Got the call… but watch is scratched

[KVNNSCHNG]

Hard Pass.

[Seddyspaghetti]

Keep if u want it. That’s a superficial scratch. Scotch brite it if it bothers you

[rohada]

I realize I'll get rock chips on a new car, but I don't want to buy a car with rock chips already on it. Just makes me wonder what kind of handling this watch has been subject to. If buying new, I expect it to look the part. But, that's just me.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by cdmorenot

This is going to happen more and more. This is not one of those my "AD SAID" comments... I have seen it with my own eyes. Those exhibition pieces are handled by hundreds of people before they're sold.

My brand new Panda came with handling scratches on the links that aren't protected from the factory. I had to either take the scratches or give up my Daytona allocation.

My wife's Candy Pink OP was allocated to us but I couldn't pick it up for two months. During those two months it accumulated scratches on the bezel from other customers handling it.

Not much I could do as both pieces are highly sought after. Pre installed scratches from dealer.

Laughed at that last line, sry though. That scratch is better than my gold OF Daytona though from the strap change. Display only gets another one. It’s ridic. Like buying your new car with 137 miles on it. If they stick with this policy it should be for eyeballs only and not even handled. There was a thread on here regarding the 250k le mans. The buyer paid but hasn’t come by yet and some TRF member has it on his wrist. I’d blow a gasket if I knew that.

[subtona]

Minor. Kind of nice to get it out of the way. I would take it as is and leverage for some future good will on a stainless sports model.

[swils8610]

Originally Posted by rmlovett1

Since you haven’t purchased it, I’d let them polish it then make your decision. A light bracelet polish isn’t difficult (well…it shouldn’t be) for an AD.
If it’s not perfect after the polish job, walk away/wait for the next one.

This is the best advice.


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[Goldmansockz]

Originally Posted by KevNev

If you got a call only a few days after requesting the watch, how is that waiting forever for it? Pass on the watch and wait for a new one.

I’m based in LA. Have had request out for the watch for a year. Currently on vacation and figured I’d try my luck here. Should have been more clear

[Auto16610]

Originally Posted by brandrea

If you haven’t purchased the watch yet you can walk away.

I’d pass

This!

[Goldmansockz]

UPDATE:

After a lot of back and forth and a rough night’s sleep, I texted the AD saying I wouldn’t purchase the watch unless a new one from the factory came in or if the they swapped the bracelet completely. Although this is on the “cheaper” side of the catalog, I figured I couldn’t justify buying a polished watch when I could have a brand new one from the factory. Furthermore, I don’t trust the in-house watchmaker to correctly polish the brushed steel and even if it was a 100% job, this whole experience has left a sour taste.

For everyone saying the watch will be scratched eventually… that is true but I am meticulous when it comes to my watches. My Starbucks daily is still pretty much NOS and try to keep good habits when wearing (taking off when sitting at table, etc.) I would rather the scratches be mine rather than god knows who’s.

I appreciate all the helpful advice.. A bit disappointed by the behavior from the SA as I find it hard to believe he didn’t know what he’s doing. Hopefully this post helps someone else out in the future when making a similar decision!

[Rentalcarman]

Originally Posted by Henrimontgomery

You relinquished your rights when you accepted it. Since then the scratch could have been made by you.

If they accept a return, return it and wait. If you think you can move past this (minuscule) scratch. Keep it.

It doesn’t sound like OP actually completed the purchase. The scratches were on the watch when he was getting ready to purchase it. It was probably an exhibition piece and was scratched by everyone man handling it.


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[Rentalcarman]

If it was me I would pass. Even if I really wanted it, the fun experience is ruined by a non perfect watch at full retail with a very in accommodating AD. And sadly if you pass, they will polish and and not tell the next person anything about the scratches. Yes you will get your own “life” scratches on the band, but that’s different when they are more than just minor hairlines.

It comes down to how badly do you want this watch. If they polish it and it looks new then get it and put their bs behind and enjoy it. I wouldn’t pay one penny until they are done to be sure they do it correctly.

Good luck to you.


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[Zach69SS]

Op, I agree with you, it is different when you scratch you own watch or car, anything else you purchased new in immaculate condition. So you did the right thing, if the SA was not helpful speak with the store manager and see what he or she will do for you? I’m crazy about scratches on my watches too.

I’m sure the AD will polish it and sell it to someone else and not even mention it.

Hard pass but it won’t bother you later.

[bigheart]

I answered on Reddit and will answer here also, I purchased a yachtmaster in 2011 and did not realize how shop worn it was when I bought it. They polished it but I wasn't ever happy after that experience and sold it in 2017. I am like the others here who want to put their own marks on a watch not purchase it that way.

[Auto16610]

You can make your own scratches and that's ok. Them? You did right.

[Pboned]

I would have passed on this as well.

[matthew P]

I would have done the same - wait out your local AD and create the scratches yourself if you are paying full retail.


..Explorer, Spring Diver & APRO..

[enjoythemusic]

If anyone in the USA gets offered a 41mm Celebration dial from their AD and it has a small scratch and you don't want it, PM me asap. Many thanks.

[Car32]

Im genuinely curious is these "shop worn" watches were an issue pre 2016 when cases were full?

Or was it that because cases were full, buyers could choose from several examples, request a brand new from the back, and ask for (and receive) a discount so it was never a real issue?

[1st amg]

Good call OP. Though I think you can buy this one from a grey dealer new for the same price or less.


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[stevestil]

Originally Posted by Goldmansockz

UPDATE:

After a lot of back and forth and a rough night’s sleep, I texted the AD saying I wouldn’t purchase the watch unless a new one from the factory came in or if the they swapped the bracelet completely. Although this is on the “cheaper” side of the catalog, I figured I couldn’t justify buying a polished watch when I could have a brand new one from the factory. Furthermore, I don’t trust the in-house watchmaker to correctly polish the brushed steel and even if it was a 100% job, this whole experience has left a sour taste.

For everyone saying the watch will be scratched eventually… that is true but I am meticulous when it comes to my watches. My Starbucks daily is still pretty much NOS and try to keep good habits when wearing (taking off when sitting at table, etc.) I would rather the scratches be mine rather than god knows who’s.

I appreciate all the helpful advice.. A bit disappointed by the behavior from the SA as I find it hard to believe he didn’t know what he’s doing. Hopefully this post helps someone else out in the future when making a similar decision!

Good call.

That AD sounds like a pretty crappy AD to do business with anyways and I personally wouldn’t care if I never got another watch from them if that’s how they do business.

Everyone saying the watch will get scratched anyways…. I don’t understand the logic. You’re spending thousands of dollars on a luxury item… I’d expect to get a brand new item without scratches on it. Maybe I’m wrong


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[BlondesNwatches]

That is a 100% no-buy in my opinion. And switch ADs too while you’re at it. They let that sit out and get scratched as an exhibition piece. They’re idiots and shouldn’t be worked with.

[csaltphoto]

The AD has a piss poor notion of customer service and shouldn't be rewarded for behaving like that.

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by Zach69SS

I would want a new one, remember the polish will remove some of the stainless steel forever. Very strange situation with a brand new piece from the AD? They all come with stickers and the bezel protector from the factory. They should just replace it for you.

Just like a car it’s only original once. But I understand that this something that you really want. So you will have decide if you are willing to accept it.

In my observation, when visiting Rolex AD from Asia, most of their watches on display are fully stickered/protective to protect customer handling.

When I visited the AD is the States, the watches are stickered but not including the full bracelet wrapped. Just the dial part and clasp are in protective stickers.

[Vince_76]

Originally Posted by BlondesNwatches

That is a 100% no-buy in my opinion. And switch ADs too while you’re at it. They let that sit out and get scratched as an exhibition piece. They’re idiots and shouldn’t be worked with.

100% I’d write a bad review on Google as well. Screw them, you’re buying a luxury product and even Chick-fil-A has better service.

[ijoinedforthisthread]

I would pass on that. Obviously you would scratch it yourself in time, but that's your business. They should be selling a new watch, untarnished. I wouldn't take it even after a polish. Smells fishy.

As for the free merch, that shouldn't be a factor in the decision!

[Ferrari-F430]

On this watch, I would thank them for offering it, tell them that it would be something that would bother you, and that you'd like to be in line for the next one that comes in if at all possible.

Part of the enjoyment of buying a new Rolex from an AD is getting a absolute piece of perfection, and wearing it yourself and gaining the mileage/scratches is all part of the process. If they aren't yours, to me it wouldn't seem right.

Now if it was a Panda or Pepsi, I'd snag that sucker up before they changed their mind, scratch or no scratch! Why? Because getting one of these is near impossible unlike the model you listed and it would be worth just being able to get one.

Whatever you decide, it's your personal choice, and if you can't wait any longer and the excitement of getting the watch is what really counts, AND the scratches don't absolutely bother you (for example, you are OCD), then given that, I'd say go for it.

Best of luck and I hope you enjoy!

[Goldmansockz]

Originally Posted by Ferrari-F430

On this watch, I would thank them for offering it, tell them that it would be something that would bother you, and that you'd like to be in line for the next one that comes in if at all possible.

Part of the enjoyment of buying a new Rolex from an AD is getting a absolute piece of perfection, and wearing it yourself and gaining the mileage/scratches is all part of the process. If they aren't yours, to me it wouldn't seem right.

Now if it was a Panda or Pepsi, I'd snag that sucker up before they changed their mind, scratch or no scratch! Why? Because getting one of these is near impossible unlike the model you listed and it would be worth just being able to get one.

Whatever you decide, it's your personal choice, and if you can't wait any longer and the excitement of getting the watch is what really counts, AND the scratches don't absolutely bother you (for example, you are OCD), then given that, I'd say go for it.

Best of luck and I hope you enjoy!

Yep that’s what I did. On the last day of my vacation I’m going to write a review and submit a complaint to Rolex. Good news is this hasn’t really ruined the trip for me but it has definitely ruined my opinions on ADs. Definitely understand why people go gray now.

[Goldmansockz]

Originally Posted by stevestil

Good call.

That AD sounds like a pretty crappy AD to do business with anyways and I personally wouldn’t care if I never got another watch from them if that’s how they do business.

Everyone saying the watch will get scratched anyways…. I don’t understand the logic. You’re spending thousands of dollars on a luxury item… I’d expect to get a brand new item without scratches on it. Maybe I’m wrong


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Thank you - my thoughts exactly.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Goldmansockz

Yep that’s what I did. On the last day of my vacation I’m going to write a review and submit a complaint to Rolex. Good news is this hasn’t really ruined the trip for me but it has definitely ruined my opinions on ADs. Definitely understand why people go gray now.

A complaint to Rolex ? Negative review ?
All because the AD was kind enough to offer you a watch you were looking for.
That is not something that happens to most of us.

You should thank them for the opportunity they have given you and politely decline because of the mark on the bracelet.

[Gabik]

Originally Posted by joli160

A complaint to Rolex ? Negative review ?
All because the AD was kind enough to offer you a watch you were looking for.
That is not something that happens to most of us.

You should thank them for the opportunity they have given you and politely decline because of the mark on the bracelet.

I hope this was a joke? :)

Originally Posted by Goldmansockz

Yep that’s what I did. On the last day of my vacation I’m going to write a review and submit a complaint to Rolex.

You will do the right thing.