Sloppy job by Rolex AD, or am I too fussy?

[dnill]

Hi all, my first post here!

I got myself a nice Explorer II, random serial from 2011 a couple of weeks ago. I wanted a 16570 with an as late as possible manufacturing date and got hold of one of the last produced. Also wanted a watch as untouched as possible. The watch is in good condition, unpolished and with some small signs of wear. This is my daily watch so this doesn't bother me. Also the previous owner has been not so careful when changing bands but I plan on having the backside brushed when I turn it in for service later this year.

What bothers me though is tool marks and bad polishing jobs. As I bought the watch used with no service history I wanted to get it pressure tested and checked. I turned the watch in to a local Rolex AD for a check up on the gaskets and a pressure test.
4 days later I get the watch back and they comment that it has passed the pressure test. When I look at the watch I see a big tool mark on the backside of one of the end links. A very sharp scratch and I am not so happy about that. Really sloppy in my opinion. They offer to remove the scratch and I ask specifically if they can keep the same finish as original. I think that it wolud be good to get rid of it right away when I am at the dealer. The watchmaker tells me all their equipment is Rolex delivered and I agree to have the scratch removed. When I get the watch back the end link is "rounded" and all the sharp edges on the backside of the end link is gone.

The end link in question on the left:


Is this result in line of what you can expect?
It bothers me to some extent that there is so much difference between the two endlinks, but at the same time it is on the underside of the watch and you have to look closely to notice.

What would you guys do about the issue?
Leave it and enjoy the watch or trying to have the sharp edges restored/end link replaced (if possible)?

I really love the watch otherwise, and hopefully it's just the fact that this is the first time I put over $5k towards a watch making me nitpicky :)

Pics:




/David

[S.C]

An AD did this to my 16610LV.... I was pretty annoyed about it as it still had stickers on. Nothing much I could of done though.

[The Libertine]

No, it is not what I would expect and, yes, I would be livid.

[Smarties]

IMO, a hairline scratch is acceptable....but it's more than that in your case.....

[nursejm]

A deep buff can restore this but take note you will loose layer of metal.

I think it will not distort the case since the scratch is not a deep dent.

[1William]

If it does not effect the wear or appearance I would go on with it. Great looking watch and part of your history with the watch. I would find another AD to handle my watches in the future.

[padi56]

Everything looks big with high magnification and who will ever see these marks while on the wrist.All scratches should be left well alone till normal routine service time only,when watch will be polished to as good as new.

[affalterbach]

This would piss me off. No excuse. I would DEMAND my money back!!!

[AK797]

Looks bad I agree but as it is on the back I would probably leave it and enjoy the watch rather than go to the hassle of replacing it.

[brandrea]

It would annoy me for sure. Luckily it's on the backside so I'd probably be able to live with it.

Sure makes you wonder what the watch tech was drinking

[dnill]

Thanks for your input guys! Happy to hear that I'm not alone to be bothered by this little detail.

As 1William said, I probably will have to think of it as a part of the history with my watch and move on to enjoying it. As I wrote earlier, scratches and scuffs from use does'nt bother me a bit. Avoidable damage like this does though and yes I should demand some form of compensation. The scratch really was razor sharp and I guarantee that the watchmaker noticed when he slipped with whathever tool used.

And yeah you could wonder what the watchmaker was drinking
I am happy though that I found out that this is not the place where to service my watch. It would probably be handed back to me looking like this:

[Tomas Eriksson]

There are scratches on every lug and some were probably old? Is it only the deeper one that is caused by the AD? Anyhow, marks like that requires wrong technique and using force which is completely unacceptable from a professional.

[dnill]

-

[dnill]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

There are scratches on every lug and some were probably old? Is it only the deeper one that is caused by the AD? Anyhow, marks like that requires wrong technique and using force which is completely unacceptable from a professional.

Yes, the lug scratches all were there before. The damage done by the AD was really the bad scratch removal on the end link, leaving it with rounded edges.
And the scratch made was really deep.

[RichM]

Not sure why they don't use tape like the rest of us amateurs. I wouldn't be happy either but I'd probably leave it until it needs a complete overhaul and then have a RSC perform the work.

Great looking Explorer. Congrats

[esscaster]

I honestly don't think I would've noticed. It would get more abuse from me in a single rock climbing trip

[landroverking]

O c d

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by dnill

The watchmaker tells me all their equipment is Rolex delivered

Dumbest thing I've ever heard. The scratches are from poor workmanship and not the tools. I'd never go back there again and live with it until the next service.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by dnill

Thanks for your input guys! Happy to hear that I'm not alone to be bothered by this little detail.

As 1William said, I probably will have to think of it as a part of the history with my watch and move on to enjoying it. As I wrote earlier, scratches and scuffs from use does'nt bother me a bit. Avoidable damage like this does though and yes I should demand some form of compensation. The scratch really was razor sharp and I guarantee that the watchmaker noticed when he slipped with whathever tool used.

And yeah you could wonder what the watchmaker was drinking
I am happy though that I found out that this is not the place where to service my watch. It would probably be handed back to me looking like this:

OP - are you talking about the lug on the watch case or the end link on the bracelet?

[dnill]

Originally Posted by Devildog

OP - are you talking about the lug on the watch case or the end link on the bracelet?

It's the end link on the bracelet, and the fact that the AD removed the sharp edges on it when they removed the scratch made by the watchmaker.

Sorry if my writing is confusing, I see now it's not crystal clear what I mean.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by dnill

It's the end link on the bracelet, and the fact that the AD removed the sharp edges on it when they removed the scratch made by the watchmaker.

Sorry if my writing is confusing, I see now it's not crystal clear what I mean.

Cheers - I was just checking.

To be honest it wouldn't bother me. You don't see it, its not affecting function or performance and you could always have it restored or replaced quite inexpensively.

I agree its a sloppy job by the watchmaker who has probably used too course an abrasive pad or wheel to remove the original scratch, but I wouldn't stress it.

Beautiful watch .

[77T]

I know you're unhappy with the scratch and then the polishing job but let it go for now and enjoy the watch since nobody can see anything when you wear it.

I also agree 1000% with the sage advice Peter shared - -

Originally Posted by padi56

Everything looks big with high magnification and who will ever see these marks while on the wrist.All scratches should be left well alone till normal routine service time only,when watch will be polished to as good as new.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LuminousMaximus]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Dumbest thing I've ever heard. The scratches are from poor workmanship and not the tools. I'd never go back there again and live with it until the next service.

Mike you always bring clarity to the conversation...

I almost believed them about the Rolex Equipment.

[rollee1]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Dumbest thing I've ever heard. The scratches are from poor workmanship and not the tools. I'd never go back there again and live with it until the next service.

That. Unfortunately.
I'm sorry of your experience, I'd be livid as well.

There is a lesson I learn, is the most minor oversight leads to the heaviest heartache.
For a watch of personal importance, I would only send it RSC.
I never like AD watchmakers, there was a previous incident which left a bad taste in the mouth.
I don't take any word now, crafted skilled of excellence needs to prove its merit.

[Chewbacca]

looks fine.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by dnill

Hi all, my first post here!

I got myself a nice Explorer II, random serial from 2011 a couple of weeks ago. I wanted a 16570 with an as late as possible manufacturing date and got hold of one of the last produced. Also wanted a watch as untouched as possible. The watch is in good condition, unpolished and with some small signs of wear. This is my daily watch so this doesn't bother me. Also the previous owner has been not so careful when changing bands but I plan on having the backside brushed when I turn it in for service later this year.

What bothers me though is tool marks and bad polishing jobs. As I bought the watch used with no service history I wanted to get it pressure tested and checked. I turned the watch in to a local Rolex AD for a check up on the gaskets and a pressure test.
4 days later I get the watch back and they comment that it has passed the pressure test. When I look at the watch I see a big tool mark on the backside of one of the end links. A very sharp scratch and I am not so happy about that. Really sloppy in my opinion. They offer to remove the scratch and I ask specifically if they can keep the same finish as original. I think that it wolud be good to get rid of it right away when I am at the dealer. The watchmaker tells me all their equipment is Rolex delivered and I agree to have the scratch removed. When I get the watch back the end link is "rounded" and all the sharp edges on the backside of the end link is gone.

The end link in question on the left:


Is this result in line of what you can expect?
It bothers me to some extent that there is so much difference between the two endlinks, but at the same time it is on the underside of the watch and you have to look closely to notice.

What would you guys do about the issue?
Leave it and enjoy the watch or trying to have the sharp edges restored/end link replaced (if possible)?

I really love the watch otherwise, and hopefully it's just the fact that this is the first time I put over $5k towards a watch making me nitpicky :)

Pics:




/David

Sorry, but you need to put it down to it being a major part of your learning curve.

There are few important lessons to be learnt here.
I wish you well on your journey.

Nice watch by the way.
Wear it in good health

[watchwatcher]

Well, it's definitely a sloppy job, IMO. I don't think you're being fussy.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Sorry, but you need to put it down to it being a major part of your learning curve.



There are few important lessons to be learnt here.

I wish you well on your journey.



Nice watch by the way.

Wear it in good health

I'm not clear on what lessons you mean. The OP had the Watch pressure checked at an AD.

Can you elaborate?

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Unacceptable

[Bo-Dacious]

Your not the only one. It happened to me at my local AD.