Rolex sticker wars.....

[sahcivan]

This weekend just passed I was away for the weekend in Bournemouth (uk).

I happened to pass an AD window and noticed that they had the new Airking in the window.

Tried it on and loved it, although I was purchasing as a gift.

We went through the usual procedure, paid on my card, filled out their receipt, filled out the warranty card, they swiped and activated the card.

Then just as I was putting it in the box he asked for the watch, and without saying anything he proceeded to remove the stickers.

I said that as it was a gift I would like the stickers left on, it's not like it is a Daytona c and I'm going to immediately flip. I thought it was a reasonable request.

He quoted the usual BS that it's Rolex Policy to remove them before the watch leaves the store. I told him that I have now paid and it is my watch and he wasn't to remove any more stickers.

He stuck by what he was saying and I asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over and said the same thing.

I explained it was a gift and now it was my personal property as my had been paid for I wouldn't allow it.

They stuck their ground..... so I said that's fine remove all the stickers you like but I want my card refunded immediately and they can keep it.

They had a moan and groan about the warranty being activated and filled out etc etc. They even offered me a wolf watch winder to keep the sale.

I ended up taking the refund and walking out.

I walked past around a hour later and the watch was back in the window. How would that work if somebody was to try and buy it later that day? Surely it's a Preowned watch now?

I was going to send my father back in the next day (without telling them he was related obviously)to argue that exact point and renegotiate the price but they were closed.


Moral of the story..... never buy from an AD with all the brilliant trusted sellers we have on here

[NorCalKid]

Originally Posted by sahcivan

This weekend just passed I was away for the weekend in Bournemouth (uk).

I happened to pass an AD window and noticed that they had the new Airking in the window.

Tried it on and loved it, although I was purchasing as a gift.

We went through the usual procedure, paid on my card, filled out their receipt, filled out the warranty card, they swiped and activated the card.

Then just as I was putting it in the box he asked for the watch, and without saying anything he proceeded to remove the stickers.

I said that as it was a gift I would like the stickers left on, it's not like it is a Daytona c and I'm going to immediately flip. I thought it was a reasonable request.

He quoted the usual BS that it's Rolex Policy to remove them before the watch leaves the store. I told him that I have now paid and it is my watch and he wasn't to remove any more stickers.

He stuck by what he was saying and I asked to speak to the manager. The manager came over and said the same thing.

I explained it was a gift and now it was my personal property as my had been paid for I wouldn't allow it.

They stuck their ground..... so I said that's fine remove all the stickers you like but I want my card refunded immediately and they can keep it.

They had a moan and groan about the warranty being activated and filled out etc etc. They even offered me a wolf watch winder to keep the sale.

I ended up taking the refund and walking out.

I walked past around a hour later and the watch was back in the window. How would that work if somebody was to try and buy it later that day? Surely it's a Preowned watch now?

I was going to send my father back in the next day (without telling them he was related obviously)to argue that exact point and renegotiate the price but they were closed.


Moral of the story..... never buy from an AD with all the brilliant trusted sellers we have on here

You did the right thing IMO. Who do they think they are, you paid, your watch!

[pw98]

Glad you stood your ground. Complete rubbish. I would guess the watch would still be sold as new(depending if the warranty once swiped could be reversed).

[sahcivan]

Originally Posted by pw98

Glad you stood your ground. Complete rubbish. I would guess the watch would still be sold as new(depending if the warranty once swiped could be reversed).

He made a right song and dance about the card being filled out in pen once I asked for a refund.

There was NO MENTION of stickers before the sale. I wouldn't have paid for it if there had been and they insisted on removing.

IMO it's my property once it's paid for and they have no right to remove them if there was no agreement to allow them too once I have paid for the watch

[Cerachrom12]

Originally Posted by sahcivan

He made a right song and dance about the card being filled out in pen once I asked for a refund.

There was NO MENTION of stickers before the sale. I wouldn't have paid for it if there had been and they insisted on removing.

IMO it's my property once it's paid for and they have no right to remove them if there was no agreement to allow them too once I have paid for the watch

Bingo. Once you exchanged payment for the watch it became your property, and they had no right to act as they did
Now if they had given you notice ahead of time before payment about sticker policy, then there wouldn't have been this complication. Shame on them

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Cerachrom12

Bingo. Once you exchanged payment for the watch it became your property, and they had no right to act as they did
Now if they had given you notice ahead of time before payment about sticker policy, then there wouldn't have been this complication. Shame on them

To be fair, they've probably had none (if any) people (prior to this) make an issue of them removing them. We are a special little watch community in here and we are more particular about stuff.

An AD isn't going to bring up the issue of sticker removal during the sales process, that's just not a natural topic to bring up, unless prior to taking payment they say about it. Maybe now they will be more open about it as this will likely be an irritation to them.

Rolex UK is cracking the whip. Rolex say "jump" and ADs ask "how high?". Once Rolex UK get a sniff that ADs aren't toeing the line, ADs will feel the wrath The Rolex signs coming down from an AD is catastrophic for a jeweller due to the investment etc they have to make to sell new Rolex.

I know you American members think this is all craziness, but welcome to our world. Rolex UK rule the roost lol

[JSolano305]

Awesome. Glad you asked for refund and left. I would've done same thing. And you right...I only buy from trusted seller here.

[Bigsykedaddy]

That sucks that happened to you, but I'm glad you did what you did

[btinl]

I would never buy a watch if the dealer insisted on removing the stickers or engraving the caseback. You did the right thing.

[Cerachrom12]

With exception of the Daytona500, Rolex could care less about the stickers on watch. I would have demanded to see the "Rolex policy" in black and white. They were full of BS and making up their own rules, IMO

[LuminousMaximus]

Originally Posted by cerachrom12

with exception of the daytona500, rolex could care less about the stickers on watch. I would have demanded to see the "rolex policy" in black and white. They were full of bs and making up their own rules, imo

+1!

[Nairn1980]

I totally agree with you.....however I have an AD and I know the owner well. It's independent.

He confirmed to me that part of the selling process and "Rolex way" is that the watch is fitted and stickers are removed. He says some ADs may not stick to this rule but Rolex actually DO request that stickers are removed as part of the sales/sizing process. This particular AD insist on sticker removal as it is part of the Rolex way. He said I'm welcome to read the guide when next in the AD. I totally believe him on this and if ever there I'll take a photo of it if allowed. This is all to prevent "unworn" stock ending up on the grey market.

However I bought my Air-King from another AD (as the AD I know well didn't have one at the time). This other AD let me take it with stickers on.

Saying that, I'm not sure whether the person you bought the gift for would notice or appreciate the stickers....certainly if I bought a family member or friend a Rolex they wouldn't even expect stickers to be on it. With this in mind it's a shame you walked away from a great watch over stickers. A new Air-King with a free watch winder is a great deal and you may regret walking away from it....but who knows lol

[sahcivan]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

I totally agree with you.....however I have an AD and I know the owner well. It's independent.

He confirmed to me that part of the selling process and "Rolex way" is that the watch is fitted and stickers are removed. He says some ADs may not stick to this rule but Rolex actually DO request that stickers are removed as part of the sales/sizing process. This particular AD insist on sticker removal as it is part of the Rolex way. He said I'm welcome to read the guide when next in the AD. I totally believe him on this and if ever there I'll take a photo of it if allowed.

However I bought my Air-King from another AD (as the AD I know well didn't have one at the time). This other AD let me take it with stickers on.

Saying that, I'm not sure whether the person you bought the gift for would notice or appreciate the stickers....certainly if I bought a family member or friend a Rolex they wouldn't even expect stickers to be on it. With this in mind it's a shame you walked away from a great watch over stickers. A new Air-King with a free watch winder is a great deal and you may regret walking away from it....but who knows lol

Plenty more fish in the sea. One will come along eventually.

You could say it's a pride thing, but I'm not having somebody tell me what I can and can't do with my own property. I'd rather walk away and save face than bowing down to stupid demands

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by sahcivan

Plenty more fish in the sea. One will come along eventually.

You could say it's a pride thing, but I'm not having somebody tell me what I can and can't do with my own property. I'd rather walk away and save face than bowing down to stupid demands

I totally get it to be honest, and you have a very valid point, but in a way you're cutting off your nose to spite your face in this situation.

It's stickers after all, not having the watch engraved or anything.

I do see both sides of this. Rolex UK are so hot on making sure watches don't end up on the grey market that they're requesting that dealers remove stickers. I totally believe Rolex have sent a memo requesting ADs to remove stickers at purchase. This AD were just toeing the line. Their offer of a winder was nice so you could have given your "gift" and have a nice new watch wider for yourself. It really was a win win situation to save the AD having to request a new Warranty card etc which will likely cost them money and prevent them selling that watch until the new card comes in.

Was the watch really a gift of did you just say that to keep the stickers on for some reason? You didn't mind the warranty card being in your name (as a gift?) rather than the recipient, yet were worried about some stickers? Just doesn't sound right...

(Not that I'm judging, I'd Make the same excuse lol but I don't think that AD will welcome you back lol)

[DJRikki]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

I totally agree with you.....however I have an AD and I know the owner well. It's independent.

He confirmed to me that part of the selling process and "Rolex way" is that the watch is fitted and stickers are removed. He says some ADs may not stick to this rule but Rolex actually DO request that stickers are removed as part of the sales/sizing process. This particular AD insist on sticker removal as it is part of the Rolex way. He said I'm welcome to read the guide when next in the AD. I totally believe him on this and if ever there I'll take a photo of it if allowed. This is all to prevent "unworn" stock ending up on the grey market.

However I bought my Air-King from another AD (as the AD I know well didn't have one at the time). This other AD let me take it with stickers on.

Saying that, I'm not sure whether the person you bought the gift for would notice or appreciate the stickers....certainly if I bought a family member or friend a Rolex they wouldn't even expect stickers to be on it. With this in mind it's a shame you walked away from a great watch over stickers. A new Air-King with a free watch winder is a great deal and you may regret walking away from it....but who knows lol

When I got my BLNR from my local AD they sized and removed the stickers, I didnt even question it.

When I bought my Tudor from the same AD it came with everything intact.

I did however ask for the coffin for my BLNR and was given it without question.

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

I totally agree with you.....however I have an AD and I know the owner well. It's independent.

He confirmed to me that part of the selling process and "Rolex way" is that the watch is fitted and stickers are removed. He says some ADs may not stick to this rule but Rolex actually DO request that stickers are removed as part of the sales/sizing process. This particular AD insist on sticker removal as it is part of the Rolex way. He said I'm welcome to read the guide when next in the AD. I totally believe him on this and if ever there I'll take a photo of it if allowed. This is all to prevent "unworn" stock ending up on the grey market.

However I bought my Air-King from another AD (as the AD I know well didn't have one at the time). This other AD let me take it with stickers on.

Saying that, I'm not sure whether the person you bought the gift for would notice or appreciate the stickers....certainly if I bought a family member or friend a Rolex they wouldn't even expect stickers to be on it. With this in mind it's a shame you walked away from a great watch over stickers. A new Air-King with a free watch winder is a great deal and you may regret walking away from it....but who knows lol

If the AD is sizing the watch I can understand taking the stickers off somewhat. It has to be sized correctly, not that the stickers would negatively impact that process.

OP has the right to get a refund... it was his watch and should have been handed over to him, in his desired condition, as soon as his card cleared.

[116500LN]

That's pretty messed up. I bought my BLNR from the boutique (not a generic AD) and they left all stickers intact... and I even had them include the shipping coffin. Can't believe you're being trolled this hard. You did the right thing in leaving.

[kneedeep]

Agree with what you did. The nerve of them.

[wytrader]

Never really paid attenton to this rule. My last purchase the D-Blue I left the AD with stickers in tact and the warrenty card unnamed. First thing I did when I got home was rip off the sticker myself (so satisfying) and posted a pic of the ball it turned into here.

[P2725TMB]

I agree - once you've paid for it its yours in whatever state it was in at purchase, unless they stated the removal of stickers before exit policy upfront, pre-sale. Personally I have no issue of sticker removal on site, as it gives a chance to check the watch is flawless beneath the plastic before leaving the store.

But if it is a new watch it must have those stickers in place for me to remove in store, or its not new in my eyes.

[RichM]

What a bunch of BS. Glad you stood your ground.

[AK797]

UK ADs are becoming war zones these days... just up supply already Rolex and suck up the exchange rate!

[SC11]

Funny thing I was looking at a watch and this subject came up and the AD said the same thing, apparently the removal of stickers was a Rolex rule since Basel 16 and the Daytona release.

I showed them a picture of how the AD gave me my Daytona still untouched in its coffin, the branch manager said if Rolex found out they would lose their AD status.

To which I said ok then did they want to let Rolex know as it was another one of thier branches

[Fletcher UK]

When I paid a deposit recently for a blue SkyD they would only allow me to proceed with the transaction if I agreed that when the time comes to take delivery of the watch.....1) they HAVE to remove all stickers before it leaves the premises 2) they keep hold of the warranty card for 1 year. They told me it was Rolex policy in the UK. I think its even written on the contract if I'm not mistaken but I'd have to check.

[datejustrms]

Originally Posted by SC11

Funny thing I was looking at a watch and this subject came up and the AD said the same thing, apparently the removal of stickers was a Rolex rule since Basel 16 and the Daytona release.

I showed them a picture of how the AD gave me my Daytona still untouched in its coffin, the branch manager said if Rolex found out they would lose their AD status.

To which I said ok then did they want to let Rolex know as it was another one of thier branches

That's perfect!

[dardeca]

Originally Posted by SC11

Funny thing I was looking at a watch and this subject came up and the AD said the same thing, apparently the removal of stickers was a Rolex rule since Basel 16 and the Daytona release.

I showed them a picture of how the AD gave me my Daytona still untouched in its coffin, the branch manager said if Rolex found out they would lose their AD status.

To which I said ok then did they want to let Rolex know as it was another one of thier branches

Ha! What was their response at that?

[sensui]

I understand the OP's position....but I don't think it's news that Rolex has told their dealers to remove stickers in general to avoid grey market practices (on the surface I'm sure, they really don't care)......but if the watch is a gift and brand new as long as it's in the box still unworn.....what difference does stickers make? I wouldn't be turned off if an AD removed my stickers prior to me taking possession as long as it's done right and the watch is still new......maybe I'm too easy going on this.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

I'd have been pissed off too! Glad you stood your ground my friend!

[kelv_w]

There's only one AD in Bournemouth and if it's them I think you're talking about. Personally I would have taken the watch winder.. the wolf ones are easily £180 for starters. And since it's a gift, I dont think it matters if stickers are off?
However I find it odd that they remove stickers for an AirKing. It's not even a hard to find model.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by kelv_w

There's only one AD in Bournemouth and if it's them I think you're talking about. Personally I would have taken the watch winder.. the wolf ones are easily £180 for starters. And since it's a gift, I dont think it matters if stickers are off?
However I find it odd that they remove stickers for an AirKing. It's not even a hard to find model.

Have to agree all that fuss over some sticky back plastic and when bought from any AD whether stickered or not they all get the same warranty as it's still a new watch.