Day-Date Moisture Issue... Possible Buyer Beware

[Chozn1]

I have two basic issues, and trust me when I say the starting of this thread was a last resort. I made, what is for me, a considerable investment into a timepiece some months back. Here's a pic of the 18238 just after I received it.



For the most part, everything appeared to be in order. The band had a touch more stretch than I anticipated (since he was very adamant about how little there was) and the clasp was raised a bit when on the wrist. There was also a bit of a ding on the bracelet, but all things considered I just told myself that the watch was 20'ish years old and I'd paid far less than what a new DD would cost. So, for the sake of being reasonable and tempering expectations, I called it good and set about wearing the piece.

However, the first time I took the watch out (only 2 days later) I looked down in disbelief to see the crystal fogged to the point I couldn't even read the time. I took this pic with my phone and immediately sent it to the seller.

Hey ______, we have an issue. There's fog/moisture inside the watch.

Sent from my iPhone




I got the following reply which I have not altered in any way other than removing his name and number again...

Hi Gabe! No biggie.. thats a typical 123 $20 reseal from any watchmaker.. call me anytime at *** *** ****
On Oct 20, 2012, at 11:50 AM, G. Dyes wrote:



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Sent from my iPhone


While I appreciated his offer to call, given the amount of money and the issue at hand, I wanted to keep everything in writing so there was no mis-communication. The problem is, that's when he stopped any and all communication. He was prompt in replies to emails to that point, but there's been nothing from him since. I sent this reply...

_____, I appreciate the offer to call. For now, I need to email. My concern is that it doesn't fog up until I wear it and there's a temperature change which brings the moisture up to the crystal. After I take it off and set it down the moisture will dissipate from the crystal, but it takes some time to do so and it's settling back into, among other things, the movement. I'm not sure it needs a new seal, but I am sure that it has moisture inside of it, and I have no idea how long it's been in there prior to my acquisition. You and I both know moisture inside these piece=bad news. Please understand that I'm in no way assigning ill-intent on you or your company's part. I didn't notice the issue either until wearing it and I understand the watch probably has not been worn in some time. The other thing that concerned me was after I took the watch off and could actually read it again (it fogged up to the point I couldn't), the date had flipped back to the 19 and when I originally put it on that morning it was on the 20. Let me know what you're thinking we need to do.

Best,
Gable

Again, I received no reply so I sent this...

_____, I need an answer via email (so there's no confusion on either side) as to what you want me to do with the watch. I can't read it due to the fogging up, and I have concerns as to how long this has been going on and about moisture in the movement. Also, the date wheel does not line up properly within the window. I would take a picture, but you wouldn't be able to tell anything because the watch is fogged up now just from me walking outside with it. I do not live in a town in RSC or a Rolex Repair Professional. I would have to send the watch off, wait for a quote to repair, and then coordinate with you on the payment. That's more than I was bargaining for when I made the purchase. Please advise.

Significant time has passed and the seller is active on this forum. I do not wish to tarnish a man's livelihood if he's missed my emails by some remote chance, but I'd also want someone to tell me if they were having this issue with a seller and I was considering a buy. In fact, what drew me off the sidelines was a newer member who requested references for the seller. I'd like some opinions from members and mods as to how to proceed, and I thank you all in advance for helping me on both the technical and community aspects of this. If the mods would like any further information to confirm my end of this, I'm more than willing to provide.