Chrono24 and The Vintage Watch Agency

[is0lde]

I have bought several watches on Chrono24 over the years, and never had any issues. In Jan 2022 I purchased a 2005 Rolex Explorer II 16570 Polar dial from Scandinavian Luxury AB t/a The Vintage Watch Agency (the Seller). In short, I had to hire a Lawyer in Stockholm to demand restitution for misrepresenting and selling a fake watch. It's a long story that cost me almost two thousand dollars, but for those of you interested - please read on.

After a few days I noticed the watch was not keeping good time and the seller had apparently listed the wrong 3186 calibre instead of the older 3185 Calbre. The seller agreed for me to return the watch, but It had to be returned from within Europe to avoid customs duties. I was already in the States. Time passed beyond the date I had hoped to return to Europe so in September 2022 I decided to accept the watch with the older Calibre and have it serviced by Rolex RSC in Dallas. In Nov 2022 Rolex informed me the Watch was not eligible for Service. They said the Serial Number was Altered. (photo below)
I informed Chrono24 and the Dealer.  The Dealer, after Speaking to RSC Dallas and at C24's suggestion, instructed me to return the watch so that it could be sent to Rolex HQ in Geneva, Switzerland. Timo at Chrono24 told me that Rolex Europe operated differently than Rolex USA. ( Hard to believe, but whatever..) I travelled back to Europe and returned the Watch to the seller in Dec 2022. Time passed and I had no news. In Feb 2023 The seller informed me that the Local AD Bergströms was willing to service the Watch. I refused, Local AD's are independently operated and do not always adhere to the same standards and procedures of Official RSC's. Evidently the AD "Bergströms" failed to notice the Altered serial number or was willing to overlook it. I insisted that Rolex carry out the service as agreed (which I was going to pay for). Eventually the seller claimed to have sent it to RSC Geneva, and told me it could take 3 months. June 2023, Still no news, I asked the seller to provide proof or a receipt that they sent the watch to Rolex or refund me. They refused, and told me to wait longer. I called Rolex to see if they had my watch, but they could not confirm this. I sent a demand Letter to the Vintage Watch Agency for a refund, which they ignored. I reached out to Chrono24, and they replied stating it's not their problem and that they were no longer mediating this issue. I initiated an ECC and ODR out of court claim, that the seller also Ignored. So in Sept 2023 I had to hire a lawyer in Stockholm, who looked at my claim and agreed to bring a lawsuit against the seller. The seller responded saying they would refund me the cost of the watch, less $1,000 dollars for "servicing and handling". Emotion and rational thinking are incompatible, as was the cost to pay my Lawyer to argue the settlement. I reluctantly accepted their disgusting offer and cut my losses. Once I  got my money I was asked to leave feedback on the Chrono24 site. Well, I tried to leave a five sentence summary of my wonderful experience, but C24 rejected my reviews twice. They Told me that the Seller has to approve my review in this case.

In conclusion, if you're still reading, don't buy from Chrono24.
They claim that every watch sold is Guaranteed Authentic. This is a lie.
C24 claim to vet every seller and hold them to high standards. This is a lie.
Chrono24 allowed the Vintage Watch Agency to misrepresent a watch and refused to refund me. 
I hope they do not sell this watch to anyone else. Serial number of the watch was F06440. Below is the image from Rolex Dallas of the Altered Serial Number. Buy Direct from a reputable dealer. 

[daysky1]

I also had a similar experience with a different seller, this is how they advertised and the picture says it all. All authentic watches and accessories .... The watch itself will be no different than the one purchased at an authorized dealer. All items originate from manufacturer and are carefully inspected upon arrival to ensure quality and authenticity. To ensure you of the integrity of our organization, please read our reviews by previous customers on eBay.com, Amazon.com, Google.com & ShopperApproved at the following links: links not shown. I can only speak to my experience with this seller concerning this watch. The general manager tried with all his skills to convince me Rolex had sent this watch out in this condition. I called Rolex New York, they said they would never release a watch that looked like that. Thankfully I didn't lose as much as you did but just the same attempting to sell other than as advertised is a problem at times with some places. https://imgur.com/a/VVIy9Dn