Embarrassing to bring a 10x loupe?

[Dennis Quek]

I am planning to buy my second rolex, a dssd. I had a dust speck on my previous purchase, so I am bringing along a 10x loupe this time to inspect the dial personally before buying.

I'm afraid that the AD will look down on me. But I really do not want to be a victim again, so now in dilemma. Pls advise..

[Time2time]

No problem with that. I would too if I had a previous problem.
I'm sure that AD will understand when you explain to him.

[Silvio Mosiello]

Why would you feel embarrassed? Its a big decision! Sure they may think you are crazy but who cares! If they frown on you for doing what makes you feel comfortable to make a purchase than take your business elsewhere!

[HRV]

No problem

[elevensheep]

Originally Posted by Silvio Mosiello

Why would you feel embarrassed? Its a big decision! Sure they may think you are crazy but who cares! If they frown on you for doing what makes you feel comfortable to make a purchase than take your business elsewhere!

x2

[U5512]

I always have a 15x loupe with me when buying watches.

[BOA]

Victim of a dust speck?

Sounds a bit like hyperbole to me.

[Citizenrich]

Originally Posted by BOA

Victim of a dust speck?

Sounds a bit like hyperbole to me.

I got a kick out of that little tale of victim hood myself. Then I remembered how strict things in Singapore can be. Probably just rote English.

To the original poster: nothing wrong with kicking the tires. Just make sure you practice using a loop before you break it out in public.

[ROGERWILCO357]

Originally Posted by Citizenrich

I got a kick out of that little tale of victim hood myself. Then I remembered how strict things in Singapore can be. Probably just rote English.

To the original poster: nothing wrong with kicking the tires. Just make sure you practice using a loop before you break it out in public.

practice using that loupe practice makes perfect...good luck with the purchase

[Psmith]

I wonder if anyone checks accuracy before buying? Pretty certain I remember someone posting that they do this with a new watch, before removing stickers and wearing it. So why not do it before you buy? Set the watch using another watch, or your phone, then pop back to the AD 24 hrs later to see how it has performed...

I'm being tongue-in-cheek, but why not? And perhaps ADs should do this with new watches anyway? (the watch equivalent of a new car road test). Just some ideas brought on by this thread, although I can't see many ADs being keen...

[patek.wis]

You know guys - some people are 'afraid' to go to an AD 10 times to try on watches before making a decision. Some are scared of taking a loupe, or whatever you need to feel comfy, or inspecting the watch for 10 minutes.

It's a minimum of a 6k you are putting down for any model, and most of the times more than that.

This is probably due to AD's pressuring the sale or making you feel like its a burden you being there or taking their time up.

You're the customer, do whatever you want to make you feel comfortable. You have the buying power and at the end of the day, the guy or gal on the other side of the counter is going to be there no matter what, helping you or someone else. It's their job, let them do it and EARN the sale!

If they dont want your business, hell with them =)

Take your loupe and be proud

[Silvio Mosiello]

If my AD said anything about me bringing a loupe in and made me feel embarrassed I would tell her manager and say they lost a good customer. Do you not look closely at a new car before you buy it? Do you not check the foundation of a new house and make sure everything is top notch before you buy it? Sure a loupe is taking it somewhat far but you wont notice the tiniest flaw on a car or house boat etc but on a watch which all of us wis's who stare at the dial all day may very well notice a small flaw which takes away from the enjoyment of it. You should go ahead and smell the damn watch to make sure the watchmaker cleaned his hands who made it if that makes you comfortable! Your the customer you are always right now go put that loupe to work!

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Silvio Mosiello

If my AD said anything about me bringing a loupe in and made me feel embarrassed I would tell her manager and say they lost a good customer. Do you not look closely at a new car before you buy it? Do you not check the foundation of a new house and make sure everything is top notch before you buy it? Sure a loupe is taking it somewhat far but you wont notice the tiniest flaw on a car or house boat etc but on a watch which all of us wis's who stare at the dial all day may very well notice a small flaw which takes away from the enjoyment of it. You should go ahead and smell the damn watch to make sure the watchmaker cleaned his hands who made it if that makes you comfortable! Your the customer you are always right now go put that loupe to work!

Well said!

[Rags]

Originally Posted by Silvio Mosiello

If my AD said anything about me bringing a loupe in and made me feel embarrassed I would tell her manager and say they lost a good customer. Do you not look closely at a new car before you buy it? Do you not check the foundation of a new house and make sure everything is top notch before you buy it? Sure a loupe is taking it somewhat far but you wont notice the tiniest flaw on a car or house boat etc but on a watch which all of us wis's who stare at the dial all day may very well notice a small flaw which takes away from the enjoyment of it. You should go ahead and smell the damn watch to make sure the watchmaker cleaned his hands who made it if that makes you comfortable! Your the customer you are always right now go put that loupe to work!

Well said Silvio..

[ttomczak]

Originally Posted by Silvio Mosiello

If my AD said anything about me bringing a loupe in and made me feel embarrassed I would tell her manager and say they lost a good customer. Do you not look closely at a new car before you buy it? Do you not check the foundation of a new house and make sure everything is top notch before you buy it? Sure a loupe is taking it somewhat far but you wont notice the tiniest flaw on a car or house boat etc but on a watch which all of us wis's who stare at the dial all day may very well notice a small flaw which takes away from the enjoyment of it. You should go ahead and smell the damn watch to make sure the watchmaker cleaned his hands who made it if that makes you comfortable! Your the customer you are always right now go put that loupe to work!

Plus 100 here.

[le_baroudeur]

I would not. I would verify it at home, or in the car, after the purchase. Why? The risk is minimal, even if you have had a problem previously.
Very small dots can be considered as normal, it is just a watch, and surgical watches are myths.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dennis Quek

I am planning to buy my second rolex, a dssd. I had a dust speck on my previous purchase, so I am bringing along a 10x loupe this time to inspect the dial personally before buying.

I'm afraid that the AD will look down on me. But I really do not want to be a victim again, so now in dilemma. Pls advise..

Afraid today loupe mania is the norm with most Rolex wearers today with Rolex watches so don't be embarrassed.

[Reu]

Originally Posted by padi56

Afraid today loupe mania is the norm with most Rolex wearers today with Rolex watches so don't be embarrassed.

Really? I don't think it is.

I mean maybe on here - the Rolex Forum, but in the non-obsessed Rolex world where people buy a watch to wear and enjoy (and simply just that) I'm not sure it is the norm.

To the OP, you're concerned that it's a little embarrasing. You've sort of answered your own question.

I wouldn't discourage you from doing it if it's going to ease your mind because I get it completely, but the AD will most likely think it a little odd, and naturally. Some would argue that you're actually looking for something wrong in it.

No offence to anyone on this forum, I enjoy my time on here very much, but I don't think I've seen so many bizarre anxieties from various people and posts... from a smaller or bigger 'F' on the dial on Subs and pearls not lining up, to dust/lint inside dials.

Don't get me wrong, I get accused regularly of being too particular wanting things to be just a certain way. I have to say though that since becoming part of this community I know I will have so many concerns over what may be wrong with my next watch purchase, now these things have been highlighted in various threads.

It's frustratingly infectious.

[Adam K.]

No, not in my view. All major watch manufacturers can let out specimens with "issues" from time to time....it pays to examine the piece you intend to purchase to make sure it isn't one of those. Easier to do that, then find out afterwards and have to deal with the customer service process (however good or accomodating it may be) after the fact!

[Dennis Quek]

Originally Posted by Adam K.

No, not in my view. All major watch manufacturers can let out specimens with "issues" from time to time....it pays to examine the piece you intend to purchase to make sure it isn't one of those. Easier to do that, then find out afterwards and have to deal with the customer service process (however good or accomodating it may be) after the fact!

This is the exact feeling... I hate going through the post sale customer procedure... this is why, I decided to bring my 10x loupe along. Thanks for all the good advices, not that I dont trust Rolex QC but I had gotten a bad feeling when I purchased my first rolex. So now, I am not going to make the same mistake again.

[wokafu]

i would if im about to purchase a vintage piece...but wont if im going for a new 1..would you..?

[MrLee]

I gotta be honest I would feel like a bit of a nerd, but I can understand why u are doing it. Won't they have a loupe in store anyway, just ask to borrow theirs.

[Bangel]

You're the customer and it's your money you're parting with.

If you're planning to use a loupe to inspect your watch for potential angst inducing flaws anyway, you might as well do it at the shop. I'm sure it would make life a whole lot easier to discover any flaws before purchase than dealing with them after.

I've never used a loupe myself, but I don't think you should feel any sense of embarrassment or being intimidated for wanting to do so.

Let us know how it all goes.

Edit: Just saw your post above and see you've decided to take the loupe. Good for you.

[dpkong]

Originally Posted by MrLee

I gotta be honest I would feel like a bit of a nerd, but I can understand why u are doing it. Won't they have a loupe in store anyway, just ask to borrow theirs.

this is the answer!

[Roley]

I inspect every watch purchase with a loupe. New or old...it's my money, and I don't want any surprises when I get home.

I have spotted scratches on new watches at AD's, and ask to see another one without any problems.

[Cabaiguan]

When I bought my wife her engagement ring, the jeweler lent me a loupe to inspect the diamond, which was much less expensive than why many current watches go for.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, but you should not feel embarrassed doing so.

[SALTY]

I would not feel embarrassed, especially if I had a previous issue but the store would no doubt have a loupe for you to use and if you brought it up in conversation about your previous issue and then asked to borrow a loupe - it would be entirely understandable. I doubt they would be the least bit reluctant to accomodate.

[bigrustypig]

I'd do the same thing and bring a 10X loupe. No embarassment at all.

[le_baroudeur]

Another solution:
You borrow the AD's loupe, saying that you want to see the dial's perfection... They will not refuse.

[77T]

Originally Posted by le_baroudeur

Another solution:
You borrow the AD's loupe, saying that you want to see the dial's perfection... They will not refuse.

This is the best solution IMHO. Have your own in your car's glovebox as a Plan B, but ask for theirs first.

It can be a cultural thing and Dennis lives in a part of the world where it could be taken as a slight to one's character if you whip out your own loupe - a silent sign of distrust.

When working close-up under race cars I learned a trick - use 6 power reading glasses to see things clearly with both eyes while keeping both hands free. This isn't as good as 10x loupe but it avoids the potential for putting-off the seller (AD or private).