Withheld Warranty Card Question..

[Swiss Mad!]

Ok, so I see a lot of resellers on eBay & Chrono24 etc advertising their watches as only having a photocopy of the original warranty card as the AD is keeping it for up to 12 months..

I thought the whole idea of the AD keeping the card was to prevent people from instantly flipping for profit?

So then, for arguments sake, what will happen if you were to purchase a watch from a reseller with only a photocopy of the original card, then in 12 months how will the reseller be able to get that card off the AD without being able to prove they still own the watch as it will have been sold to you, and you may not even be in the same country as each other so there would be no chance of meeting up to show the AD the watch and get the card that way?

Has anyone been through such an experience yet to try and retrieve a warranty card from an AD without the actual watch to prove you still own it if you've sold it on or the other way round and you are the new owner trying to get possession of the card?

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[ZOOK]

Oh I’m sure the seller will just take a photocopy of the watch to the AD to get his/her warrranty card.

Are people really buying these watches with a promise that the warranty card will be delivered later?

[Swiss Mad!]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

Oh I’m sure the seller will just take a photocopy of the watch to the AD to get his/her warrranty card.

Are people really buying these watches with a promise that the warranty card will be delivered later?

Lol..

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[jonathan17]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

Oh I’m sure the seller will just take a photocopy of the watch to the AD to get his/her warrranty card.

Are people really buying these watches with a promise that the warranty card will be delivered later?

Thats how it is for “Hot” rolex models sold in the UK so for most of us theres nothing we can do. Mine is on hold by the Aurum group until Sept 2019.(not liking it) but its better than paying above retail to resellers at present.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by ZOOK

Oh I’m sure the seller will just take a photocopy of the watch to the AD to get his/her warrranty card.

Are people really buying these watches with a promise that the warranty card will be delivered later?

Exactly.

I would never buy a product that enforced these conditions.

[FinWatch]

I can’t believe that this is actually happening....
Sorry for not answering to you, because I don’t have any experiences on that.
What Rolex is doing here is totally crazy!!!
If one buys a product, the product is property of the buyer. Warranty card is part of that property when we are talking watches. Period.
If I am about to buy my next Rolex and AD is saying something about keeping the warranty card, I will leave the deal. World is full of watches.
Thankfully there are other brands who happen to respect customers.


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[Jonesy2099]

Originally Posted by FinWatch

I can’t believe that this is actually happening....
Sorry for not answering to you, because I don’t have any experiences on that.
What Rolex is doing here is totally crazy!!!
If one buys a product, the product is property of the buyer. Warranty card is part of that property when we are talking watches. Period.
If I am about to buy my next Rolex and AD is saying something about keeping the warranty card, I will leave the deal. World is full of watches.
Thankfully there are other brands who happen to respect customers.


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I fully support Rolex's practice. The warranty card is there for you to have assurance that the watch will be fixed if it malfunctions. What difference does it make if you have it or you don't? Maybe Rolex should just scrap the physical warranty card as it would have no impact on sales.

The reasoning is to deter flippers so that actual watch enthusiasts can enjoy the watches rather than people hoping to make some profit. This to me is respecting the customer.

I have 5 warranty cards for watches that I've owned. I can tell you I don't even think I've looked at these cards - I really don't see the issue here.

As a final point, it looks like the lack of a warranty card hasn't deterred some people from selling a watch on. As a point of principle I wouldn't buy a watch that advertised the fact that the warranty card was held by the AD.

[FinWatch]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I fully support Rolex's practice. The warranty card is there for you to have assurance that the watch will be fixed if it malfunctions. What difference does it make if you have it or you don't? Maybe Rolex should just scrap the physical warranty card as it would have no impact on sales.



The reasoning is to deter flippers so that actual watch enthusiasts can enjoy the watches rather than people hoping to make some profit. This to me is respecting the customer.



I have 5 warranty cards for watches that I've owned. I can tell you I don't even think I've looked at these cards - I really don't see the issue here.



As a final point, it looks like the lack of a warranty card hasn't deterred some people from selling a watch on. As a point of principle I wouldn't buy a watch that advertised the fact that the warranty card was held by the AD.

This point is reasonable:
Maby Rolex should just scrap the physical warranty card.
Otherwise I disagree with you:
It is not world class customer service to hold the warranty card for 12 months. Basic principle in sales overall is:
If you pay for something, after the transaction, it is yours. If the buyer wants to sell the product, he has the right to do it.
And as we can all see:
By holding the warranty card, it’s not helping at all: still people are flipping and grey dealers are making money by selling the watches without warranty cards.
By holding the card, Rolex is leaving a bad taste from the whole transaction:
You are treated like a criminal; Rolex is trying to control what you should be doing with your property.
Childish and silly.



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[R!$]

Originally Posted by FinWatch

Maby Rolex should just scrap the physical warranty card.

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[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Jonesy2099

I fully support Rolex's practice. The warranty card is there for you to have assurance that the watch will be fixed if it malfunctions. What difference does it make if you have it or you don't? Maybe Rolex should just scrap the physical warranty card as it would have no impact on sales.



The reasoning is to deter flippers so that actual watch enthusiasts can enjoy the watches rather than people hoping to make some profit. This to me is respecting the customer.



I have 5 warranty cards for watches that I've owned. I can tell you I don't even think I've looked at these cards - I really don't see the issue here.



As a final point, it looks like the lack of a warranty card hasn't deterred some people from selling a watch on. As a point of principle I wouldn't buy a watch that advertised the fact that the warranty card was held by the AD.

If they scrap the warranty card the upper hand goes to the flipper. It’s so easy to flip if warranty work isn’t dependent on the warranty card. The interesting way to do it would be to register the watch to the buyer. the 5 year warranty would only go to that buyer. That could potentially have an impact.


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[RichM]

Originally Posted by jonnyz1245

I have no comment on the no card, no watch but as far as warranty goes this is what I do know.

In the US I know they will not deny you if you have a valid warranty card, even if you are not the original purchaser and do not have a bill of sale. In the US, the warranty follows the watch. I personally know people who have bought a watch off this site and sent it in for work with only a photocopy of the card needed and asked for by RUSA. Their name was not on the card yet it was accepted for warranty coverage. This is at a US RSC service center. They were treated well and no questions asked. They even got the little green pouch included with the watch on its return.

My post had nothing to do with names on cards. It had to do with the fact that the physical card need not be sent. You could send copies of both sides of the card and a copy of the bill of sale. Names or no names or who’s name, is a completely different topic.

Originally Posted by RFBHD

I just had to get my GMT sent to Dallas RSC for warranty work.... they require the card be sent as well.... no copies

Not sure why they wouldn’t accept a copy. See the note at the top of the mailing instructions. I know it says two years but this was sent to me today.

[prozac51]

I do support this practice by Rolex. The warranty is electronic anyway and the temporary lack of warranty card shouldn't get in the way of enjoying your watch. The new cars I buy these days don't even come with a service booklet!

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[harvey]

I picked up my JC2 at the weekend. The AD kept the warranty card. They asked me if I wanted a photocopy and I declined. No point as I'm never going to sell the watch. It's not an issue for genuine buyers.

It appears people want to make things bigger than they are. It's just a watch.

We have had stickergate, handtaggate , coffinboxgate and now warrantyygate.

Sorry for going off at a tangent.

[blackhawks-fan]

Originally Posted by harvey

I picked up my JC2 at the weekend. The AD kept the warranty card. They asked me if I wanted a photocopy and I declined. No point as I'm never going to sell the watch. It's not an issue for genuine buyers.

It appears people want to make things bigger than they are. It's just a watch.

We have had stickergate, handtaggate , coffinboxgate and now warrantyygate.

Sorry for going off at a tangent.

Now you have started tangentgate. Thanks

[Old Expat Beast]

The withholding of the warranty card by the AD implies a lack of trust in the customer, so I wouldn't buy under those circumstances. Nor would I buy from a seller who only had a photocopy of the card at time of purchase.

[Nocomment]

Wow*!!!!!! Speechless with the brand new sd4k!!! Major congrats

[Chilly Coconut]

Originally Posted by Nocomment

Wow*!!!!!! Speechless with the brand new sd4k!!! Major congrats

Say what?

[Seibei]

A deal is a deal. If you agree to buy the watch with caveats attached, then you have agreed to it. If you don't like the caveats, then do not go through with the deal.

Furthermore, if you agree to buy a watch and you only get a photocopy of the warranty card, then in my book your are a fool and you are setting yourself up for stress, disappointment and loss. What could happen?

1. You may never be able to contact the seller and retrieve the warranty card.

2. The dealer may insist that the seller show the watch to get the warranty card back. What is the seller going to show him? A photocopy of the watch?

Ergo, there is a reasonable chance that you will never get that card and you will never have a full set to go with your watch. Your watch will always be suspect for this reason.

Ideally buy from an AD and get the full set. If that is not possible, buy from a trusted seller and again, insist on the full set upon purchase.

[Harry-57]

I was looking at Chrono24 last night and came across this. The dealer said they would undertake to send the card when Rolex sent it to them, a year after original purchase.

Given that the watch is under warranty for 5 years no matter who currently owns it, I think it's more a hygiene factor for some buyers than a disincentive across the board.

My HiFi amps and streamer and sold with a 5 year warranty. When sold on or part exchanged by the original buyer, the warranty resets to 2 years. If the first owner keeps their equipment for longer than 2 years there is no manufacturer warranty to pass on.

[cuffs]

the reasons and how this would deter flippers is beyond me

A reseller can simply pass on any proof required to collect the card down the road later.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Ok, so I see a lot of resellers on eBay & Chrono24 etc advertising their watches as only having a photocopy of the original warranty card as the AD is keeping it for up to 12 months..

I thought the whole idea of the AD keeping the card was to prevent people from instantly flipping for profit?

So then, for arguments sake, what will happen if you were to purchase a watch from a reseller with only a photocopy of the original card, then in 12 months how will the reseller be able to get that card off the AD without being able to prove they still own the watch as it will have been sold to you, and you may not even be in the same country as each other so there would be no chance of meeting up to show the AD the watch and get the card that way?

Has anyone been through such an experience yet to try and retrieve a warranty card from an AD without the actual watch to prove you still own it if you've sold it on or the other way round and you are the new owner trying to get possession of the card?

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Hi Max

I've bought from the grey market before - full set.

Would I buy with just a photocopy of the card? No.

Without the card, technically a RSC could refuse warranty work. Whether they would, is another matter altogether and you could just say you'd lost the card, as the date of warranty activation should be known to Rolex

Time will tell

[daemonix]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Hi Max

I've bought from the grey market before - full set.

Would I buy with just a photocopy of the card? No.

Without the card, technically a RSC could refuse warranty work. Whether they would, is another matter altogether and you could just say you'd lost the card, as the date of warranty activation should be known to Rolex

Time will tell

Do they really check? (I mean did anyone got refused for not having the card?)

RSC London asked me if I had the card and I said not with me, I had it at home, and I told her that you probably know the details as warranties are activated online nowadays (ipad app and rfid scanner?), right?!.

She said yes, OK and nothing else.

PS: in any case I had a photo of the watch/receipt and all cards etc for my insurance but I didnt need it.

[LPan]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Hi Max

I've bought from the grey market before - full set.

Would I buy with just a photocopy of the card? No.

Without the card, technically a RSC could refuse warranty work. Whether they would, is another matter altogether and you could just say you'd lost the card, as the date of warranty activation should be known to Rolex

Time will tell

No they will not refuse warranty if you turn up with the watch and its verified as not stolen. I have spoken to Rolex specifically about this. Nor does it matter whos name is on the card. If there is a genuine warranty issue then Roilex will honour it.
It is the secondary market, the owners, the buyers who are placing huge emphasis on the warranty card and its value. From a functional point of view it is meaningless.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by LPan

No they will not refuse warranty if you turn up with the watch and its verified as not stolen. I have spoken to Rolex specifically about this. Nor does it matter whos name is on the card. If there is a genuine warranty issue then Roilex will honour it.
It is the secondary market, the owners, the buyers who are placing huge emphasis on the warranty card and its value. From a functional point of view it is meaningless.

This is the problem. If the name doesn't matter then a flipped to buyer can claim on the warranty and it has no deterrent effect. The same with the sticker policy, it's so weak. Rolex are just not smart business people and very slow to adapt, good at making watches but just observing victims in this changing market.

[peterskinner]

Originally Posted by AK797

Rolex are just not smart business people and very slow to adapt, good at making watches but just observing victims in this changing market.

Not good business people....one of the world's top brands. You think they achieved that by accident ?

[AK797]

Originally Posted by peterskinner

Not good business people....one of the world's top brands. You think they achieved that by accident ?

Good watchmakers and good marketers but not sharp business people, esp in this fast moving environment which is much like the money markets and which trade on rumour, sentiment and signalling which are all way outside Rolex's conservative comprehension. Same with Patek and their boss Thierry Stern who announced he wanted to do away with the Nautilus as he was worried about the dominance of the watch but that had the exact reverse effect of making the watch suddenly extremely sort after and thus making the model even more synonymous with the brand. Like I said these are watch guys, not dynamic and savvy business guys.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by LPan

No they will not refuse warranty if you turn up with the watch and its verified as not stolen. I have spoken to Rolex specifically about this. Nor does it matter whos name is on the card. If there is a genuine warranty issue then Roilex will honour it.
It is the secondary market, the owners, the buyers who are placing huge emphasis on the warranty card and its value. From a functional point of view it is meaningless.

I appreciate that the current policy is to accept warranty work without the card, however policies can and do change.

Technically, the warranty wording requires the card to be fully completed by the AD at the time of purchase and presented with the watch. It would be quite simple fro Rolex to start implementing those terms.

A much simpler solution would be to make the warranty non transferable from the original purchaser (or the party the original purchaser designates to be named on the card in the event the watch is a gift)

[Token74]

I was under the impression that the AD will either sort the approval of the repair with Rolex on your behalf, or will provide you with the warranty card if absolutely required.

I believe this process is simply one of the ways to enable the AD to track when a watch is moved on so that they can make a call about selling in-demand watches to customers in the future.


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[Swiss Mad!]

I wonder if it is actually a directive from Rolex to the AD's or just something the AD's have taken up amongst themselves to try & combat the profiteers?

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[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Ok, so I see a lot of resellers on eBay & Chrono24 etc advertising their watches as only having a photocopy of the original warranty card as the AD is keeping it for up to 12 months..

I thought the whole idea of the AD keeping the card was to prevent people from instantly flipping for profit?

So then, for arguments sake, what will happen if you were to purchase a watch from a reseller with only a photocopy of the original card, then in 12 months how will the reseller be able to get that card off the AD without being able to prove they still own the watch as it will have been sold to you, and you may not even be in the same country as each other so there would be no chance of meeting up to show the AD the watch and get the card that way?

Has anyone been through such an experience yet to try and retrieve a warranty card from an AD without the actual watch to prove you still own it if you've sold it on or the other way round and you are the new owner trying to get possession of the card?

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This is why the AD isn't doing anyone a favour. There's always a way to curb their idiotic ways of trying to prevent greys from reselling watches.

What will happen:

-Grey will claim back the warranty card and it is sent to them (Fedex, UPS, DHL, with the risk of that getting lost of course)
-Grey will then have the card and will send it to you (again, with the risk of that getting lost) or you can come pick it up.

You don't need to show the watch to the AD that it is still in your possession. AD will send it to you regardless. Too much logistics in asking the reseller to snap pic of the watch with a newspaper next to it (how stupid - like you've committed a crime ).

Remember that Rolex only produces 1 watch, 1 card. If that card gets lost you have no recourse of blaming the AD because they shipped it to you. I don't see many ADs undertaking this logistical nightmare and responsibility of a pissed off customer. Good luck to Aurum Holdings (the watch group that consist of idiots and guideline monkeys) for trying to win brownie points with Rolex. I sincerely hope they lose 100 warranty cards in the first year of doing this.

PS. Jomashop holds the warranty card for you.
PPS. RSC can reject repair, replacement or anything to do with the watch without the plastic card. Really is that simple that the card is essential for a repair. Not sure how the above replies panned out, but in Asia you have to have the watch with the card with you in order to get it serviced. Good luck showing a receipt or a photocopy.

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The withholding of the warranty card by the AD implies a lack of trust in the customer, so I wouldn't buy under those circumstances. Nor would I buy from a seller who only had a photocopy of the card at time of purchase.

A practice only performed by Aurum (as stated above) in the UK. No other ADs have undertaken this responsibility and logistical nightmare. Imagine you sell 3000-5000 SS pieces a year...That's 3000-5000 Fedex's that you need to pack and send to the rightful owner and hope they all reach. What's the guarantee of that? 0.

If I was a certified, long-lasting grey dealer (there are quite a few established ones on Chrono24, e.g. Avi&Co)...Sure! Keep my card. Send it to me in 6-12 months and I'll make sure to send it to my end customer in which I have the details on. Really not that hard for greys to circumvent their ways of preventing a flip.