AD scratched my SS Daytona

[Andygmt2]

Hello All

Just wanted to share my experience with you all (and welcome your views / comments) as this is a very unusually scenario. My SS Daytona had a ‘scuff’ on the side of case which was really bugging me so was in two minds whether to polish it out or wait until it’s next service. I thought it can’t be too expensive for quick light buff so went to local AD in Northampton to see if this work can be carried out. Walked in, guy at the AD says Yes not a problem - pulls out the draw 1 zipper polythene bag to put the watch in and 2 bags ‘rolled up’ into centre of watch (acting as the centre roll in watch cases). Feels very cheap but am sure at RSC main HQ they’d put it in a proper watch case of some sort.

Anyway, few days later - came back to store to pick up, lady pulled the watch out of a suede watch case, side of case was all sorted however to my shock/horror the case back was scratch so badly (I mean to the point it was deep and obvious - no collector or watch enthusiast would want this). Original guy that served me quickly ran across, checked it & says ‘oh no am so sorry’ we’ll sort this, ran upstairs with the watch before I could take any photos (with no explanation) as they believe they have been careful. Of course they took responsibility to polish case back however it makes me question the lack of care and handling of pieces from this AD - A Authorised Dealer with accredited watch makers !!!

When going to collect the timepiece few more days later, there was still no explanation - ‘everyone is very careful’, when I questioned again I don’t understand - the guy says ‘what do you want me to do about it’ in a fairly rude manner. To me this is unheard of but the worst has happened whereby a Rolex AD did more damage

Welcome thoughts if any, and hear other experiences / any complaints process to Rolex direct.

[Andad]

Based on the short turn around time this is being done by the AD.

Are you happy with the end result?

If not, take it to a RSC and discuss.

[omar-rye]

So how does it look now?

Unfortunately, 99% of people, including ADs and their watchmakers, don't care about handling your watch the way you do.

[996marty]

Your Ad should have clearly looked after your watch better but if they’ve now remedied the issue and you are happy with it maybe just let it rest at that and down the line use a different Ad

[amh]

Note to self : Only deal with the RSC when it comes to service. No polish at the AD.

[ufboy73]

Hopefully it's not that bad.

[skipstar]

As long as it is fixed now then call it a lesson learned and wear it in good health.

[brandrea]

Pics?

[s7horton]

I don’t know. I mean no one is perfect. They made a mistake, they made it right. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by s7horton

I don’t know. I mean no one is perfect. They made a mistake, they made it right. Seems pretty straightforward to me.

Have to agree but today the smallest scratch is often blown out of all proportion by some owners today.As long as it was rectified cannot see the point of posting especially on a case back which no one would see when wearing on the wrist.

[georgew]

That AD was clearly careless with the watch, inexcusable as they claim to be "certified" for service (with a "watchmaker"). They did make it right, but I think I would have considered having them replace the case back (and re-seal and pressure test - on their dime). I would not use them for any service again (maybe other than ordering something)

[amh]

ADs in particular seems to be very careless. (We also don't visit the hospital to be treated for a cold, it's the easiest place to catch something else!)

[JPizzzle]

If the polish bothers you, then just request for them to order a new case back.

[rcwatchcollector]

I think a AD should take the upmost care with someone’s watch. Doesn’t matter how someone might not think scratches matter or not. The fact is it is someone else’s property. Extreme care should be taken.

My AP SA at the NYC boutique handles my watch like it is the most important thing in the world. I just sent my 43 offshore in for service and he put gloves on. Put the watch on a tray. Carefully put the watch in a small shipping box. Showed me the watch in box to inspect. Then sent the watch to the back. Walking in a slow deliberate way with the box still on the tray to the back office. Like he actually cares.


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[amh]

Originally Posted by rcwatchcollector

I think a AD should take the upmost care with someone’s watch. Doesn’t matter how someone might not think scratches matter or not. The fact is it is someone else’s property. Extreme care should be taken.

My AP SA at the NYC boutique handles my watch like it is the most important thing in the world. I just sent my 43 offshore in for service and he put gloves on. Put the watch on a tray. Carefully put the watch in a small shipping box. Showed me the watch in box to inspect. Then sent the watch to the back. Walking in a slow deliberate way with the box still on the tray to the back office. Like he actually cares.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's pretty clear from the countless AD damage reports that not all of them care. Classic example is getting bracelet adjusted. It's not even a watch tech who does it but simply one of the SAs who disappears into the "back room" and returns 5min later with a badly mangled screw - or worse a scratched bracelet. (This is why I bought a high quality driver set and learned how to handle adjustments myself.)

[travisb]

If you are satisfied with the end result, then leave it at that. Frustrating I'm sure. Otherwise, RSC is the way to go.

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by 996marty

Your Ad should have clearly looked after your watch better but if they’ve now remedied the issue and you are happy with it maybe just let it rest at that and down the line use a different Ad

This.