Returned grey market 39mm dual time to dealer, was I right?

[robertengel]

To summarise a long story, I had been eyeing a 26120ST.OO.1220ST.01 for a long time and one became available in Europe at an acceptable price (first started looking at the piece prior to the pandemic when it was 20k from where it proceeded to double in price). Multiple things went wrong at purchase and I ended up returning it, here is what was wrong you tell me if I over reacted or not:

I had flown to see the piece inside the EU country in question where I went to the dealers small offices and got to handle it, the watch was polished but in good condition, it was not sized so I could not try it on 100%. The clasp I found to be sticking a little bit the dealer kinda waved it away and said its better than if it came undone easily. I had mixed feelings but ultimately said yes to the piece as I was thinking I will never find a perfect condition one at an attractive price. Prior to purchase I had them confirm they will ship it to me by a certain day as I need it by that date the latest.

The wire took a little longer to arrive so that pushed us closer to the deadline but the carrier confirmed they would ship the watch by the deadline. This is where the problems began. I was eagerly waiting for delivery and had reserved the entire day to be at the location (which was a month long rental for a work from wherever I want arrangement and the last week of my stay). There was an update in the morning that something went wrong but that the watch will be delivered on time. A few hours later I check again and see that it says the watch is ready for pickup in a city 70+ km away. I write the seller and they respond saying that yes there was an issue and they will soon send me the address to go pick it up. That pissed me off and I let it be known that it's not really acceptable to me. They then said that okay they will have it delivered in another days time which again was not acceptable due to me travelling. What struck me here was how matter of fact the delivery of "yea these things happen" was and that they felt it okay that the packaging missed the mark by 70km. At this point I suggested that the watch go back to them because this is not the quality service and relationship with a dealer that I want to depend on and because im unsure about the status of the shipping insurance in this circumstance. They said the watch has to arrive to me for them to take it back should I want it. After some arguments they arranged for someone to drive it to me.

The package arrived and I unboxed it to give it a chance but had a lot of anger in me for having had to argue with them. The watch is great, much better than in their office (they have poor lighting). I pop it on, it is now perfectly sized, a smile appears on my face. As I stand up from the table to walk out onto the terrace with it the clasp pops open. Assuming I closed it wrong I repeat the process and gently pull on it, the thing pops open. I had let the dealer know and at the same time asked my AD who quoted me a price for a new clasp with no end links. I forwarded this to the seller. They said it's a free fix I should walk into any boutique. I told them there isn't one close to me I would have to travel. So they suggested I send it back to them (I was unwilling to do it at this point as if their shipping missed the city by 70km domestically who knows how it goes internationally), so they said that they sold it to me at a good price and that they can't really do much more than maybe pay the part but in reality its a free fix. Having looked at the clasp the springs seemed worn and there was a dent in the area where the side in question clips in. I felt it unlikely that this is a free fix.

I told them to arrange a pickup for the watch for a full refund, they said that's fine but I have to be in one place the whole day, I again told them this won't work. So then they said the courier will be there by 12:00. Okay of course the courier arrived sometime after 15:00. Maybe it's not their fault but it sure seemed like they were consistently off on shipping related matters.

Ultimately returned the watch due to agitation and lack of trust towards the seller in how they handled issues deferring to me to fix them for them. The money was promptly refunded, they felt it necessary to text me that AP will fix it for free, I had my doubts. So, did I overreact or do you think it's justifiable to not trust someone for this.

[EEpro]

Another one will come along. Relationships that require effort on the outset are usually not good ones. I think you did the right thing.

[seadubs]

Just depends on how bad you wanted and liked the piece. To me, if it was a good price and I really wanted it- I wouldve kept and agreed for them to pay for the part. The dealer cannot control shipping and things happen. The fact that they took it back for a full refund and ate the shipping costs shows me that they are indeed a stand up dealer. Personally, i think you overreacted.

[michaelodonnell123]

For that kind of money - I would buy new. Walk into the boutique, try it on and walk out happy. Why put yourself through all this nonsense for a watch.

[robertengel]

Originally Posted by seadubs

Just depends on how bad you wanted and liked the piece. To me, if it was a good price and I really wanted it- I wouldve kept and agreed for them to pay for the part. The dealer cannot control shipping and things happen. The fact that they took it back for a full refund and ate the shipping costs shows me that they are indeed a stand up dealer. Personally, i think you overreacted.

I paid for shipping 350 euro. The part exchange they were being vague on. They did refund in the end, but not for shipping and of course parts cost would not be the full cost of replacement procedure. They weren't malicious in that sense.

[robertengel]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

For that kind of money - I would buy new. Walk into the boutique, try it on and walk out happy. Why put yourself through all this nonsense for a watch.

It has been out of production for a number of years, I would gladly buy it from a boutique and wouldn't buy current pieces grey.

[l_chissle]

Think you did the right thing. Which dial and how much was it if you dont mind me asking?

[VogelPhoenix]

Seems like a lot of work to get back to where you started (minus the shipping costs), but maybe better than having an expensive watch with an annoying back story.

[jedione65]

I also went through a hassle when I got my Royal Oak and the process took a month of hurdles during which I got so frustrated and almost gave up and asked for a refund. This was also involving a major reputable chain AD that also sells vintage and pre owned watches. I have several similar stories, but some of the watches did end up making it into my collection. I probably would've dealt with it and kept that watch if I really liked it, but the broken clasp would have been a problem that needed to be taken care of.

[JTY_Canada]

I wish AP would re-introduce the dual time. A very useful function for travelers.