Quality Control?

[nsolga]

Hello all - I'm fairly new to TRF and have been lurking here and there for about 3 to 4 months now. I'm picking up my new SS Sub Date with CRB this coming Sat. and am highly excited to feel "MY" watch on my wrist for the first time.

Having read many of the posts here on TRF I've noticed some referencing recent quality control issues with Rolex and that all new purchases should be inspected. Is this a fluke post or is there somthing specific I should be looking for - ie symmetry or ???

Otherwise - I'm excited!

[nsolga]

I think someone was speaking about a dial or the luminova? - not sure... Seemed odd to me.

[f16570]

Take your time and examine the watch carefully. I doubt that it will have any issues, and if so then youur AD can have them sorted.
If you take a loupe then have a real good look and point out anything that you are not happy with.
Enjoy.

f

[marshallr47]

Originally Posted by f16570

Take your time and examine the watch carefully. I doubt that it will have any issues, and if so then youur AD can have them sorted.
If you take a loupe then have a real good look and point out anything that you are not happy with.
Enjoy.

f

Totally agree. Don't be rushed to purchase. It's your watch and "you" must be happy with it. Rolex QC doesn't always catch things. That loupe will help a lot. Good luck. Oh and don't forget to post some pics.

[nsolga]

Certainly no rush... I put in the order for it back home in Indiana where I am originally from as the AD was much more giving (10% discount) than my local ADs here in NY.

Plus, no tax since it was originally going to be shipped to NY (but, I'm picking it up in IN over the holiday - Sat.)

I ordered it because I wanted a M/Z with the CRB but, they only had the non CRB in store.

So, it came earlier than I expected.

So - what is a Loupe? Magnifine lens I suspect? Do most people actually take something like this in to inspect prior to purchase or is this normal to as to see / use it from the jeweler?

If you do use one, what do you look for?

My thought is that I don't need to use one as long as it looks perfect to my non-magnified eye?

Thoughts? Have any of you used a Loupe/magnification prior to purchase and if so, what kind of results did you find?

Finally (sorry for all the questions) what should one look for if using the magnification?

I plan to walk out with it (already prepaid) but, if problems I won't.

Appreciate all thoughts!

[haakon59]

I am not sure there have been any truly significant quality control issues lately. Not every single complaint is valid. On the other hand, communities such as this one are quite helpful in finding shortcomings because of the knowledge and experience behind this community when it comes to Rolex. Remember that people will tend to seek out forums more often if they have a question or complaint whereas people whose watches are working great will be a little less driven to mention that--although you do see many here post with pride as they like to share the "joy" of their new purchases. Usually though, if there was a quality control issue at one time, several people would experience the same type of problem.

[marshallr47]

Here are some great tips from JJ.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...ighlight=loupe

[SSD]

A loupe is simply the magnifying monocular jewelers use. The point is, nobody's perfect, even Rolex (gasp!) and as with other very expensive purchases, use due dilligence. I think you'll be able to see if there are any problems. Enjoy your purchase, and wear the new Sub in good health. Send pics, we love 'em, and welcome to TRF!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by nsolga

Hello all - I'm fairly new to TRF and have been lurking here and there for about 3 to 4 months now. I'm picking up my new SS Sub Date with CRB this coming Sat. and am highly excited to feel "MY" watch on my wrist for the first time.

Having read many of the posts here on TRF I've noticed some referencing recent quality control issues with Rolex and that all new purchases should be inspected. Is this a fluke post or is there somthing specific I should be looking for - ie symmetry or ???

Otherwise - I'm excited!

TWO important things...

1. Carry a 10x loupe and check out the DIAL thoroughly.

2. Place hands in 6 o'clock position and check for perfect hands alignment. You'd be surprised how many are non-aligned in this position......the best way to check for alignment.

Good luck - JJ

[nsolga]

So - would it be fine to use their 10x Loupe?

And by placing the hands (the hour and min) to the 6 - this shows alignment?

What kind of alignment? I assume to refer to its ability to be perfectly aligned?

Can you give an example of what it may look like if it is correct / misaligned?

Thank you sir!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by nsolga

So - would it be fine to use their 10x Loupe?

By 6 oclock, I mean....small hand on '6' and long hand on '12'!!

And by placing the hands (the hour and min) to the 6 - this shows alignment?

What kind of alignment? I assume to refer to its ability to be perfectly aligned?

Can you give an example of what it may look like if it is correct / misaligned?

Thank you sir!

Yes, by all means, use their loupe.

By alignment, I mean in one STRAIGHT PERFECT line...which is best determined at 6 o'clock. Make sure the small hand tip bisects the rectangle at '6' through the centre of its top. Use the loupe to do this.

And make sure the 2 hands are in a STRAIGHT line. Ignore the sweeping second hand - not important in this test.

Good luck - JJ

[JJ Irani]

I mean small hand on '6' and long hand on '12'....i.e. 6 o'clock as in the time at 6 o'clock.

JJ

[nsolga]

So - it should line up properly. However, what / how much would be considered off / out of alignment?

Example? In testing other watches I have most line up perfectly but, takes a bit of fussing with it. Should it be exact precise with large hand bisecting the 12 and small hand bisecting the 6?

Or, can it be off slightly? Like on is centered and other is 30 sec off?

Just want to be sure when I get there... I'm pretty picky and want to know what is normal.

Salute!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by nsolga

So - it should line up properly. However, what / how much would be considered off / out of alignment?

Example? In testing other watches I have most line up perfectly but, takes a bit of fussing with it. Should it be exact precise with large hand bisecting the 12 and small hand bisecting the 6?

Or, can it be off slightly? Like on is centered and other is 30 sec off?

Just want to be sure when I get there... I'm pretty picky and want to know what is normal.

Salute!

Personally, I won't accept any deviation. It should be as straight as an arrow!! No ifs or buts about that!!

[marshallr47]

If you are picky then you will know if it's bad off it is. Good luck.

[nsolga]

OK - I feel confident in inspecting the little machine but, must say - now, I'm nervous I'll find a flaw!

I've waited about a month for the watch to arrive and cannot wait to take see it...

Saturday - 12/22 - A day that will either be great or live in infamy!

If it's off - no deal - just say - order another - I'm still paid in full.

Question - what is the normality of a flaw on dial? Also - what about the alignment? Is is a 1 in a 100 problem or 1 in 1000 ?

I know it's not a science or really known but - if you had to guess?

If someone is dropping 5 - 30K on a supposed perfect piece of superlative machinery I'd guess it'd be next to perfect. Seeing as how they use machines to manufacture pieces and all.

Final and third question - how much of these watches are still assembled by hand?

I'M GOING NUTS - I NEED THE 16610!

Don't think I could take flaws! I pray for perfection!

[frostie]

Follow the tips and everything is going to be ok

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by nsolga

OK - I feel confident in inspecting the little machine but, must say - now, I'm nervous I'll find a flaw!

I've waited about a month for the watch to arrive and cannot wait to take see it...

Saturday - 12/22 - A day that will either be great or live in infamy!

If it's off - no deal - just say - order another - I'm still paid in full.

Question - what is the normality of a flaw on dial? Also - what about the alignment? Is is a 1 in a 100 problem or 1 in 1000 ?

I know it's not a science or really known but - if you had to guess?

If someone is dropping 5 - 30K on a supposed perfect piece of superlative machinery I'd guess it'd be next to perfect. Seeing as how they use machines to manufacture pieces and all.

Final and third question - how much of these watches are still assembled by hand?

I'M GOING NUTS - I NEED THE 16610!

Don't think I could take flaws! I pray for perfection!

The DIAL - check for dial flaws, if any. Look for lint, if any. Check the printing of the words very carefully and also look for the Lumionova overflow from the WG surrounds.

Take your own sweet time.....at least 3 whole minutes to be spent examining the DIAL thoroughly. Start from the triangle at '12' and work your way slowly round the dial till you come back to '12'.

As for hands alignment, also try the hands at 12 o'clock to see that they overlap each other perfectly.

Then also try 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock to see that the hands form a perfect right angle of 90º with each other.

But the 6 o'clock test is the best and never fails.

Good luck - JJ

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

TWO important things...

1. Carry a 10x loupe and check out the DIAL thoroughly.

2. Place hands in 6 o'clock position and check for perfect hands alignment. You'd be surprised how many are non-aligned in this position......the best way to check for alignment.

Good luck - JJ

Actually, there are THREE points to follow to the letter, JJ, third point being:

3. Don't focus on cleavage.

[Kris]

Check the watch over carefully.

If you're buying new from an AD, then should you detect a blemish or mild defect, you have 2 years to take the watch back in to have it corrected free of charge.

Speaking for myself, I had one such issue with my new SD. The braclet-link at the end of one of the lugs was rather stiff and would not fold properly. I figured that it was just a "breaking-in" period thing, but after having the watch for a couple more months, I realized that the pin in the link was bent and that's why the link in the braclet wouldn't fold properly.

I immediately took the watch to RSC Toronto to have it looked at. They gave me a song and dance about the "break-in period" BS and let me walk out of their establishment. From there I went back to my AD, explained it to them, and they resent the watch to RSC Toronto.

A week later, I got the watch back. RSC Toronto said I was correct, they apologized, and replaced the entire bracelet with a new one.

Since then, no problems :)

Just make sure that you check the watch over throroughly during the first few months of ownership and keep it clean. If something turns up, at least RSC can't say you contributed to the damage as a result of the visible abuse on the watch.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Actually, there are THREE points to follow to the letter, JJ, third point being:

3. Don't focus on cleavage.

That's the first thing I usually focus on, Bo.....just as I enter through the hallowed portals of my AD!!

[nsolga]

OK - this is strangly starting to feel like a family here ---- I can see why everyone is so loyal to TRF!

Thanks for all the info!

Still - what are the odds of an issue - I'm primarily concerned with the alignment as JJ has said. I know myself and unless it's perfect I'll think somthing is off.

And by perfect, I mean - no deviation at the slightest, I've been known to see things from time to time!