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Old 14 December 2019, 01:47 AM   #1
superdog
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What would you do?

I bought a truly limited edition, to 357 pieces, watch from a brand I very much appreciate. I purchased from an authorized dealer.

They told me at the time that the set was incomplete as it didn’t yet have the LE Certificate. However, they guaranteed me that it would be coming. And for months they informed me it was close. Then it was imminent in the coming days.

And then it wasn’t coming at all. They stopped producing them for this watch and it wasn’t going to be produced again. Ever. It was apparently escalated so they offered me a watch box as consolation.

This watch was over $16,000. Now it’s an incomplete set worth less than half that. Clearly that’s bad in the world of this watch community we all congregate in.

I do consider value and value retention when buying a watch. Or anything actually.

I have been very loyal to this brand for years. I never buy gray as they have most of their collection available for purchase. I’m disappointed. I have the email for some big wigs. And I’m going to send off an extremely polite but pointed email.

But was curious to the hives collective thoughts before I do so.

Thanks folks.
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:51 AM   #2
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If it's a watch you always wanted and plan on keeping, I don't see why not having the certificate is a big deal. I'd still bring it up with the dealer and see if they'll do anything but what's the issue otherwise? Wear the watch, enjoy, and don't worry about resale value if you bought it for yourself.
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:53 AM   #3
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Unacceptable to me, especially at such a high value.

I would do my best to return it and go to the top, if need be.
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:54 AM   #4
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Unacceptable to me, especially at such a high value.

I would do my best to return it and go to the top, if need be.
You'd return a very limited production watch you wanted and would not be able to find/buy new again because of a missing certificate?
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:56 AM   #5
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If it's a watch you always wanted and plan on keeping, I don't see why not having the certificate is a big deal. I'd still bring it up with the dealer and see if they'll do anything but what's the issue otherwise? Wear the watch, enjoy, and don't worry about resale value if you bought it for yourself.
It’s the principal as much as anything else.

Truth is, my VP of sales always loved it. It just became part of his Christmas bonus. He would never ever sell it.

But you don’t think this situation is wrong?
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:57 AM   #6
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It’s the principal as much as anything else.

Truth is, my VP of sales always loved it. It just became part of his Christmas bonus. He would never ever sell it.

But you don’t think this situation is wrong?
I do, which is why I said I'd still see what the dealer is willing to do for you. But if less than 400 were made, do you think you'll ever see another one new to purchase? Is the certificate worth losing out on the watch all together?
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:58 AM   #7
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I would no question be returning it to omega Seth. Thats bs.
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Old 14 December 2019, 01:59 AM   #8
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You'd return a very limited production watch you wanted and would not be able to find/buy new again because of a missing certificate?
For me, yes. It would always be something nagging at the back of my mind.

Plus, the OP said that he purchases with value in mind and stated that said value these days is "less than half" of the purchase price of $16,000.

So with that data, yes - I would.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:01 AM   #9
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Is there a way of contacting the manufacturer directly and requesting a copy? You don't mention which brand. Either way, it's very disappointing if it was supposed to be part of the sale.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:01 AM   #10
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I do, which is why I said I'd still see what the dealer is willing to do for you. But if less than 400 were made, do you think you'll ever see another one new to purchase? Is the certificate worth losing out on the watch all together?
Interestingly enough, they have another.

I think it’s the last. And I love it. But not enough to buy it again.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:02 AM   #11
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If it didn't come with the cert then it isn't incomplete. And even if you want to go with the notion that it is incomplete there is no way a missing cert takes away half the value. If a piece of paper is needed to prove it's special then it isn't.

You are going to tell us what it is right?

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Old 14 December 2019, 02:02 AM   #12
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I would no question be returning it to omega Seth. Thats bs.
My thoughts too. But I gifted it.

I’d still like to be compensated in some way.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:03 AM   #13
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For me, yes. It would always be something nagging at the back of my mind.

Plus, the OP said that he purchases with value in mind and stated that said value these days is "less than half" of the purchase price of $16,000.

So with that data, yes - I would.
A product with no certificate is better than no product at all, IMO. If this were a mass produced model he could find elsewhere, I'd agree. But giving up the chance of ever having the watch new over a piece of paper seems silly to me.

People still buy Rolex's when ADs hold on to warranty cards, making them incomplete.

If this is being gifted to a colleague (SUPER nice gesture, by the way!) why is resale value a concern?
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:03 AM   #14
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For me, yes. It would always be something nagging at the back of my mind.

Plus, the OP said that he purchases with value in mind and stated that said value these days is "less than half" of the purchase price of $16,000.

So with that data, yes - I would.
I happen to agree with your sentiment.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:04 AM   #15
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Write the manufacturer directly (assuming Omega). Tell them it was never given by the AD. Don't be aggressive. Many manufacturers offer replacement cards, certificates, boxes, etc...
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:08 AM   #16
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If it didn't come with the cert then it isn't incomplete. And even if you want to go with the notion that it is incomplete there is no way a missing cert takes away half the value. If a piece of paper is needed to prove it's special then it isn't.

You are going to tell us what it is right?

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Most of them had the cert. I think all. This was sold with the intention of them making it complete.

If I hadn’t gifted it, and I did want to sell it someday, I’m selling an incomplete set. I’d lose a significant amount. Some buyers might not even buy an incomplete LE set without the cert.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:08 AM   #17
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Write the manufacturer directly (assuming Omega). Tell them it was never given by the AD. Don't be aggressive. Many manufacturers offer replacement cards, certificates, boxes, etc...
This is my current plan.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:08 AM   #18
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This is my current plan.
Wouldn't happen to be a SMP Platinum would it?
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:11 AM   #19
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If I hadn’t gifted it, and I did want to sell it someday, I’m selling an incomplete set. I’d lose a significant amount. Some buyers might not even buy an incomplete LE set without the cert.
But that's not the case so why consider it? Will the lucky person receiving it care about the cert or will they just be thrilled to have the watch? That's really all that should matter if it's a gift.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:12 AM   #20
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Wouldn't happen to be a SMP Platinum would it?
Ha. If only...
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:14 AM   #21
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Disappointing that you were not given accurate information until several months after purchasing the watch.

A good customer treated poorly by the AD.

If you choose to continue a relationship with the AD,
then let them know it is up to them make it right.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:16 AM   #22
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But that's not the case so why consider it? Will the lucky person receiving it care about the cert or will they just be thrilled to have the watch? That's really all that should matter if it's a gift.
No sir. He doesn’t care at all. Not one bit.

I consider it only because it’s still the reality we live in. Because my circumstances change, you feel it’s okay for someone to not live up to their obligation?

They don’t know that I gifted it. I understand your point. I do. Which is why I asked this question.

But I also feel it’s fair that they somehow make this right.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:18 AM   #23
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No sir. He doesn’t care at all. Not one bit.

I consider it only because it’s still the reality we live in. Because my circumstances change, you feel it’s okay for someone to not live up to their obligation?
Not at all. Like I said earlier, definitely bring it up and get whatever you can from the AD (Or Omega directly if they're able). I just don't agree with returning the watch over it if it's as limited as you mention.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:19 AM   #24
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Disappointing that you were not given accurate information until several months after purchasing the watch.

A good customer treated poorly by the AD.

If you choose to continue a relationship with the AD,
then let them know it is up to them make it right.
This is where I’m at, Gus.

And I love the team there. They are truly amazing. This isn’t their fault. They were given incorrect information and then had to break the news to me.

But it makes me think twice about ever buying an Omega again. I realize my mind changes like the wind. And if something came out that I wanted, I’d likely buy it.

But for today. For the moment, I don’t think this is fair.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:19 AM   #25
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Not at all. Like I said earlier, definitely bring it up and get whatever you can from the AD (Or Omega directly if they're able). I just don't agree with returning the watch over it if it's as limited as you mention.
Makes sense. Thanks for your thoughts.

At this point, I think my only recourse is Omega directly.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:21 AM   #26
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Makes sense. Thanks for your thoughts.

At this point, I think my only recourse is Omega directly.
Sounds like the best course to start with at least.

Regardless of how it turns out, major respect for gifting something like that to an employee.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:24 AM   #27
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I fail to see how they made 357 watches and not 357 certificates; I can see why that would raise some questions in the collecting world. I would certainly reach out to your contacts and inquire if they can make it right. If you are going over anyone’s head that you have a relationship with in order to contact these people I would let them know first. I like to let people know when I’m jumping the chain of command so to speak so they are aware in case of any fallout.

I think you have every right to use some of the clout you’ve acquired with the brand. I mean you’re not asking for special treatment you’re simply asking for something you paid for!
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:32 AM   #28
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Excellent! The next installment of "AS THE SUPERDOG MUDDLES"!!

If I gifted the watch, I would either drop this all together just to be done with it, or button it down with a short note to the failing AD re: disappointed, let down, etc. gifted the watch to be done with the unpleasant issue . . . .

Then forget about it, and on to the next challenge . . . . Hang in there Seth!
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:32 AM   #29
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Sounds like the best course to start with at least.

Regardless of how it turns out, major respect for gifting something like that to an employee.
I think we can all agree there.
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Old 14 December 2019, 02:33 AM   #30
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Speedy Split Seconds.



Most of them had the cert. I think all. This was sold with the intention of them making it complete.



If I hadn’t gifted it, and I did want to sell it someday, I’m selling an incomplete set. I’d lose a significant amount. Some buyers might not even buy an incomplete LE set without the cert.
Ok...but over half the value?

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