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Tools · 22 January 2011, 09:52 AM

No, no, no.... I'm not talking about TRF rejects....

I'm talking about the watches that get sent back with an issue and are replaced..

We've recently had a few members with a new Rolex that came from the factory with some minor defects... The Dealer/Rolex replaced the watch for them.. very nice..

But that tells me that there is a Rolex out there that likely went back and was properly repaired...

- Where are they.... I want one..........

I figure that they cannot legally sell it as new. And I never see a "one day old sale" at the Dealer... so, where did it go

To me, if a new watch had a scratch on a hand, got a new hand, and they sold it as "reconditioned" for half price............... heck, I'd even stand in line for that..........

dddrees · 22 January 2011, 09:54 AM

I'm with you Larry, I would take one as well.

garGARgar · 22 January 2011, 09:55 AM

I'd definitely take a refurbed Rolex if available for a deep discount.

Maybe we could go and ask this on the "Ask The Insider" thread.

Johny · 22 January 2011, 10:01 AM

hi larry i recently discovered on the gmt masters thread that they can replace a warranty card which has previously been filled out with an owners details if the watch is returned to the ad. j

snog · 22 January 2011, 10:07 AM

I wonder this too,I returned a watch in as new condition so can't believe it is just not sold on again.

Sixxgrand1 · 22 January 2011, 10:20 AM

I have returned two myself. This sounds like a question for the Ask The Insider thread...

Jason71 · 22 January 2011, 10:23 AM

I believe that they somehow make it to the grey market sellers.........Not sure how, but that is my guess.

David Woo · 22 January 2011, 10:43 AM

Costco.
Dw

Michael M. · 22 January 2011, 10:45 AM

I agree Larry, good question!

Route 66 · 22 January 2011, 10:50 AM

I wonder if they might completely disassemble them, clean the parts and then throw them back into the parts bin.

snog · 22 January 2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevarn

I wonder if they might completely disassemble them, clean the parts and then throw them back into the parts bin.

I was thinking that but they could just get rid of the case and the rest is ready to go!

Andad · 22 January 2011, 10:53 AM

They sell them new to less fussy buyers Larry?

The one who throw away the boxes and papers, slap them on their wrist and go play golf.

snowbird · 22 January 2011, 11:05 AM

Maybe sold as used by ADs that sell used watches? Sold at a good price to employees of Rolex and ADs? Used for parts?

garGARgar · 22 January 2011, 11:38 AM

Would it ever be possible to know if the watch was ever returned to Rolex to fix and returned to the AD to sell "brand new" unless you have an honest insider?

Panaboy · 22 January 2011, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

No, no, no.... I'm not talking about TRF rejects....

I'm talking about the watches that get sent back with an issue and are replaced..

We've recently had a few members with a new Rolex that came from the factory with some minor defects... The Dealer/Rolex replaced the watch for them.. very nice..

But that tells me that there is a Rolex out there that likely went back and was properly repaired...

- Where are they.... I want one..........

I figure that they cannot legally sell it as new. And I never see a "one day old sale" at the Dealer... so, where did it go

To me, if a new watch had a scratch on a hand, got a new hand, and they sold it as "reconditioned" for half price............... heck, I'd even stand in line for that..........

I would purchase these watches all day long at a discount.
How many of you would pay BNIB price?

WatchTimes · 22 January 2011, 12:02 PM

From what I was told by a friend who used to work for Rolex USA
(now mind you he tended to make up answers if he did not know the truth)
but he had told us a few years back a couple things can happen when a watch
is indeed sent back to Rolex and replaced.

The watch is not new, can't be sold as new by them as they have already registered the # in their production log etc so

A) Sometimes if its a case problem they destroy the flawed part and put the rest into the repair parts bins once they have all been cleaned and checked.

B) Some are fixed and sold to employees of Rolex Switzerland at deep discounts

C) Some are used as dummy watches for certain displays etc.

Most end up as option A.

Even if the watch has been replaced but is found to be perfect it will not be sold as new.
I wish there was some secret Rolex Factory Outlet in Switzerland or something where these went but that just does not seem to be the case :(

SS Oyster · 22 January 2011, 12:15 PM

Rolex isn't the only place this challenge arises. Here's how others do it:

Taylor Made golf clubs that didn't pass muster used to be thrown out ... that lasted until they caught people dumpster diving at night behind their facility, so they fixed that problem by DRILLING A HOLE THROUGH EVERY QA REJECT and then tossing them in the dumpster. The divers stopped coming shortly thereafter. I asked TM why they don't just give them away to groups like "The First Tee", but they said they already give away over $1M in golf equipment to those groups. They just won't sacrifice their quality, so their give aways are retail products (not seconds).

Louis Vuitton shreds any leather/canvas product rejected for any quality reason. They are first shipped back to France where they are logged (find out which factory, date) so they can track their quality by shop/shift before being destroyed.

I gotta tell you - I'd love a free brand new LV bag with a stitch out of place.

Lion · 22 January 2011, 01:30 PM

Larry, excellent question and thought to ponder!!!

JJ Irani · 22 January 2011, 01:34 PM

Good point, Larry.

I remember seeing a documentary on National Geographic about the Ferrari manufacture. If the body was found with even the slightest defect during the initial manufacture, the whole thing was sent back and recycled.

I guess a defective Rolex will have to be completely stripped down and then some solid decisions would have to be made about which parts of the watch are still acceptable as brand new and which aren't.

I guess it would be a tough decision, but someone would have to make it in the end and then the NEW watch could be resold as new...............without anyone being the wiser!!

JJ

Watch Professor · 22 January 2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

No, no, no.... I'm not talking about TRF rejects....

I'm talking about the watches that get sent back with an issue and are replaced..

We've recently had a few members with a new Rolex that came from the factory with some minor defects... The Dealer/Rolex replaced the watch for them.. very nice..

But that tells me that there is a Rolex out there that likely went back and was properly repaired...

- Where are they.... I want one..........

I figure that they cannot legally sell it as new. And I never see a "one day old sale" at the Dealer... so, where did it go

To me, if a new watch had a scratch on a hand, got a new hand, and they sold it as "reconditioned" for half price............... heck, I'd even stand in line for that..........

I think that I saw several at the $.99 store.

Panaboy · 22 January 2011, 03:34 PM

They are sold as replicas

franksremote · 22 January 2011, 04:29 PM

Given their dedication to quality, I would highly doubt that they are repaired and resold. It would seem more inline with their quality commitment if the watch was scrapped after logging or somehow marked so that it could only be used internally as teaching tools, etc. A couple of blemished watches in the grand scheme of things would not make or break them, but knowingly allowing imperfect units to leave the factory would be a PR nightmare if it was ever found out. My 2 cents, YMMV

favonian · 22 January 2011, 09:06 PM

here...

rosspanics · 23 January 2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Taylor Made golf clubs that didn't pass muster used to be thrown out ... that lasted until they caught people dumpster diving at night behind their facility, so they fixed that problem by DRILLING A HOLE THROUGH EVERY QA REJECT and then tossing them in the dumpster. The divers stopped coming shortly thereafter. I asked TM why they don't just give them away to groups like "The First Tee", but they said they already give away over $1M in golf equipment to those groups. They just won't sacrifice their quality, so their give aways are retail products (not seconds).

My dad is in the golf business and he takes his defective clothes to a farmer who just throws them in his bonfire!

bemik · 23 January 2011, 01:05 AM

hmm, interesting!!

Art 1 · 23 January 2011, 01:12 AM

Grey Market.

Jocke · 23 January 2011, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Good point, Larry.

I remember seeing a documentary on National Geographic about the Ferrari manufacture. If the body was found with even the slightest defect during the initial manufacture, the whole thing was sent back and recycled.

I guess a defective Rolex will have to be completely stripped down and then some solid decisions would have to be made about which parts of the watch are still acceptable as brand new and which aren't.

I guess it would be a tough decision, but someone would have to make it in the end and then the NEW watch could be resold as new...............without anyone being the wiser!!

JJ

Here is what they do at Mazda.

Great to see you back my friend.

BarkMaster · 23 January 2011, 01:47 AM

They are power washed, pressure tested and then recycled.

Jocke · 23 January 2011, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

They are power washed, pressure tested and then recycled.

That is how the bark them.

BarkMaster · 23 January 2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jocke

That is how the bark them.

I thought it was done with a meat tenderizing hammer? Oh, wait.. that was the Moire' finish.

22 January 2011, 09:52 AM	#1
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	Where Do All The Rejects Go ??? No, no, no.... I'm not talking about TRF rejects.... I'm talking about the watches that get sent back with an issue and are replaced.. We've recently had a few members with a new Rolex that came from the factory with some minor defects... The Dealer/Rolex replaced the watch for them.. very nice.. But that tells me that there is a Rolex out there that likely went back and was properly repaired... - Where are they.... I want one.......... I figure that they cannot legally sell it as new. And I never see a "one day old sale" at the Dealer... so, where did it go To me, if a new watch had a scratch on a hand, got a new hand, and they sold it as "reconditioned" for half price............... heck, I'd even stand in line for that.......... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

22 January 2011, 09:54 AM	#2
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,253	I'm with you Larry, I would take one as well. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

22 January 2011, 09:55 AM	#3
garGARgar "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gary Location: New York, NY Watch: 16610LV Posts: 711	I'd definitely take a refurbed Rolex if available for a deep discount. Maybe we could go and ask this on the "Ask The Insider" thread. __________________ 16610LV 126334 116710LN

22 January 2011, 10:01 AM	#4
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	hi larry i recently discovered on the gmt masters thread that they can replace a warranty card which has previously been filled out with an owners details if the watch is returned to the ad. j __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

22 January 2011, 10:23 AM	#7
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	I believe that they somehow make it to the grey market sellers.........Not sure how, but that is my guess. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

22 January 2011, 10:07 AM	#5
snog "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: UK Posts: 908	I wonder this too,I returned a watch in as new condition so can't believe it is just not sold on again.

22 January 2011, 10:20 AM	#6
Sixxgrand1 Banned Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Watch: EXP I & II Posts: 825	I have returned two myself. This sounds like a question for the Ask The Insider thread...

22 January 2011, 10:43 AM	#8
David Woo Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: southern Calif Posts: 632	Costco. Dw

22 January 2011, 10:45 AM	#9
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	I agree Larry, good question!

22 January 2011, 10:50 AM	#10
Route 66 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Steve Location: Burbank, CA Watch: 214270 Mark II Posts: 4,121	I wonder if they might completely disassemble them, clean the parts and then throw them back into the parts bin.

22 January 2011, 10:53 AM	#12
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,534	They sell them new to less fussy buyers Larry? The one who throw away the boxes and papers, slap them on their wrist and go play golf. __________________ E

22 January 2011, 11:05 AM	#13
snowbird "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA Watch: Sea-Dweller 16600 Posts: 2,157	Maybe sold as used by ADs that sell used watches? Sold at a good price to employees of Rolex and ADs? Used for parts?

22 January 2011, 11:38 AM	#14
garGARgar "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Gary Location: New York, NY Watch: 16610LV Posts: 711	Would it ever be possible to know if the watch was ever returned to Rolex to fix and returned to the AD to sell "brand new" unless you have an honest insider? __________________ 16610LV 126334 116710LN

22 January 2011, 12:02 PM	#16
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,787	From what I was told by a friend who used to work for Rolex USA (now mind you he tended to make up answers if he did not know the truth) but he had told us a few years back a couple things can happen when a watch is indeed sent back to Rolex and replaced. The watch is not new, can't be sold as new by them as they have already registered the # in their production log etc so A) Sometimes if its a case problem they destroy the flawed part and put the rest into the repair parts bins once they have all been cleaned and checked. B) Some are fixed and sold to employees of Rolex Switzerland at deep discounts C) Some are used as dummy watches for certain displays etc. Most end up as option A. Even if the watch has been replaced but is found to be perfect it will not be sold as new. I wish there was some secret Rolex Factory Outlet in Switzerland or something where these went but that just does not seem to be the case :( __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

22 January 2011, 12:15 PM	#17
SS Oyster 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 9,218	Rolex isn't the only place this challenge arises. Here's how others do it: Taylor Made golf clubs that didn't pass muster used to be thrown out ... that lasted until they caught people dumpster diving at night behind their facility, so they fixed that problem by DRILLING A HOLE THROUGH EVERY QA REJECT and then tossing them in the dumpster. The divers stopped coming shortly thereafter. I asked TM why they don't just give them away to groups like "The First Tee", but they said they already give away over $1M in golf equipment to those groups. They just won't sacrifice their quality, so their give aways are retail products (not seconds). Louis Vuitton shreds any leather/canvas product rejected for any quality reason. They are first shipped back to France where they are logged (find out which factory, date) so they can track their quality by shop/shift before being destroyed. I gotta tell you - I'd love a free brand new LV bag with a stitch out of place.

22 January 2011, 01:30 PM	#18
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Larry, excellent question and thought to ponder!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

22 January 2011, 01:34 PM	#19
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Good point, Larry. I remember seeing a documentary on National Geographic about the Ferrari manufacture. If the body was found with even the slightest defect during the initial manufacture, the whole thing was sent back and recycled. I guess a defective Rolex will have to be completely stripped down and then some solid decisions would have to be made about which parts of the watch are still acceptable as brand new and which aren't. I guess it would be a tough decision, but someone would have to make it in the end and then the NEW watch could be resold as new...............without anyone being the wiser!! JJ

22 January 2011, 03:34 PM	#21
Panaboy Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Vancouver Posts: 67	They are sold as replicas

22 January 2011, 04:29 PM	#22
franksremote Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Frank Location: Northern CA - USA Watch: IWC DaVinci 3750 Posts: 139	Given their dedication to quality, I would highly doubt that they are repaired and resold. It would seem more inline with their quality commitment if the watch was scrapped after logging or somehow marked so that it could only be used internally as teaching tools, etc. A couple of blemished watches in the grand scheme of things would not make or break them, but knowingly allowing imperfect units to leave the factory would be a PR nightmare if it was ever found out. My 2 cents, YMMV

22 January 2011, 09:06 PM	#23
favonian Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: warlock Location: . Posts: 74	here...

23 January 2011, 01:05 AM	#25
bemik "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Tommy Location: Seoul, Korea Watch: 116520 Black Posts: 337	hmm, interesting!! __________________ Everything happens for a reason. But some things just happen.

23 January 2011, 01:12 AM	#26
Art 1 Banned Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Florida, Canada Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega Posts: 30,244	Grey Market.

23 January 2011, 01:47 AM	#28
BarkMaster "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Texas Watch: 18078 YG DD Posts: 7,962	They are power washed, pressure tested and then recycled. Attached Images __________________ BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK

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