I'm sad - My GMTIIc and a broken bezel

[Dr.Brian]

Originally Posted by wilfreb

still no pics?
still waiting for them.

You'll be waiting a long time. Read the thread?
Hopefully he won't have the opportunity to take photos again.
I do hope he posts the cost of the repair though. It would be nice to confirm the cost. Maybe the replacement cost will go down as the subs start coming back. Or, maybe they will offer an aluminum replacement insert.

[stockae92]

If I remember it correctly, I think I've read that the insert including the bezel was $1400 from another source some time ago

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by vince211

No insurance on my watch - will look into it now!


Hi ronnie, thanks for the post. I certainly understand your opinion. Please allow me to retort. I'll take the car analogy from one of the earlier posts - if you buy a car and crack the bumper because you hit something would you expect the manufacturer to fix it free? No I would not.

However, my opinion is that this situation is more like me buying a Range Rover after testing it at the Dealership on their obstacle course. Kind of like buying a tool watch that I am told is robust and to quote the AD when I bought it "I could go diving with it and when I come out of the water just throw the watch on the floor of the boat while I get my wetsuit off." I'm told this Range Rover can literally travel across the Sahara and survive. It can travel up and down mountains in rough terrain, etc, etc eventhough I will never take it offroad. So I take the Range Rover home and after less than a year of ownership and zero abuse to the car I bump into my own garage door at 2 mph in the driveway and the entire bumper falls off. I'd accept cracks in the paint, scuff marks, a dent, chips etc but not the whole assembly falling off from a light tap! Just like I accept desk dive marks on my watch and scratches etc. But the whole bumper falling off a Range Rover would make me question if there is a quality issue or if it was installed with subpar quality parts.

I don't know maybe the analogy works for you maybe it doesn't. Just telling you how I felt when I saw my ceramic bezel laying on the floor. The tap was so light the coworkers that were with me were conviced the watch was fake. Don't care what they think, just pointing out how light the tap was.

-Up.

Vince, after thinking about it today, I can see your point. If you barely bumped it, it should not have broken. Rolex is the #1 watch maker in the world and they are famous for being robust and durable. If a tool watch would break so easily, I think that Rolex would make it right, just because of their reputation. It should withstand more than a little bump like that. Surely it must be a defect in that individual bezel during the curing or hardening process. I know if it had happened to me, I would be crushed. As I said before, I am fairly certain Rolex will do the right thing. Most TRF members would agree, I am sure, that Rolexes are not safe queens and are made to be worn. If the day ever comes where I am afraid to wear one, then I don't believe that the brand is for me any more. Good luck and keep us posted my friend.

[tgoose1]

I find it totally ludicrous that Rolex would use an inferior ceramic compound bezel insert for a watch so proud and iconic as the Submariner/Sea-Dweller. If this had been done 50 years ago, there would be kneaux proud/iconic Rolex divers that these days command such a price premium. I'll wager that the replacement fee here is going to be ugly, and it's pure profit for Rolex, who enjoy$ replacing every single one.

[sheldonsmith]

I almost hate to mention it, but the original bakelite bezel inserts on the 195x GMTs did not last long and the next version of the bezel insert was aluminum.

Rolex has made a heavy investment in ceramic (eg. Sub-c, GMT-c, Yachtmaster II) and no sign of changing. Nonetheless, it is not the first time Rolex had to re-think a design and who knows, might not be the last....

-Sheldon

[vince211]

Originally Posted by Dr.Brian

You'll be waiting a long time. Read the thread?
Hopefully he won't have the opportunity to take photos again.
I do hope he posts the cost of the repair though. It would be nice to confirm the cost. Maybe the replacement cost will go down as the subs start coming back. Or, maybe they will offer an aluminum replacement insert.

hi brian! I will certainly post the repair costs, if any! Should know within a week and thanks for your comments early in thread, I appreciate you sticking up for me when it was questioned if I was making this all up.

Cheers!

Up.

[Aitken-Smith]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Very sorry to hear about your mishap, Vince. I'm actually quite surprised that the bezel should shatter so easily.

I wish you had a picture for us to have an idea of the extent of the damage.

Anyway, good luck with having it replaced asap.

Cheers - JJ

Dear JJ , You are quite demure but agree with you where are the pictures?

regards to you stephen.

[ingoodtime]

I have bumped mine pretty good several times and the ceramic insert is just fine. The GMTIIC
is a very popular model and we hear of very
bezel insert cracks. This is obviously a big issue for those that
suffer with damage but I don't think it is a huge constant problem. Just my thoughts. I would hate to have it happen
to my watch. A bummer for sure. Good luck
with the repair.

[Dr.Brian]

I have to wonder if the regular "where are the pictures" posts are a rather blunt way of saying "I don't believe you.". I also wonder if the same posters will still call him a liar when he posts the repair costs, if any, or demand a copy of his invoice.
Rather lame behavior for a forum of gentlemen considering he already explained that he didn't take a photo and it has been sent to the RSC for eval and repair.
Another relatively new poster here or at the other rolex forum, unlike the OP who is a member of almost 2 years, was branded a liar by the (rude) critics for saying his DSSD cracked at the pip during a dive. They were silenced when he came back a few days later with a perfectly clear photo of the shattered bezel. Of course they went on to say it must have been dropped or hit much harder than reported, etc. It's funny, I don't see him posting anymore, I wonder why?
People should endeavor to speak plainly and, perhaps, realize that what they are saying may be better left unsaid.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it? If so, I apologise. However, IMHO, calling someone a liar is NOT a trivial matter, on the anonymous Internet or anywhere else.

[Christian B]

Originally Posted by dr.brian

i have to wonder if the regular "where are the pictures" posts are a rather blunt way of saying "i don't believe you.". I also wonder if the same posters will still call him a liar when he posts the repair costs, if any, or demand a copy of his invoice.
Rather lame behavior for a forum of gentlemen considering he already explained that he didn't take a photo and it has been sent to the rsc for eval and repair.
Another relatively new poster here or at the other rolex forum, unlike the op who is a member of almost 2 years, was branded a liar by the (rude) critics for saying his dssd cracked at the pip during a dive. They were silenced when he came back a few days later with a perfectly clear photo of the shattered bezel. Of course they went on to say it must have been dropped or hit much harder than reported, etc. it's funny, i don't see him posting anymore, i wonder why?
People should endeavor to speak plainly and, perhaps, realize that what they are saying may be better left unsaid.
Maybe i'm reading too much into it? If so, i apologise. However, imho, calling someone a liar is not a trivial matter, on the anonymous internet or anywhere else.

+1

[GregWormald]

I would expect a Rolex 'sport' or 'tool' watch to be basically impervious to the regular knocks and bangs of daily wear. To me it's like a car wheel breaking when I drive over the speed strip in my local car park. I'd sure be making a warranty claim on that.

Good luck, and I hope Rolex comes to the party--it sure sounds like a defective part to me. (Either that or a design fault!)

Greg
Maybe they'll do an iPhone4 and give you a free rubber bumper!

[Sixxgrand1]

Originally Posted by dr.brian

i have to wonder if the regular "where are the pictures" posts are a rather blunt way of saying "i don't believe you.". I also wonder if the same posters will still call him a liar when he posts the repair costs, if any, or demand a copy of his invoice.
Rather lame behavior for a forum of gentlemen considering he already explained that he didn't take a photo and it has been sent to the rsc for eval and repair.
Another relatively new poster here or at the other rolex forum, unlike the op who is a member of almost 2 years, was branded a liar by the (rude) critics for saying his dssd cracked at the pip during a dive. They were silenced when he came back a few days later with a perfectly clear photo of the shattered bezel. Of course they went on to say it must have been dropped or hit much harder than reported, etc. it's funny, i don't see him posting anymore, i wonder why?
People should endeavor to speak plainly and, perhaps, realize that what they are saying may be better left unsaid.
Maybe i'm reading too much into it? If so, i apologise. However, imho, calling someone a liar is not a trivial matter, on the anonymous internet or anywhere else.

+3+

[OB59]

Well said.

[stropley]

Hi All, my GMT ceramic bezel has also broken and I have no idea how it even happened. I went on holiday for a week camping & sea-kayaking and couldn't decide whether it was better to leave it at home in an empty house or have it with me where it could get scratched. In the end I wore it as 1) I'm embarassed to say this but I love wearing it so much I knew I would miss it! 2) I don't have a winder and was worried about it running down. 3) It's a tool watch and should be able to withstand a family camping trip.

On day 5 of the holiday I noticed all was not well with the bezel - It had kind of splintered and felt rough to the touch. I have no memory of knocking it on anything and although I'd fallen off the kayak a couple of times we were only kayaking in the surf - nowhere near rocks.

I googled 'broken ceramic bezel' when I got home and found myself here so I joined this forum - hence zero posts before people acuse me of all sorts. I'm a bit worried now as I bought the watch second-hand - unworn but 6 months old. It was originally bought 7/09 and I purchased it privately at the beginning of this year.

Hope the originator of this thread gets at least some help from Rolex as this will spur me on to get mine replaced.

I will post a photo once I work out how to do it

[Sose]

I'm not going to lie, I'm getting a lil nervous here.

[sarbgill]

I think I can save your credit card and the big bucks - I'm sure you have home contents insurance and have your watch insured for theft as well as accidental damage. Claim it off there if Rolex ask to pay. Problem solved ;)

[rfknauss]

Vince, sorry to hear about your cracked bezel. I must say that behaving at your AD as a perfect gentlemen is to be applauded! I know I would have been very upset, but I think you took the right approach.

Hoping that your AD and Rolex make things right for you and that you don't have to pay to replace your bezel.

I must say that after reading numerous posts regarding ceramic bezel problems, I am starting to wonder about their durability.

Please keep us posted on the outcome.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by sarbgill

I think I can save your credit card and the big bucks - I'm sure you have home contents insurance and have your watch insured for theft as well as accidental damage. Claim it off there if Rolex ask to pay. Problem solved ;)

Wish it were that simple, but most insurance policies have an "Excess" (not sure what it's called around the world), where you pay the first (say) $500. The amount will vary company to company and policy too policy, but it's there to avoid millions of small insignificant claims.

[Sose]

Switch insurance companies. USAA (I know it's not available to everyone) covers my GMT with no excess. I pay 4 bux a month.

There's got to be a better insurance company out there.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by Sose

Switch insurance companies. USAA (I know it's not available to everyone) covers my GMT with no excess. I pay 4 bux a month.

There's got to be a better insurance company out there.

Wow, less than $50 a year to insure your pride-and-joy. Sounds like good value. I suppose I was just talking about general contents policies, but as Sose says, maybe a watch specific policy would have no excess.

[Frogman4me]

I am also getting nervous about the durability as I am saving now to get a gmtIIc?

[stockae92]

All these talk about failed bezel insert and clasps got me more than a little paranoid about the GMT IIc :(

[vince211]

Originally Posted by rfknauss

Vince, sorry to hear about your cracked bezel. I must say that behaving at your AD as a perfect gentlemen is to be applauded! I know I would have been very upset, but I think you took the right approach.

Hoping that your AD and Rolex make things right for you and that you don't have to pay to replace your bezel.

I must say that after reading numerous posts regarding ceramic bezel problems, I am starting to wonder about their durability.

Please keep us posted on the outcome.

Yes sir I surely will. The AD stated Rolex has rec'd the watch and are going to get back to us soon. Thanks for your comments. I am really hoping that being a gentleman and being myself will lead to being treated properly. I really do love the Rolex brand. Thanks for your post.

I really so appreciate everyone's backing. On the flipside I've rekindled my love affair with my Omega Moonwatch and Planet Ocean as well. Always trying to look at the positive!


I promise TRF as soon as I hear an update I will surely update this thread.
Up.

[vince211]

Originally Posted by stockae92

All these talk about failed bezel insert and clasps got me more than a little paranoid about the GMT IIc :(

Hi gang, I've been thinking about this sentiment for a while and although it may seem awkward coming from me I really don't think you should "shy away" from the GMTIIc just because there are about 15 folks or so on TRF of folks having bezel problems. 15 folks out of the hundreds of thousands of GMTIIC's out there may very well be an acceptable level of defects for Rolex - who knows? Use the search function to find those that are happy with the GMTIIc and you will find tons of posts about how happy folks are with their acquisition. My humble opinion is my experience shouldn't sway ya! Life is far too short, isn't it?

My point is there are thousands of times more folks happy with their GMTIIc's than there are folks like me who had a possible "quality issue." And I want to give rolex the benefit of the doubt; I hope they take care of me. If anything, I will feel even more loyalty to Rolex if they repair the watch - could you imagine that!? I'm trying to stay positive about this episode. That would just be icing on my cake; I was worried about the watch I love and having to switch brands and then Rolex says don't even worry about it, we will take care of this situation! That would be great. Again, who knows - lets give Rolex the benefit!

I think the watch is a brilliant and very attractive watch and truth be told I would absolutely purchase it again - I love the watch that much. So you have a guy who had a GMTIIc with a broken bezel with no answer from rolex yet stating he would purchase it all over again. That's how much I love this watch. I will surely purchase more Rolex's in the near future contrary to an earlier post where I questioned my loyalty to the brand out of principle - I tried to sway away to AP, Breguet, IWC, Patek, etc but it didn't feel the same. Statistically speaking the chances of me having another bezel issue are almost nill. I mean you find excuses to look at your Rolex watch! We all know the feeling. It's our common bond.

My experience with the broken bezel should in no way be the majority opinion of the GMTIIc experience. Even if I get a bill from Rolex in the next few days for bezel repair I will still feel this way.

If you are even remotely thinking about buying this watch - cheers, purchase it and wear it in good health my friends. If you are in the Los Angeles or Cleveland areas and want to try one on - let me know and you can put mine on. If you purchase, I'll be among the first to congratulate you - hopefully with a repaired GMT on my wrist too! Ha!

Sincerely,

Up.

[Autobot]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Wow, less than $50 a year to insure your pride-and-joy. Sounds like good value. I suppose I was just talking about general contents policies, but as Sose says, maybe a watch specific policy would have no excess.

I have the same policy with USAA, they cover both my EXP II and my Sub LV, just separate from my renters insurance that covers just my watches. There is no deductible, and it protects against any type of loss imaginable, theft, damage and even if I loose it. Mine runs me about $10 a month

[darthmouse]

Originally Posted by stockae92

If I remember it correctly, I think I've read that the insert including the bezel was $1400 from another source some time ago

I nearly choked reading that. Over 1k for the bezel and insert alone?

[sturgeon123456]

I hammered my GMTc on a door handle full out. The handle hit the ceramic insert. No damage, not even a mark. I really think that the old aluminum inserts were more durable, although the ceramic is pretty tough I think its luck of the draw whether it survives these accidental impacts or not. Any way, good luck in your dealings with the AD.

[Sose]

Originally Posted by Autobot

I have the same policy with USAA, they cover both my EXP II and my Sub LV, just separate from my renters insurance that covers just my watches. There is no deductible, and it protects against any type of loss imaginable, theft, damage and even if I loose it. Mine runs me about $10 a month

Don't you just LOVE USAA?

[jms_w]

To OP, no pic, it didn't happen.

[tomchicago]

Originally Posted by stockae92

All these talk about failed bezel insert and clasps got me more than a little paranoid about the GMT IIc :(

agreed. the insert probably shifts ever so slightly with environmental conditions, & the right bang in the right place at the right time shatters it. aluminum would ding, but not shatter & the repair bill is cheap even if u wanted to replace b4 your next 5yr.