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Old 27 November 2013, 01:39 AM   #1
Mhurbi
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Do I have a Rolex lemon? Any advice?

I have had my Datejust in silver and gold since purchasing new in 1999 and I'm really not very happy with it considering it is a pretty expensive watch. My experience so far is detailed below. Should I consider this normal or do I have a Rolex lemon? Opinions? Advice?

In 2004 it stopped working - had an overhaul done by Rolex in Singapore

In 2006 it stopped working again. Back in the US now and it was sent to Rolex NY who fixed it for free since it was so soon after the last overhaul.

In 2010 it stopped working. Did an overhaul again locally by the Rolex authorized service center.

In 2011 the magnifier fell off the crystal for no apparent reason. Had to have the entire crystal replaced.

Now in 2013 it has stopped completely again. Local Rolex triage says the winding mechanism is worn so an overhaul is once again recommended.

It's not like this watch sees rough duty. I am retired and do normal retiree stuff.
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:29 AM   #2
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I wouldn't spend anymore money on it. Buy a new one IMO.


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Old 27 November 2013, 03:33 AM   #3
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I would get it serviced or trade it in for a new DJ if the piece isn't hugely sentimental. I don't think you got a lemon. Just a finicky one.
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:46 AM   #4
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I'd be tired of that. Buy a new one. They shouldn't require that much attention.
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:51 AM   #5
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get it fixed and sell it!
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:56 AM   #6
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If this was any product, not just a Rolex, I would consider it a "lemon". Fix & sell I say. Sorry for your bad luck.
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:57 AM   #7
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Fix it and sell it. I came here thinking that maybe you'd been upset by a single fault or two over the past 14 years or so but that is a laundry list of problems. Rolex almost never have issues like that so close together but with any mass-produced piece of equipment one slips through the cracks once in a while. For as expensive as these things are, I'd expect more too.
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Old 27 November 2013, 03:58 AM   #8
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i'd be tired of that. Buy a new one. They shouldn't require that much attention.
x2
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Old 27 November 2013, 04:37 AM   #9
Casey VP-26
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Sorry for your problems, Its almost like chasing a car, first you repair the brakes, then the exhaust, then new ball joints, next the transmission lets go, etc. etc. etc.

Might be time to trade this puppy in.

Good Luck to ya.
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Old 27 November 2013, 04:41 AM   #10
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Hmmmm... if you are willing to part with it. I agree with other's suggestions to fix and sell. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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Old 27 November 2013, 04:52 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mhurbi View Post
I have had my Datejust in silver and gold since purchasing new in 1999 and I'm really not very happy with it considering it is a pretty expensive watch. My experience so far is detailed below. Should I consider this normal or do I have a Rolex lemon? Opinions? Advice?

In 2004 it stopped working - had an overhaul done by Rolex in Singapore

In 2006 it stopped working again. Back in the US now and it was sent to Rolex NY who fixed it for free since it was so soon after the last overhaul.

In 2010 it stopped working. Did an overhaul again locally by the Rolex authorized service center.

In 2011 the magnifier fell off the crystal for no apparent reason. Had to have the entire crystal replaced.

Now in 2013 it has stopped completely again. Local Rolex triage says the winding mechanism is worn so an overhaul is once again recommended.

It's not like this watch sees rough duty. I am retired and do normal retiree stuff.
If my first Rolex (many moons ago) acted that way, I would have walked away from the brand; however, knowing what I know today, the right move is to persevere ~ yes it seems you got the unlikely lemon. I concur to stop feeding this watch parts/service and pick out a new one. Good luck.
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Old 27 November 2013, 05:05 AM   #12
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Sell it


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Old 27 November 2013, 05:42 AM   #13
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Lemon, I'd be done with that. I have two Rolex's that are going on 10 years without a service and the keep nearly perfect time...
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Old 27 November 2013, 05:45 AM   #14
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YES .... fix it and sell to buy again ..... It's too much trouble with the clock for some strange reason.
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Old 27 November 2013, 06:17 AM   #15
Jim Smyth
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The problem with fixing it and re selling it is that someone else will Inherit the same problem. Rolex knows for sure this is a problem watch because all the work they have done on it. I would work my way of the ladder in Rolex and go all the way to the CEO if necessary and explain whats been going on. It wouldn't surprise me that someone that takes pride in there product (and has the ability to do so) would swap you out for a new one for all the problems you have had in its short life. Totally unacceptable IMO for a Rolex.
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Old 27 November 2013, 06:26 AM   #16
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Sell
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Old 27 November 2013, 07:01 AM   #17
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Time for a new watch.
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Old 27 November 2013, 07:30 AM   #18
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Your watch should have been serviced once or twice in that time frame, my 1968 5501 air king hasn't been serviced since 04 and it wasn't serviced since 85 before that. And still was accurate within 5 seconds a day.
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Old 27 November 2013, 08:44 AM   #19
Mhurbi
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The problem with fixing it and re selling it is that someone else will Inherit the same problem. Rolex knows for sure this is a problem watch because all the work they have done on it. I would work my way of the ladder in Rolex and go all the way to the CEO if necessary and explain whats been going on. It wouldn't surprise me that someone that takes pride in there product (and has the ability to do so) would swap you out for a new one for all the problems you have had in its short life. Totally unacceptable IMO for a Rolex.
Should I work through my local dealer or go straight to Rolex? The watch is still at the local dealer but I haven't told them what to do yet. I was thinking the local dealer might have a good contact at Rolex and could argue my case if they agree my experience has been substandard.
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:12 AM   #20
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Interesting quandary your in, I've owned Rolex for decades without any problems.
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:18 AM   #21
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Fix it and sell it. I came here thinking that maybe you'd been upset by a single fault or two over the past 14 years or so but that is a laundry list of problems. Rolex almost never have issues like that so close together but with any mass-produced piece of equipment one slips through the cracks once in a while. For as expensive as these things are, I'd expect more too.
X2. I went 14 years before I had my first Rolex service.
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:26 AM   #22
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Fix it, sell or flip it and get a new relationship started.
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:27 AM   #23
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Originally Posted by Jim Smyth View Post
The problem with fixing it and re selling it is that someone else will Inherit the same problem. Rolex knows for sure this is a problem watch because all the work they have done on it. I would work my way of the ladder in Rolex and go all the way to the CEO if necessary and explain whats been going on. It wouldn't surprise me that someone that takes pride in there product (and has the ability to do so) would swap you out for a new one for all the problems you have had in its short life. Totally unacceptable IMO for a Rolex.
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:29 AM   #24
tommyz24
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What was the accuracy like during it's lifetime? Wondering if it was sporadic and was showing signs of a bad overhaul job maybe
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:31 AM   #25
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Should I work through my local dealer or go straight to Rolex? The watch is still at the local dealer but I haven't told them what to do yet. I was thinking the local dealer might have a good contact at Rolex and could argue my case if they agree my experience has been substandard.
Rolex is not going to do anything for you since your watch is already 14 years old. If your watch has issues right away within the first year of ownership, or during the warranty period, they might replace it with a new watch. Don't waste your time with Rolex but fix and sell. or sell as is, or trade in as is for a new watch.
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It is a known issue that all of the SubC and GMTIIC's movement have reliability issues. Something to do with a spring that was introduced. I expect this to further increase the value of older Submariners and GMTIIs.
Heck why can't I start my own internet rumor and raise the prices of MY WATCHES!!!!
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Old 27 November 2013, 09:33 AM   #26
exxondus
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Its a money churning machine rolled out by rolex! You have to
Ay for 'maintenance' every now and then

Jokes aside, i am beginning to wonder if its the QC fr the technicians that repaired the watch.
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Old 27 November 2013, 10:15 AM   #27
Jim Smyth
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Should I work through my local dealer or go straight to Rolex? The watch is still at the local dealer but I haven't told them what to do yet. I was thinking the local dealer might have a good contact at Rolex and could argue my case if they agree my experience has been substandard.
I don't know that answer. It just seems that your watch hasn't been working correctly from the get go. I would call, email and politely pester anyone that would listen to me. I am very resourceful and use every method possible. In today's day and age it isn't hard to do.

You may also want to get the Better Business Bureau involved if you dont get the correct answer from your AD. Companies hate this and do every thing possible to make sure they don't have bad reputations publicly listed.

http://www.bbb.org/new-york-city/bus...ew-york-ny-393

Look at how long they have been a A+ rating. Look at how little there complaints are with Millions of watches sold. They do care and want Happy customers. They will make it right!

Rolex is known for its supposedly Superior watch. It seems you have less than a superior watch and something very out of the ordinary regarding Rolex. Seems being retired you have plenty of time.

I don't make bogus write ups but if I think I am in the right I do file BBB reports and I have been made Happy with all 3 that I have filed so far. Have accurate facts and receipts to back it up. Trust me this will go all the way over to Switzerland and they wont like any negative press. Squeaky Wheel gets the grease............ Best of luck.
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Old 27 November 2013, 10:15 AM   #28
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I would push and escalate to someone at Rolex regardless of the age of the watch. Once you get someone you should provide them all the service work as proof. With the exception of the cyclops falling off you could have a design flaw that is causing some of these problems.

See if your AD can put you in touch with a Rolex Rep.

Worst case, get it fixed and trade it for something else.....At least then you know you tried to remedy the issue in good conscious on your part.

Good luck

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Old 27 November 2013, 10:22 AM   #29
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You have had some pretty bad luck it seems. I agree with everyone and say sell it. I would love to see a pic of this "cursed" watch though.
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Old 27 November 2013, 10:34 AM   #30
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Fiesty Rolex, maybe trade it in and acquire a new one. Hope it all works out for you.
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