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puffnmo · 3 July 2007, 02:18 AM

Anybody ever shopped at Plaza Watch on West 57th St. in NYC?

The first time I went in there I asked to see Rolex's. The owner, Lee, soon approached and took over from the guy who was helping me. He was ingratiating, a bit too much so, and a little warning light went on in my head.

Lee then said "We have a lot of Rolex's to show you. Just in case you decide to buy something, may I see your credit card?" Stupidly, I handed it to him, and that was the last I saw of it for over an hour. Lee showed me several trays of used Rolex's, some O.K. and some a bit the worse for wear.

Finally, feeling exhausted by his relentless sales pitch and repeated going back and forth between me and other customers, I told him I wanted my credit card back. He seemed not to hear me, and started talking to someone else. Finally I got his attention, and he said he would get it for me. He then disappeared into the back for 15 minutes. When I finally got my card back from him I was exhausted and angry.

I made the mistake of visiting that shop one more time a year later. Lee remembered me, and politely asked for my credit card. I refused, and he seemed quite hurt, asking "Why won't you give me your credit card?" I said that I didn't know if I would buy anything or not. He said that's O.K., I remember you, and your credit is fine.

Again I soon became tired of the pressure, the annoying questions and the long waits to be shown anything. This time I left after a shorter time.

The next month I received my credit card bill, and there was a charge of $600.- from Plaza Watch. Since I had not purchased anything I called the credit card company and reported the fraud. They removed the charge from my bill, and I never heard anything about it again. I later asked if they prosecuted these type of crooks, and they said no, it takes too much time and money to do so.

Live and learn. Larry.

SPACE-DWELLER · 3 July 2007, 02:25 AM

!

Larry, do you still have the "receipt" or can get proof from your bank??

I'd SEW that bastard to Hell!

puffnmo · 3 July 2007, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

!

Larry, do you still have the "receipt" or can get proof from your bank??

I'd SEW that bastard to Hell!

Bo - I know it's in the files, but have the feeling it would be time- consuming and expensive to nail that crook.

Giving my fellow afficianados a heads-up seems like the right thing to do.

Larry

Welshwatchman · 3 July 2007, 03:04 AM

It certainly appears that this chap Lee is a bit of a scumbag.

colemanitis · 3 July 2007, 03:23 AM

It's scary to think that he still has your # and can put another charge on it if he wants.

alexcord · 3 July 2007, 03:27 AM

That is bl00dy crazy!! Get the crook!

mansion · 3 July 2007, 03:27 AM

What's in it for him?

If he pulls 600 USD a few times, he risks losing his card licence. And where does that leave him? He could lose also his Rolex licence.

Risk all that for a few thousand USD? It does not make sense.

Arby · 3 July 2007, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puffnmo

Anybody ever shopped at Plaza Watch on West 57th St. in NYC?

I used to work on W.57th between 10th and 11th. I think I know where Plaza Watch is...

puffnmo · 3 July 2007, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mansion

What's in it for him?

If he pulls 600 USD a few times, he risks losing his card licence. And where does that leave him? He could lose also his Rolex licence.

Risk all that for a few thousand USD? It does not make sense.

Plaza Watch Co. is not a licensed Rolex dealer. He has a lot of rather worn looking time pieces, all the name brands. Just don't ask for any papers or warranties. Many of them probably fell off the backs of trucks...

If he tries putting that $600.- charge on my card again, it won't go so easy for him the second time.

JJ Irani · 3 July 2007, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

I'd SEW that bastard to Hell!

Hey Bo,

You'd first have to chop that bugger up into tiny little bits before you could SEW the bastid up back again!!

On the other hand, if you wanted to SUE, it just might work!!!!

puffnmo · 3 July 2007, 03:59 AM

The actual name of the business is Plaza Watch Exchange, 145 W. 57th Street. N.Y.C.

JJ, You should pay them a visit, post a review!

JJ Irani · 3 July 2007, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puffnmo

The actual name of the business is Plaza Watch Exchange, 145 W. 57th Street. N.Y.C.

JJ, You should pay them a visit, post a review!

If I paid such sons-of-b!tches a visit, it would have to be along with my henchman, Don Paulieone and a couple of his guys, so we could have a "talk" with that bastid!!

astcell · 3 July 2007, 04:25 AM

I had my CC# stole, a fake card made, and they went to town with it. Get this, I had CANCELED the account but Amex decided to reopen it once they saw I was using it again! Grrrr! Of course no one went to jail.

haakon59 · 3 July 2007, 05:14 AM

Wow--that is an odd story. I think the store owner's odd tactic for encouraging sales is pretty unethical. And charging you $600 for nothing. It just takes the cake doesn't it.

SPACE-DWELLER · 3 July 2007, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Bo,

You'd first have to chop that bugger up into tiny little bits before you could SEW the bastid up back again!!

On the other hand, if you wanted to SUE, it just might work!!!!

Who's SUE??

And is she as good-looking as Ayisha?

Rubenonfire · 3 July 2007, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Who's SUE??

And is she as good-looking as Ayisha?

I saw that one coming a mile away!

Blue Bull · 3 July 2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Bo,

You'd first have to chop that bugger up into tiny little bits before you could SEW the bastid up back again!!

On the other hand, if you wanted to SUE, it just might work!!!!

Silence of the lambs ?

SPACE-DWELLER · 3 July 2007, 05:57 AM

That's silence of the sheep, my dear Clarice!

S2000 Driver · 3 July 2007, 06:39 AM

If you're interested, I know a few people in Brooklyn who could have a 'chat' with Mr. Lee for you.

JCirillo · 3 July 2007, 07:38 AM

Plaza Watch has been featured on several local tv news shows for ripping off customers, stay away.

digdug · 3 July 2007, 08:52 AM

NYPD should pay a visit to them. You should not let them off easily. Have visa pull his authorization and have him arrested. File a complaint with the police. I don't know NY Law, but $600 has got to be close to a felony.

frostie · 3 July 2007, 09:16 AM

I hate credit cards. I never used them and never will. Cash rules

Gaijin · 3 July 2007, 10:52 AM

I am in LE. That guy is a criminal. Do not let him off the hook.

Oyster Lover · 3 July 2007, 11:16 AM

That's why I hate buying from non-ADs - just so much can go wrong!

Rawhyde · 3 July 2007, 11:22 AM

That guy is just a plain crook. Get him!

NYC is a pretty mean town...I'm surprised he hasn't gotten some payback from somebody. He'd definately get it down in this neck of the woods!

Rawhyde

ezmoney46 · 3 July 2007, 01:06 PM

perhaps you could go back and offer HIM a Folex that he would pay you 600 dollars for then the light might go off in his head before he tries that again!

ezmoney46 · 3 July 2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawhyde

That guy is just a plain crook. Get him!

NYC is a pretty mean town...I'm surprised he hasn't gotten some payback from somebody. He'd definately get it down in this neck of the woods!

Rawhyde

Hell yea

we red necks don't play that con game down here

wandyprawira · 3 July 2007, 01:14 PM

That guy picked the wrong country to do the crime. He surely had guts to do that in US.

But I wonder why 'puffnmo' didn't file the case with the police. It's like fishing in a clear water, easy catch.

puffnmo · 3 July 2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wandyprawira

That guy picked the wrong country to do the crime. He surely had guts to do that in US.

But I wonder why 'puffnmo' didn't file the case with the police. It's like fishing in a clear water, easy catch.

This all happened over a year ago. I assumed that by explaining in detail to Amex what happened that they would take appropriate action. For them the $600.was a small amount, so it wasn't worth their time. However, they may have terminated his account, I don't really know. Had I known that they would not follow through on it I would have reported him. A few years back, when someone tried to use my credit card # in a department store Amex called me to tell me that they were detaining the woman and had called the police.

Prosecuting this Lee charachter would be difficult in my case, because I did not lose out to him in the end, and never had to pay the $600. If he had gotten any of my money I would have been all over him, and he would certainly have regretted it bigtime.

jac67 · 3 July 2007, 10:06 PM

Well Larry, I feel your pain my man.

When I was in NYC in 2005, and happened to go into this store.

It is EXACTLY as you said.

The shop looks like a bombshell, sh!t everywhere, Rolex's everywhere, full of people.

I asked Mr. Lee to have a look at an LV he had in the window. He said sure, can I have your credit card. Stupid me, I gave him it (Platinum AMEX), and he started walking around with it, talking to other customers etc. and got me the LV.

Well, my wife and I never let Mr. Lee or my card out of our sights. I looked at the LV while my wife's eyes were locked onto Mr. Lee, and guess what, it was a FAKE!

Firstly, the dial was NOT maxi dial, secondly, the minute hand wasn't "fat", but it did have a green bezel!

I may have been a real 16610 Sub, but definitely not an LV.

He was trying to sell the watch too me, telling me that it was rare etc. etc. I questioned him on the watch, and about the dial markers, minute hand, he brushed it off and insisted it was authentic AND even told me that he has millions of dollars in stock so he cannot afford to sell fakes.

Man, what a CROOK!!!

As he was about to walk off again, I grabbed his arm and took back my card. The other sales guy saw this and went to grab something from under the counrter. I immediately thought, holy sh!t I'm gonna get a cap in my a$$.

Mr. Lee looked at him and shook his head, and the guy sat down, but never took his eyes off us.

I said, "Thank you very much Sir, but I am not interested at the present time" and we left very quickly.

I can't believe he is still in business.

But take my advice, never ever buy anything from this guy. These guys seem hard core, and wouldn't think twice about taking someone out.

After all the complaints and still in business, my question is, "Who do they know?, who are they associated with?, who is on the pay role?

No thank you.

John.

3 July 2007, 02:18 AM	#1
puffnmo Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 848	Weird Retail Experience Anybody ever shopped at Plaza Watch on West 57th St. in NYC? The first time I went in there I asked to see Rolex's. The owner, Lee, soon approached and took over from the guy who was helping me. He was ingratiating, a bit too much so, and a little warning light went on in my head. Lee then said "We have a lot of Rolex's to show you. Just in case you decide to buy something, may I see your credit card?" Stupidly, I handed it to him, and that was the last I saw of it for over an hour. Lee showed me several trays of used Rolex's, some O.K. and some a bit the worse for wear. Finally, feeling exhausted by his relentless sales pitch and repeated going back and forth between me and other customers, I told him I wanted my credit card back. He seemed not to hear me, and started talking to someone else. Finally I got his attention, and he said he would get it for me. He then disappeared into the back for 15 minutes. When I finally got my card back from him I was exhausted and angry. I made the mistake of visiting that shop one more time a year later. Lee remembered me, and politely asked for my credit card. I refused, and he seemed quite hurt, asking "Why won't you give me your credit card?" I said that I didn't know if I would buy anything or not. He said that's O.K., I remember you, and your credit is fine. Again I soon became tired of the pressure, the annoying questions and the long waits to be shown anything. This time I left after a shorter time. The next month I received my credit card bill, and there was a charge of $600.- from Plaza Watch. Since I had not purchased anything I called the credit card company and reported the fraud. They removed the charge from my bill, and I never heard anything about it again. I later asked if they prosecuted these type of crooks, and they said no, it takes too much time and money to do so. Live and learn. Larry.

3 July 2007, 02:25 AM	#2
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	! Larry, do you still have the "receipt" or can get proof from your bank?? I'd SEW that bastard to Hell! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

3 July 2007, 03:04 AM	#4
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	It certainly appears that this chap Lee is a bit of a scumbag. __________________ ..33

3 July 2007, 03:23 AM	#5
colemanitis "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Jeff Location: Florida Watch: PAM 1090 Posts: 3,723	It's scary to think that he still has your # and can put another charge on it if he wants. __________________ Member #471

3 July 2007, 05:57 AM	#18
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	That's silence of the sheep, my dear Clarice! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

3 July 2007, 03:27 AM	#6
alexcord Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: UK Watch: Maxi SS GMT II Posts: 117	That is bl00dy crazy!! Get the crook!

3 July 2007, 03:27 AM	#7
mansion Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: switzerland Posts: 196	What's in it for him? If he pulls 600 USD a few times, he risks losing his card licence. And where does that leave him? He could lose also his Rolex licence. Risk all that for a few thousand USD? It does not make sense.

3 July 2007, 03:59 AM	#11
puffnmo Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 848	The actual name of the business is Plaza Watch Exchange, 145 W. 57th Street. N.Y.C. JJ, You should pay them a visit, post a review!

3 July 2007, 04:25 AM	#13
astcell "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Angelus Oaks, CA Watch: 116713 Posts: 6,828	I had my CC# stole, a fake card made, and they went to town with it. Get this, I had CANCELED the account but Amex decided to reopen it once they saw I was using it again! Grrrr! Of course no one went to jail.

3 July 2007, 05:14 AM	#14
haakon59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,571	Wow--that is an odd story. I think the store owner's odd tactic for encouraging sales is pretty unethical. And charging you $600 for nothing. It just takes the cake doesn't it.

3 July 2007, 06:39 AM	#19
S2000 Driver "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: CT Watch: Submariner Datum ß Posts: 858	If you're interested, I know a few people in Brooklyn who could have a 'chat' with Mr. Lee for you.

3 July 2007, 07:38 AM	#20
JCirillo "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: John Cirillo Location: Manhattan Watch: Explorer II 216570 Posts: 119	Plaza Watch has been featured on several local tv news shows for ripping off customers, stay away.

3 July 2007, 08:52 AM	#21
digdug Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fargo Watch: 16610 Posts: 113	NYPD should pay a visit to them. You should not let them off easily. Have visa pull his authorization and have him arrested. File a complaint with the police. I don't know NY Law, but $600 has got to be close to a felony.

3 July 2007, 09:16 AM	#22
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	I hate credit cards. I never used them and never will. Cash rules

3 July 2007, 10:52 AM	#23
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,180	I am in LE. That guy is a criminal. Do not let him off the hook.

3 July 2007, 11:16 AM	#24
Oyster Lover "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA Posts: 472	That's why I hate buying from non-ADs - just so much can go wrong!

3 July 2007, 11:22 AM	#25
Rawhyde Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Craig Location: NW Georgia Watch: Blue Sub+Tud Chron Posts: 834	That guy is just a plain crook. Get him! NYC is a pretty mean town...I'm surprised he hasn't gotten some payback from somebody. He'd definately get it down in this neck of the woods! Rawhyde

3 July 2007, 01:06 PM	#26
ezmoney46 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: steve Location: florida Watch: several Posts: 711	perhaps you could go back and offer HIM a Folex that he would pay you 600 dollars for then the light might go off in his head before he tries that again!

3 July 2007, 01:14 PM	#28
wandyprawira "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: hub Posts: 520	That guy picked the wrong country to do the crime. He surely had guts to do that in US. But I wonder why 'puffnmo' didn't file the case with the police. It's like fishing in a clear water, easy catch.

3 July 2007, 10:06 PM	#30
jac67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Me Posts: 1,950	Well Larry, I feel your pain my man. When I was in NYC in 2005, and happened to go into this store. It is EXACTLY as you said. The shop looks like a bombshell, sh!t everywhere, Rolex's everywhere, full of people. I asked Mr. Lee to have a look at an LV he had in the window. He said sure, can I have your credit card. Stupid me, I gave him it (Platinum AMEX), and he started walking around with it, talking to other customers etc. and got me the LV. Well, my wife and I never let Mr. Lee or my card out of our sights. I looked at the LV while my wife's eyes were locked onto Mr. Lee, and guess what, it was a FAKE! Firstly, the dial was NOT maxi dial, secondly, the minute hand wasn't "fat", but it did have a green bezel! I may have been a real 16610 Sub, but definitely not an LV. He was trying to sell the watch too me, telling me that it was rare etc. etc. I questioned him on the watch, and about the dial markers, minute hand, he brushed it off and insisted it was authentic AND even told me that he has millions of dollars in stock so he cannot afford to sell fakes. Man, what a CROOK!!! As he was about to walk off again, I grabbed his arm and took back my card. The other sales guy saw this and went to grab something from under the counrter. I immediately thought, holy sh!t I'm gonna get a cap in my a$$. Mr. Lee looked at him and shook his head, and the guy sat down, but never took his eyes off us. I said, "Thank you very much Sir, but I am not interested at the present time" and we left very quickly. I can't believe he is still in business. But take my advice, never ever buy anything from this guy. These guys seem hard core, and wouldn't think twice about taking someone out. After all the complaints and still in business, my question is, "Who do they know?, who are they associated with?, who is on the pay role? No thank you. John.

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