.

In my view this, allied to the random serial numbers, makes it far more risky for the grey market buyer - which I guess Rolex would see as a good thing. However, if it harms the resale market there is always the risk that residual values will fall which possibly won't help Rolex in the long term.


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[Devildog]

Originally Posted by adg31

I'm not saying anything, it's the AD's that appear to be saying that they have been told to remove the stickers and hold onto the card for 12 months.
Given the number reportedly saying this is Rolex policy the AD network are either acting together in a global conspiracy to deprive customers of a few pence worth of stickers - or there would appear to be some possibility of there being a policy in place?


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There is an official Rolex sticker removal policy in the US. (a copy of the letter to AD's has been posted on here by Ken (HL65) if I remember correctly).

Given that the majority of active contributors to the forum are from the US, its going to be a subject that comes up often.

Unless something has changed in the last couple of months I can assure you (as much as one can on the internet) that warranty card retention and sticker removal is not something that Rolex UK has instructed its AD network to do.

Pop into any AD in the UK tomorrow and buy a DJ from the window and I'm pretty certain you'd walk out with stickers and warranty card.

There's a reson that some UK AD's are doing it as I posted on the other thread I linked above. Its worth a read

[adg31]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Pop into any AD in the UK tomorrow and buy a DJ from the window and I'm pretty certain you'd walk out with stickers and warranty card.

I'm not sure that anyone has said it applies to anything away from the scarcer SS sports models - Datejust supply / demand doesn't seem to be an issue as there is no premium if flipping.




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[Canefan1]

Originally Posted by HL65

It is and has been a newer policy by Rolex USA (can’t speak to other countries) and clearly some AD's follow and some don't. The risk is of course Rolex finds out and the AD loses his status.

Blue Marlin in Islamorada,FL adheres to this RUSA policy. The owner would not let me leave the store with stickers on the Air King and said exactly what you wrote. It’s all good with me.

[Canefan1]

Originally Posted by pilotjim

Would Rolex really take away an AD's status for something like not peeling off stickers? That's unbelievable! I mean, if it's really presenting a problem, give them a slap on the wrist and a stern warning, but if a retail location is making you money, I would think you let them continue to bring in the profits.

Rolex is the Boss.

[pilotjim]

I'm starting up a new business.......STICKER FLIPPPING!

[adg31]

Originally Posted by Canefan1

Rolex is the Boss.

The Rolex way or the highway...


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[pilotjim]

Originally Posted by Canefan1

Rolex is the Boss.

I'm sure....just wondering if any AD has actually experienced this punishment.

[scotiasteve74]

Both my Hulk and Batman have had stickers on when I purchased, although it is the policy of the AD to remove them to stop flipping.

They also told me that if they were flipped I would not receive another and Rolex/AD check these on local sites from time to time.

For me, if I own the watch, I would want to wear. However if I didn't like it I would sell, taking the stickers off is enjoyable.

From an AD point of view, if they sell and their watches are flipped, I'd imagine they would be very less likely to sell you another, so if you plan on buying more Rolex products keep that in mind.

Overall though, if someone tried to keep my warranty card, stickers or any case candy, I would walk away, another would turn up sooner or later.

[AK797]

Mate, you obviously have "flipperface", the AD can smell your nefarious intentions...

But seriously it's common practice here now on popular models so don't let that stand in your way.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Devildog

There is an official Rolex sticker removal policy in the US. (a copy of the letter to AD's has been posted on here by Ken (HL65) if I remember correctly).

Given that the majority of active contributors to the forum are from the US, its going to be a subject that comes up often.

Unless something has changed in the last couple of months I can assure you (as much as one can on the internet) that warranty card retention and sticker removal is not something that Rolex UK has instructed its AD network to do.

Pop into any AD in the UK tomorrow and buy a DJ from the window and I'm pretty certain you'd walk out with stickers and warranty card.

There's a reson that some UK AD's are doing it as I posted on the other thread I linked above. Its worth a read

You buy a DJ now and I hear they give you a free massage from any one of the four sales ladies who are standing around idle all day.

[pilotjim]

Originally Posted by scotiasteve74

Both my Hulk and Batman have had stickers on when I purchased, although it is the policy of the AD to remove them to stop flipping.

They also told me that if they were flipped I would not receive another and Rolex/AD check these on local sites from time to time.

For me, if I own the watch, I would want to wear. However if I didn't like it I would sell, taking the stickers off is enjoyable.

From an AD point of view, if they sell and their watches are flipped, I'd imagine they would be very less likely to sell you another, so if you plan on buying more Rolex products keep that in mind.

Overall though, if someone tried to keep my warranty card, stickers or any case candy, I would walk away, another would turn up sooner or later.

How would they know it was your watch?

[Rlxlvr1]

I’d think if you buy at msrp than you should be able to do and keep whatever.... if you buy for some percentage off then AD should remove tags, stickers, price and other goodies.


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[lee fowler]

Big congrats and it will compliment the 1680 as well and as mentioned does wear smaller. Mine say Hi.

[oldman2005]

Good post. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Devildog

You'll find some insight on the subject in my thread here

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=571648

[oldman2005]

Beautiful collection of red!

Originally Posted by lee fowler

Big congrats and it will compliment the 1680 as well and as mentioned does wear smaller. Mine say Hi.

[Zakalwe]

Makes zero sense to me.

You either buy the watch because you intend to keep it (at least for a while) or you buy it intending to flip and make a profit. If you’re in the former group, having the stickers removed for you will either make no difference to you or it will piss you off. If you’re in the latter group you’re not suddenly going to decide to keep a watch you always intended to profiteer from just because it lacks stickers. There are 2-year old LVc’s that are very much stickerless selling for more than 20% above list on Chrono 24. How much of a dent in resale value will a lack of stickers make? A percentage point or two? Nothing that will discourage the flipper.

So removing the stickers is of no benefit to the AD and it might piss a customer off. Am I missing something?

[pilotjim]

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Makes zero sense to me.

You either buy the watch because you intend to keep it (at least for a while) or you buy it intending to flip and make a profit. If you’re in the former group, having the stickers removed for you will either make no difference to you or it will piss you off. If you’re in the latter group you’re not suddenly going to decide to keep a watch you always intended to profiteer from just because it lacks stickers. There are 2-year old LVc’s that are very much stickerless selling for more than 20% above list on Chrono 24. How much of a dent in resale value will a lack of stickers make? A percentage point or two? Nothing that will discourage the flipper.

So removing the stickers is of no benefit to the AD and it might piss a customer off. Am I missing something?

Agree. I don't even understand why Rolex would care about people buying and selling their watches in secondary markets when they are not making enough to satisfy demand.

[DoctorA]

My last two watches the AD insisted to take stickers off (or the sale want going to happen!!)
I think it’s really annoying since stickers are technically part of the sale!!

[bobernet]

Originally Posted by DoctorA

My last two watches the AD insisted to take stickers off (or the sale want going to happen!!)
I think it’s really annoying since stickers are technically part of the sale!!

No, I think they’re making it very clear that the stickers are not part of the sale. That’s the point. :-)

If they were advertised online as “stickers included” and yours arrived without, it would be a different situation.

They actually arrive from Rolex in transparent plastic shipping coffins, and the dealer assembles the “package” including box, warranty card, holder, etc at the time of sale.

Dealers leave the stickers on to avoid handling marks showing up on watches in the display case.

[rominvicta]

Originally Posted by shipseys

Hi looking for some advice please.
I am collecting a new piece this evening to add to my collection and am very excited.
I really want to try and keep it as new, but the dealer will not release the watch with the stickers on. They are saying that this is a Rolex rule.
Is this true.
I have never had this with PP or Tudor , but this is the first new Rolex that I have purchased in a long time

Thx
Scott

Don't believe them Scott! That is a self-made policy and has nothing to do with Rolex!

[Ballzzz]

I have no intention to flip but I would have to think hard if they didn't let me leave with the stickers on. It allows me to keep it "fresh" for that much longer and save new scratches for X amount of time. I honestly may walk if ever in that situation, just my 2 cents. Its sad because if the market turns tomorrow and they are begging for sales and the greys are lower then the AD's like the good ole days then WATCH how fast they keep the stickers on if you ask!