Stolen Watch

[rmsbadco]

Hi everyone. I have/had a Sea Dweller that I bought in 1999. Obviously there's a lot of sentimental value.
I took it to the Rolex shop in Leeds to send for a service.
They have just told me that it has been stolen while in transit.
They are saying that they will replace the watch either by finding a replacement of similar age or a new model if I prefer.
I don't want a watch that has been owned by someone else the value of the watch to me was that I'd owned it from new and was able to pass it on to one of my sons.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? What are my rights and do you have any advice?

[JRell]

Originally Posted by rmsbadco

Hi everyone. I have/had a Sea Dweller that I bought in 1999. Obviously there's a lot of sentimental value.
I took it to the Rolex shop in Leeds to send for a service.
They have just told me that it has been stolen while in transit.
They are saying that they will replace the watch either by finding a replacement of similar age or a new model if I prefer.
I don't want a watch that has been owned by someone else the value of the watch to me was that I'd owned it from new and was able to pass it on to one of my sons.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? What are my rights and do you have any advice?

Really sorry to hear. Please keep us posted. If you do get a new watch, are you looking at a new SD?

[BillA]

Well, realistically nothing will replace the sentimental value of the stolen watch so insist on a new piece not pre-owned, they gave you a choice.

[rmsbadco]

Originally Posted by JRell

Really sorry to hear. Please keep us posted. If you do get a new watch, are you looking at a new SD?

I really don't know - I prefer the design of the older Sea Dweller - not as keen in the newer design so I think I'd prefer a sub Mariner but tbh I'm in a bit of shock!

[Ravager135]

If your Sea Dweller is gone forever, I'd leverage the dealer for a brand new replacement. I personally feel it's just better to build new memories. If you want another Sea Dweller, I don't think it would take that long to get one, but as you probably know the case size is larger and the modern version does wear different. You may prefer a Submariner.

I would be remiss not to mention that since the Sea Dweller was stolen and it has sentimental value, even though it may not be directly their fault, the AD should be motivated to making you as happy as possible. That might mean moving to the top of the waitlist for something harder to get than a Submariner or Sea Dweller. I'd ask for a white dial Daytona, but if that watch means nothing to you move on with a modern diver.

[Csharp83]

Sorry to hear this!

[rmpickard]

What about checking on a NOS example from aftermarket?

[Wahlberg]

Stolen in transit wtf... How do they even ship those watches, do they use regular postal service?

[rohada]

I'd go with new model and get full warranty associated with it.

[Dendi]

That's crazy! Sorry to hear . You would think they would have some ultra secure tracking means for such high value products. Hope it's located, if not hope you get a replacement that you're happy with.

[Zach69SS]

Sorry to hear this, I would go in to dealer and try out the new SD and any other models you fancy, then decide which piece works for you. There is nothing that can replace your watch or the sentimental value you had with it.

That said; I don’t know the laws in the UK as far as liability and sentimental value.
As long as the dealer is being reasonable with the value and not trying to take advantage of you. Work with them to find a solution that is a Win-Win for both of you.

These things happen and it is not their fault, the world is messed up and people do these type of things to others.

Best of luck.

[Easy E]

Very sorry to hear this OP. You should post the model and serial number in this thread so in the off chance it winds up somewhere that a dealer or buyer searches for serial number it gets a hit as stolen. Also, if not already done, have your AD (or you do so) report it directly to Rolex.

As stated above, nothing replaces sentimental value, but I would go for a new piece. Again, very sorry to hear this, good luck going forward.

[worldofoyster]

wow, that sucks.

get a new one and build the value again

[Gerry62]

Incredible !!!
A serviced 16600 would be my choice
the new ones are another watch that I personally don't like

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum, I wish it were under better circumstances.

Maybe they could find you a NOS 116600? It would be a long shot, but it would give you the previous gen aesthetic with the modern upgrades.

[marc2828]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Welcome to the forum, I wish it were under better circumstances.

Maybe they could find you a NOS 116600? It would be a long shot, but it would give you the previous gen aesthetic with the modern upgrades.

agree 100%. Sorry to hear about this sad situation.

[996marty]

That’s not good and I feel for you. I wouldn’t be happy with the circumstances you now find yourself in because of the RSC and its chosen shipper. I’d be pushing to get the max out of the RSC for compensation

[L_S_SHOE]

Not sure what you mean by rights. The watch is gone. Sounds like your AD is trying to take care of you.

There are gently used examples out there. Will take a bit of patience to find the right one, but I think what he’s proposing is fair.


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[nighthawk77]

Sorry to hear OP. My choice would be NOS Sea Dweller from same era > new model > RSC serviced Sea Dweller with warranty.

I might also consider moving to a completely different model - if it were me I'm not sure another SD will replace the memory of old, and it may serve as a reminder of what happened, bringing some baggage with it. Possibly time to start afresh with something new and create new memories.

Either way, it's terrible to hear, and I think you make them well aware of the sentimental value the watch had and check how they will make that good in addition to the lost watch.

[reposado]

Of all the ways to have your watch stolen, this is probably the most favourable as it sounds like your AD is trying to really look after you.

That said I’d be really upset to lose a watch I’d had for a long time too, sorry to hear it mate.

Might be a good chance to ask your AD for something different rather than trying to replace like for like, as like you say, it’ll have been someone else’s old watch, not yours.

I’d ask them for an LV submariner personally

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by rmsbadco

Hi everyone. I have/had a Sea Dweller that I bought in 1999. Obviously there's a lot of sentimental value.
I took it to the Rolex shop in Leeds to send for a service.
They have just told me that it has been stolen while in transit.
They are saying that they will replace the watch either by finding a replacement of similar age or a new model if I prefer.
I don't want a watch that has been owned by someone else the value of the watch to me was that I'd owned it from new and was able to pass it on to one of my sons.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? What are my rights and do you have any advice?

Ask them to get you a NOS 16600 with B&P, there's loads of them on Chrono 24.

Here's one:

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/rol...8_3ZhJYI&pos=2

[Mr Ben]

Did you get terms and conditions on whatever paperwork you received or on their website? That would be my starting point. I expect consumer law would point you back to the contract and how they say they will look after property. It’s probably limited to cost or value and anything else will be goodwill.

Sadly, there won’t be a separate law for Rolex watches with sentimental value but I’d like to think a Rolex AD would want to make it good and avoid any negative publicity and NOS doesn’t seem an unreasonable ask.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by L_S_SHOE

Not sure what you mean by rights. The watch is gone. Sounds like your AD is trying to take care of you.

Agreed.

[Cambo]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Agreed.

Agreed again.
They are stepping up to rectify as best they can. Commendable.

[DAGMoney]

Not much to be done, other than work with you to replace it with something comparable in a fair transaction.

Assuming your original watch is long gone, I'd have them replace it with a new one. That way, it's yours and only yours, and will still be the one owner piece you can one day pass along...

[dannyboy123]

Originally Posted by L_S_SHOE

Not sure what you mean by rights. The watch is gone. Sounds like your AD is trying to take care of you.

There are gently used examples out there. Will take a bit of patience to find the right one, but I think what he’s proposing is fair.


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Basically this. It's unfortunate but they can't replace those memories and its just not possible to put a $ value on them. The options they have offered are both fair, that said as someone else has mentioned you could push for a harder to obtain piece such as a Daytona if that floats yer boat. you could flick it and snag a replacement at your leisure.

I guess you could ask for a Submariner - maybe a better fit - and some nominal $?

Ironically I had a not dissimilar situation that involved a jeweller posting some diamonds to be mounted into an engagement ring that went AWOL in transit, and at the last minute. I won't bore you all with the details, but it ****ed my engagement trip plans and turned into an absolute farce - it happens.

[IntrinoX]

Wow, that really blows, but at least they're willing to rectify the issue!

[KatGirl]

So sorry this happened. Figure out what watch you want. If it were me, I’d take the opportunity to pick out a brand new watch, perhaps a GMT would be about the same value and fit. If no interest in a GMT, then get a new Submariner or Yachtmaster.

Kat


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[911cz]

Very sorry to hear this. ☹️

[paul cbc]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

Ask them to get you a NOS 16600 with B&P, there's loads of them on Chrono 24.

Here's one:

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/rol...8_3ZhJYI&pos=2

So Sorry!!

Echoing others - Get the watch you want. NOS idea as per above - as long as Rolex would bring the watch in, and do a full service prior to sending to you.

I had a bike stolen a few years back that I rode for 30 years.
It was my Dad's bike before that. You'll ride again with another watch.

Let us know how things work out