BHJ2013 / BeaconHillJewelers - BUYER BEWARE

[matt.wu]

I purchased a 1601 Datejust from Kevin aka BHJ2013/BeaconHillJewelers at [email protected], and the experience was a headache from the start.

The watch was advertised as just fully serviced, "running as new" (pulled directly from the ad). Advertised with either the Rolex bracelet or a leather strap.

I opted for the leather strap and wired money on Monday, watch did not ship until Thursday. Seller stated they were out of stock of leather straps and that was the reason for the delay. At my request, they shipped it out without a strap, and the strap is still in transit at the writing of this review. Don't know why you would sell a watch on a leather strap without having one available, but I was not too bothered by it - minor inconvenience.

The watch arrived yesterday (Monday). I immediately strapped it on, ready to enjoy it for a bit, while I decided whether or not this would make a good gift for a friend who was looking for a nice watch (which was the reason I had purchased it in the first place). After about a half day, I noticed the timekeeping was approximately 12 seconds slow already, translating to about an unacceptable rate of -25 seconds/day - especially for a watch advertised as recently serviced and "running as new".

I immediately contacted BHJ about it and pointed out the issue. They stated they guarantee their watches to within 2 minutes/day accuracy. Wow. So much for "running as new".

Okay, maybe I can get it regulated by my watchmaker to keep more accurate time. I continue wearing the watch. Around dinner time on Tuesday (I've owned the watch for a little over 24 hours), I notice condensation under the crystal. The watch was never submerged, and never even near water, as I was wearing long sleeves all day. This is DEFINITELY not a watch that has been serviced, at least not by a competent watchmaker. Again, I contact BHJ about the issue and ask for a refund. I state I would return the watch immediately, requested compensation for return shipping, but stated I would absorb all the payment fees I incurred.



BHJ kindly replied with a "tough luck", basically. They stated that they don't accept liability for any "water issues". They then said that even though the watch was keeping time at -25 sec/day and was not even slightly water resistant, "The servicing standard is exactly what I've received from RSC in the past, I'd say to expect better on a watch that's approaching a half century old is being picky." That is verbatim. So RSC has lowered it's COSC timekeeping and pressure testing standards on oyster watches? That's news to me.

After numerous back and forth emails, BHJ offered a "refund" if I pay for all sorts of fees, amounting to $100+ in addition to the cost I will incur in shipping the watch back to them. Additionally, they are not even guaranteeing a refund. The refund may be reduced or withheld, if the watch is not up to their standards when received. Though I'm now convinced that those standards are quite low, no thanks.

After further emails, they then agreed to lower the fee to $50, with me still paying return shipping costs. Thoroughly frustrated, but only wanting to wash my hands of this nightmare experience, I accept, pack up the watch, and head to the post office. Literally en route to the post office (you almost can't make this stuff up), I check my phone and notice a long email which, summed up, basically said, "I changed my mind, no returns. It was probably your fault for the failure, and it sounds like you're lying to us anyway." Wow, nice.

At this point, I'm done interacting with Beacon Hill Jewelers. I'm guess I'm going to chalk this up to a life lesson and eat the cost of the repairs myself. At least I know it'll be going to a competent watchmaker, and I will have the peace of mind in knowing the watch is actually trustworthy.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like additional clarification or are interested in email transcripts so that you can verify the truth in this review.