I turn to the TRF for wisdom.....my flawed Explorer II

[Brich436]

Gents,

I would appreciate your feedback and thoughts on my situation.

A beautiful new Explorer 2 white face was purchased for me as a wedding gift back in June. My fiance bought it from and AD and allowed me to look it over before giving it to me. Last week I located two imperfections in the crystal over the 12 o'clock hand and the 11 o'clock hand.

Today I went into my AD and had them look at it. My salesmen noted the above issued and the fact that I had not worn the watch yet. He related that he felt I should receive a new one to replace this one - as a brand new watch should not have to go back to Rolex from day one. In any event he is speaking with the owner of the company tomorrow morning and is calling me then to advise me as to my options. The dealer does not have any more Explorer 2's in stock and my wedding is five weeks away.

What would you recommend or be pleased with from the AD?

1) Find the model at another AD and swap it out with a replacement with mine. Another AD in town does have the model in stock now.
2) Send it back to Rolex - who knows if it'll be back for the big day.
3) Fix it on site - they didn't think this was an option.
4) Refund - my least favorite b/c we got a great deal.

If anyone else has had issued with a Rolex out of the box like this - how long did the repair take?

Thanks!

[DRAWTOOL]

We're gonna wanna see some pichers...

[NMS75]

If you can't get a replacement form your AD in time could you get a refund and buy another from the other AD you mention who has it in stock?

M

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by DRAWTOOL

We're gonna wanna see some pichers...

You guys are amazing on this site with the pics. I couldn't get it to come out too good - but here you go:



Small black mark at the 12 and very small white at the 11.

[RRGHOST1]

A tricky one that ! Anyway here is my thought on this.
1) Go to the other AD and be nice and ask them would they do a deal and sell you the same model as you have,for what you paid the original AD(or somewhere near the price). Dont tell them at all about the problems or that you have bought one at all.
2)You could send it back but you would have to have a guarantee that it would be back on time (possibly too short a period now)
3) Obviously they dont want to do anything as i take it,it is a new one
4)If the other AD does a good deal then get a full refund and buy the other one from the other AD.

Does any of that makes sense ! or choose another model if thats an option.

[QueueCumber]

Wait and see what the owner says, then tell us your actual options. Right now you are speculating...

Originally Posted by Brich436

Gents,

I would appreciate your feedback and thoughts on my situation.

A beautiful new Explorer 2 white face was purchased for me as a wedding gift back in June. My fiance bought it from and AD and allowed me to look it over before giving it to me. Last week I located two imperfections in the crystal over the 12 o'clock hand and the 11 o'clock hand.

Today I went into my AD and had them look at it. My salesmen noted the above issued and the fact that I had not worn the watch yet. He related that he felt I should receive a new one to replace this one - as a brand new watch should not have to go back to Rolex from day one. In any event he is speaking with the owner of the company tomorrow morning and is calling me then to advise me as to my options. The dealer does not have any more Explorer 2's in stock and my wedding is five weeks away.

What would you recommend or be pleased with from the AD?

1) Find the model at another AD and swap it out with a replacement with mine. Another AD in town does have the model in stock now.
2) Send it back to Rolex - who knows if it'll be back for the big day.
3) Fix it on site - they didn't think this was an option.
4) Refund - my least favorite b/c we got a great deal.

If anyone else has had issued with a Rolex out of the box like this - how long did the repair take?

Thanks!

[DRAWTOOL]

Originally Posted by Brich436

You guys are amazing on this site with the pics. I couldn't get it to come out too good - but here you go:



Small black mark at the 12 and very small white at the 11.

I don't see anything. Based on this photo, I would wear it and be happy!

[RebreatherDiver]

I see it, one is just below half way down on the right side line of the down pointing arrow marker at 12 o'clock and the other one is just below the 57 min hash mark.

[sakuraba]

If it's still under warranty, shouldn't the warranty work at another AD that would have a 16570?

[dddrees]

It is a bit early as yet as you don't know what they are willing or able to do. However I am not si sure that it not being there during the big day should be that much of an issue as I would be more concerned about getting it fixed. However wait until you find out what your actual options are first.

[renfield33]

is it really going to take the AD 5 weeks to get an Exp II? are they really that hard to get?

[Evan614]

I can't see why a Rolex Rep couldn't get you one within a few days to swap with what you have.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Evan614

I can't see why a Rolex Rep couldn't get you one within a few days to swap with what you have.

I was told that they have none in stock and to get one from Rolex would take "8 weeks". It was a quick phone call they made. I was suspicious that they could get Rolex on the phone and get an ETA in about 2 minutes.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by Evan614

I can't see why a Rolex Rep couldn't get you one within a few days to swap with what you have.

I was told that they have none in stock and to get one from Rolex would take "8 weeks". It was a quick phone call they made. I was suspicious that they could get Rolex on the phone and get an ETA in about 2 minutes.

Also I am past the 15 day return policy that the AD has. I'm not sure if they are going to give me any leeway with it.

[SLS]

It may be a piece of dust or something that can be removed from the dial. Does the AD have a watchmaker on site? Worst case, I would have to guess that an AD can get an Exp II in 5 weeks if they order it.
Scott

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by SLS

It may be a piece of dust or something that can be removed from the dial. Does the AD have a watchmaker on site? Worst case, I would have to guess that an AD can get an Exp II in 5 weeks if they order it.
Scott

I believe that they do have a watch maker on site. How much work is involved in removing all of the internals to clear the inside of the glass?

[roger0770]

it should be free because the watch is still under warranty, and it shouldn't have left the factory in the first place.

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by roger0770

it should be free because the watch is still under warranty, and it shouldn't have left the factory in the first place.

Agreed. I was quiet surprised. I always thought rolex quality control was outstanding.

[DCgator]

I hope everything turns out good for you.... with the watch and with your wedding nuptials.

Congratulations!

[ArcticMoose]

I would go back and ask them to do what they can to get a replacement in time. I'm sure if you explain the circumstances you will see some understanding if the AD is at all decent. Hold on to the one you have, and if a replacement doesn't arrive, go ahead and wear it, and have them service it after the big day. You don't want to be stuck without one!

[TRW]

I would give Rolex USA a Chance to make it right(ask to speak to the highest ranking officer possible) and if that doesn't work,Call Geneva.hope it all works out for you

[PeteNYC13]

I concur with some others, wait to see what the owner says.
If you can't have it fixed or replaced by the wedding, wear it for the pictures and the big day then have it repaired or replaced when the AD and RSC can take the time to do it correctly.

Congrats on the watch and the wedding.

-Pete

[Brich436]

Alright the word is in from the owner of the AD. He has a certifed Rolex watch technician on site that can repair the watch in a week and a half. All warrenties will remain in force. I am pleased with this result as I know the watch isn't leaving the store and will be on my wrist for the big day.

[TRW]

Although it's not a done deal yet,it sounds promising and positive.Take some more pic's of the watch in case they don't handle it as he/she should.

[Brich436]

Fellas,

I am very pleased to report the situation surrounding my Explorer II has been resolved.



The AD was able to have his watch maker remove the movement and clean the inside of the dial to remove the particles. Total turn around time for the work was 5 days and I was very pleased with the work. The cost was nothing. In the future I plan on using a loupe to scrutinize all future watch purchases.



Also, I thought I would report that I was initially surprised that my Explorer II did not have the rehaut engraving on the inside of the bezel. After some very careful research I discovered that my particular Explorer II was one of the last of the 16570 Z series models to not have the engraving which makes the watch just a little more special to me.

A big thanks to the TRF - so much excellent information here. Of course here's the photos of the watch.....

[JJ Irani]

Congrats, glad it all worked out for you. That's a terrific picture!!

[Esexx]

Looks great! I am glad everything turned out for the best.

[ally]

What a great looking watch :)

[BarkMaster]

Excellent.

Gotta love a happy ending!

[Brich436]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Congrats, glad it all worked out for you. That's a terrific picture!!

Thank you Sir! I learned how to use the Macro setting on my camera which really made the detail come out in the photos!