Disappointing Rolex experience with a "grey" dealer

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

Anyhow, in summary I must say I am disappointed.

My guess is the grey market dealer simply took a shortcut swapping dial and movement from another new watch to get me the configuration I asked for.

It's easier and less invasive than removing hands and dial from the movement. And because of that Rolex is taking the high road and doesn't even consider that there could have been a quality issue with the movement.

Rather, they argue that non-licensed work caused a problem that bubbled up to the surface after 2 years of gently wearing the watch.....

The only good news was that RSC was willing to discount the full service to 400$ because it is a relatively new watch, albeit out of warranty.

Of course, they could have just sent the whole thing back to you and wished you good luck with your venture.

Once you've spent your $400, you'll likely be set since you'll have Rolex paperwork stating the slight discrepancies but with evidence that they (Rolex) are happy with the watch in its current state of dress.

[Swaggy P]

Originally Posted by superdog

AD's muck up the process sometimes as well.

It's never 100%.

Different issues. But there are always issues no matter what route. Nothing is perfect.

Ah, but hold on... If an AD mucked something up, you'd be 100% covered because you'd be able to prove your purchase...

I still can't believe people continue to have debates on here about AD vs. Grey? There's no argument: As another poster put it, you are paying for a privilege when going AD, which is what I do, too. When you try to shave a few bucks by going grey, something "could" happen, and in this case, it did. Simple.

[cht]

Originally Posted by Flstfirider

For $400 you get a Rolex Service and warranty card......sounds like a great deal.

agreed.

[PcarSBA]

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

[powerfunk]

I don't think the title change had anything to do with restricting your freedom of expression...just a helpful mod making the title more clear for you so you stop getting "your issue isn't with Rolex" type responses. And...you totally did bark up a tree or two. That's cool though. It's all good man!

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Exactly, AFAIK RUSA do not service a watch until it brought back to its original configuration.I can imagine they tolerate a dial swap due to the watch origin ,but hardly believe they would do the same in case an unmatching movement No.

But the watch is in its original condition. It had a swapped dial, which is fine and appropriate to that watch. The odd thing is they were too lazy to change the dial and swapped the movement as well. BUT it is a proper and correct Rolex movement for that watch.
They couldn't insist on fixing it as it had a genuine and correct movement and dial for that watch. There is no reason not to service it and no real reason to feel bad about it.
It's not like they added aftermarket diamonds or some bezel not correct for that particular ladies watch which they would have wanted to correct before a service.

[engin33r]

OP, I read your posts, all of them. When I first read this thread I thought you had problem with your Rolex watch. Turns out you had problem because the movement had been swapped and was not done properly. And it was grey seller who did it.

I dont see how Rolex is liable to this problem at all. In fact RSC offered you discount for the service. So your thread title was really misleading. Now that the mod had done the right thing, you changed your story again. Now you are upset with Rolex AD, that is hillarious, what have they done wrong to you? You bought from grey seller because it was cheaper, now you blamed AD for your troubles. Where is the logic?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

It was obviously changed for clarity, so you wouldn't be misunderstood. Insulting the mod who did this for you really isn't the brightest of ideas.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

Wow. Just Wow!!

[landroverking]

OP you still haven't adressed the issue of if the watch was in Warrenty.
The way I understood your time line bought new mid 2012, so the warrenty would have been up mid 2014 right? RSC is giving you a heck of a deal.

[drakulie]

Originally Posted by Swaggy P

Ah, but hold on... If an AD mucked something up, you'd be 100% covered because you'd be able to prove your purchase...

I still can't believe people continue to have debates on here about AD vs. Grey? There's no argument: As another poster put it, you are paying for a privilege when going AD, which is what I do, too. When you try to shave a few bucks by going grey, something "could" happen, and in this case, it did. Simple.

Exactly.

[LuminousMaximus]

PcarSBA, Please keep us informed as to what the RSC will be doing to correct your serial number issue. It would be great if they can re-match all the parts with same serial numbers...

I am curious if anyone here knows if the RSC will simply fix the current movement and leave the watch in it's Frankenstein condition?

On a side note, Pcar, I also have a Frankenwatch issue with a solid Gold Omega. you can see it by clicking below. My issue was that Gracious Omega had to change the 50 yr old case because when purchased as new in 1969, the seller in Portugal had changed the case. Both cases were 18kt Gold.Unfortunately, the Front of my watch is GENEVE and the back is DEVILLE. HEy, I tried to complain, but in the end this was the best they could do. It does keep great time. -2 seconds per day.

[Vaxe]

Agreed 100%.
Not sure why OP brought up being mistreated with a WG Skydweller on.

I think OP lucked out. RSC could've easily denied service on a grey franken, let alone comp. What is there to complain about?

Originally Posted by Tools

I'm not sure what the disappointing part is..

Grey Market watches are never sold with a valid warranty and any legitimate Grey Dealer will tell you that up-front. It sounds like you were expecting to have the repair done under warranty without having paid for that privilege. ??

I think that I would be elated that they are discounting a service and reconciling the disparity between the movement and case.

Sounds like you got outstanding service from Rolex..

[Vaxe]

You bought a no warranty grey that was tempered with, why do you continue to assume Rolex is reasonable for a faulty movement on a franken watch?

I guess there's a reason why ADs treat you that way. You just can't please some people, especially those who think wearing a grey Skydweller entitles them to royalty.

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

[Roost5o]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

Not sure why OP brought up being mistreated with a WG Skydweller on

So he had on a Skydweller...check

[Roost5o]

Originally Posted by Vaxe

?.. especially those who think wearing a grey Skydweller entitles them to royalty.

Yet another reference to his Skydweller...

[Danny83]

Do you have any photos of the watch?

[Furbo]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

So you prefer to deal with shady characters and then blame Rolex for all the consequences? Classy.

[Number3]

Jeez......this is a bad tempered thread!

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by Swaggy P

Ah, but hold on... If an AD mucked something up, you'd be 100% covered because you'd be able to prove your purchase...



I still can't believe people continue to have debates on here about AD vs. Grey? There's no argument: As another poster put it, you are paying for a privilege when going AD, which is what I do, too. When you try to shave a few bucks by going grey, something "could" happen, and in this case, it did. Simple.

It is n obvious,
Let me to recommend the thread with the dinged ,malfunctioning Daytona -made by RSC NY-,btw they want to do exactly the sameas happened with OPs watch swapping the movement :-)

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

Absolutely ridiculous.

You did not have a bad Rolex experience. In fact you had a great one...one of the best I've read on here.

You're experience with a watch seller who sold you a bastarded watch is BAD.

RSC..which is Rolex, is saving your bacon by fixing the watch and legitimizing it through warranting it and fixing the serial number issue caused by the Frankenstein swap.

I am shocked that Rolex didn't tell you to hit the bricks, but they worked it out with you....at a discount nonetheless....amazing.

I just cannot understand why you continue to say you had a bad Rolex experience...it makes no sense.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Absolutely ridiculous.

You did not have a bad Rolex experience. In fact you had a great one...one of the best I've read on here.

You're experience with a watch seller who sold you a bastarded watch is BAD.

RSC..which is Rolex, is saving your bacon by fixing the watch and legitimizing it through warranting it and fixing the serial number issue caused by the Frankenstein swap.

I am shocked that Rolex didn't tell you to hit the bricks, but they worked it out with you....at a discount nonetheless....amazing.

I just cannot understand why you continue to say you had a bad Rolex experience...it makes no sense.

I hate to get more involved in this thread but I think he may have meant that he had a bad experience with a Rolex watch.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I hate to get more involved in this thread but I think he may have meant that he had a bad experience with a Rolex watch.

I guess, but that's not really fair to say that.

[MrSimba]

Originally Posted by PcarSBA

I didn't think posting this would cause such a mess. Maybe let's stick to WRUW, "Incoming...", and "Is it safe..."

Let me make my final point here and then maybe a moderator can delete this thread, close it or do whatever he/she deems appropriate:

I stand 100% behind my initial post and my title was well thought out. I had a disappointing Rolex experience. The careful reader might have gleaned I didn't say RSC experience. I was merely recounting the events and the RSC had a part in it.

In general there are many facets to a brand image and many touch points between the brand (Rolex) and the end customer (me). The product (a mechanical watch) is only one. And it is the one I admire deeply for several reasons (quality, workmanship, beauty, etc.).

However, there are other aspects besides the watches themselves. I can't stand the AD circus I came across. It was intolerable. With the ones I dealt with there was zero value-add. Instead a lot of arrogance and that pitiful look combined with the message "We don't need you business unless you'll pay full retail, and even then it's a privilege if we decide to do business with you. I'd rather lick a public toilet seat than trying to form any type of relationship with them to be honest. Why should I pay for that experience - they'd have to pay me

Unfortunately now this: Someone on TRF took the liberty to change the title of my post without even asking me. Really?!?! Whoops, here goes the freedom of expressing my opinions. For the record, all I did is writing about what happened after buying a grey market watch and how I felt about it. Am I disappointed the watch died only 2.5 years into its short and gentle life - you bet. Will I buy another grey-market? Absolutely. I didn't blame anyone "or barked up any tree" in my OP as far as I remember.

This (changing my title without even asking me) is an ignorant and sad move....just because some get their panties in a pinch?!?!

moving on.......

I'm actually now even more impressed at how good the service you received at the RSC was...

[Sarko]

Originally Posted by Tools

I'm not sure what the disappointing part is..

Grey Market watches are never sold with a valid warranty and any legitimate Grey Dealer will tell you that up-front. It sounds like you were expecting to have the repair done under warranty without having paid for that privilege. ??

I think that I would be elated that they are discounting a service and reconciling the disparity between the movement and case.

Sounds like you got outstanding service from Rolex..

So when you buy a brand new watch (stickers) from a grey dealer in USA, your warranty is not more valid? Do I get this right?

I ask this becouse in the Netherlands the warranty is valid if you purchase the brand new watch from the Grey dealer.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by Sarko

So when you buy a brand new watch (stickers) from a grey dealer in USA, your warranty is not more valid? Do I get this right?

I ask this becouse in the Netherlands the warranty is valid if you purchase the brand new watch from the Grey dealer.

The terms are a bit confusing but we mostly mean re-sellers, like davidsw, not pure grey dealers, who avoid tax etc, so if your watch comes with an AD's stamp then the warranty is for 2 years.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Swaggy P

Ah, but hold on... If an AD mucked something up, you'd be 100% covered because you'd be able to prove your purchase...

I still can't believe people continue to have debates on here about AD vs. Grey? There's no argument: As another poster put it, you are paying for a privilege when going AD, which is what I do, too. When you try to shave a few bucks by going grey, something "could" happen, and in this case, it did. Simple.

This is true, whenever I buy Grey I accept warranty issues or other problems to be on my own expense. In return I pay a lot less initially.

[Roost5o]

Originally Posted by Number3

Jeez......this is a bad tempered thread!

I concur

[Danex]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I hate to get more involved in this thread but I think he may have meant that he had a bad experience with a Rolex watch.

I agree. This is how I interpreted the thread title. It's pretty obvious RSC treated him very well. And it seems there is little disagreement of the risks of purchasing via non-AD route. Moral of the story: Always buy the seller

There seems to be too much contentious energy in what seems to be a story with an agreeable outcome.

[landroverking]

I think we may have lost the OP.