Display models with scratches at MSRP??

[OTX]

Happy Saturday guys,

I went my with cousin today to pick up a 2 tone SUB for him that the AD called him about. I remember seeing a display 2 tone sub at that same place about a month ago. When I got there, the AD said it’s new and comes with all the boxes and papers and if purchased, the warranty would be activated today. Upon closer inspection, the gold center links have a lot of micro scratches on them. I’m thinking this might be the display model?. The AD said they had to remove the stickers today which I get but how does it get all these micro scratches?. I know the gold center links scratch easy but like this?. Would you buy it knowing that the retail price might go up by about $1000 in 3 weeks or so?. Other than that, it has a small scratch on the side of the clasp. Case and everything else is perfect.

[Westonwcu]

Hell no

[fozzyf18]

You are likely correct, it was probably a display model and it got micro-scratched from people's cuffs who tried it on. As far as whether or not I would buy it...I would if it was something that I wanted. Give it a few weeks and those scratches would have been there regardless. I have new from AD watches and a few older models that I bought second- hand. I buy to wear so as long as the scratches are not gouges or alter the form of the case, I personally would not hesitate to buy it if it was a piece that I really wanted. They are only original and perfect for a very short time unless you stick it in a safe and never wear it.

[garyk]

Yes please. I am Looking for a BLNR as an actual tool watch to travel with. I indicated to several ADs I would take an exhibition piece but still no BLNR…more frustrating than a few marks would create…

[PTCDAD]

This happened to me as well with an SD43. Didn’t realize it until I got home,


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[MarioB83]

Hard pass.

[RareBird]

Im sure this will be a common problem considering these people keep these pieces for 60 days on display before they decide to sell them. Imagine if they did that with shoes. Just a bad concept in general.

[dnd2984]

You wear it once and that might happen. I would not cause an issue over it. Enjoy the watch!

[Wrist King]

Absolutely not. Be patient. Get a new one.


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[fskywalker]

Not an issue in my mind if buying at AD for MSRP or less.


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[Roger Lococco]

It’s a used watch.


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[EEpro]

It's a crap deal. But to be fair if you wear the watch under any sleeve whatsoever it will look like complete azz which is why don't like gold PCLs.

[77T]

It IS new.

What so many new Rolex aficionados don’t realize is this:
Going back decades (and as recently as the current panic for Rolex)
1. ALL new Rolex models were displayed in the case.
2. ALL were for sale.
3. ALL were put on browsing customer’s wrists.
4. ALL gained microswirls or scratches - and nobody had a loupe to see them.
5. ALL were eventually sold.
6. If a customer saw a shopworn spot, the jeweler put it to the polishing wheel free of charge.

I hope this restores some reasoned understanding in Rolex retailing.


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[worldofoyster]

i would not take it knowing hundreds people tried it on before.

[gtnator]

Originally Posted by 77T

It IS new.

What so many new Rolex aficionados don’t realize is this:
Going back decades (and as recently as the current panic for Rolex)
1. ALL new Rolex models were displayed in the case.
2. ALL were for sale.
3. ALL were put on browsing customer’s wrists.
4. ALL gained microswirls or scratches - and nobody had a loupe to see them.
5. ALL were eventually sold.
6. If a customer saw a shopworn spot, the jeweler put it to the polishing wheel free of charge.

I hope this restores some reasoned understanding in Rolex retailing.


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EXACTLY! Well said.


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[omar-rye]

I wouldn't make a big deal about the scratches based on your description and the photo you posted. If it were dents or deep gouges, it would bother anyone, even those intending to add their own scratches and dents while using it as a tool.

If it’s a deal breaker that the watch is a display model, ask for a non display example next time. Expect all new jewelry and watches to have been tried on by customers who came before you. I assisted a friend in purchasing an Aqua Terra. Having previously done business with this AD, my friend asked me to introduce him and initiate the discount conversation, as he was too shy to do so. Long story short, during the process, my friend ensured the AD knew he wanted an untouched example, leading to a new one packaged in a heat sealed wrap and coffin being shipped to the AD. If he hadn't asked, he would have been handed the one he tried on initially. However, in the world of Rolex, where customers walk on eggshells around SA, they generally would not make such requests for fear of being blacklisted. That’s the world of Rolex. There are threads discussing what gifts to buy Rolex sales associates. Do you think you'll find similar threads in the Omega section or on Omegaforums? Ok I'm ranting and I’ll stop

[Roger Lococco]

Originally Posted by 77T

It IS new.

What so many new Rolex aficionados don’t realize is this:
Going back decades (and as recently as the current panic for Rolex)
1. ALL new Rolex models were displayed in the case.
2. ALL were for sale.
3. ALL were put on browsing customer’s wrists.
4. ALL gained microswirls or scratches - and nobody had a loupe to see them.
5. ALL were eventually sold.
6. If a customer saw a shopworn spot, the jeweler put it to the polishing wheel free of charge.

I hope this restores some reasoned understanding in Rolex retailing.


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This really isn’t how luxury goods work anymore.


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[EEpro]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

This really isn’t how luxury goods work anymore.


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That and the MSRP is $10,000 higher for a bluesy now than then.

[Harry-57]

I bought a Tag Heuer once and noticed a scuff similar to the one in the OP's photo when I got it home. They offered me a refund, a polish and some money back, or a new one. I wouldn't expect any less from a Rolex AD.

How many people would buy a new car and be happy to drive it away if it arrived scratched and the sales person said "Relax, that's nothing. Just drive it. It'll get it scratched anyway"?

[sien]

No way i am taking it.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Lol that’s how it goes these days… I remember back in the day when the manager of my AD would take me to the back room where their safe was and pull stickered watches right out of their sealed watch coffins…. Man… those were the days!!! Goes back about 11 years :(

[MRBolton]

What was the AD's response to the clasp scratch? I'd be very curious to hear that.

Regarding the microscratches on the center links, that would personally bother me. I'd inquire if they could discount it or do something to alleviate that. I personally prefer to either put all the scratches there myself or have some financial incentive to accept them.

Funnily, those hairline scratches may actually have come from them removing the stickers today, seeing fingerprints from handling it, and then wiping at it with the Rolex gloves that probably have dust/dirt on them. Any time an AD handles my watch and starts to try to wipe at it, I immediately ask them not to because that's a quick ticket to micro-swirl town.

[Colina19]

Those gold center links scratch very easy. Not surprised.

[Calatrava r]

If I wanted that model, I would buy it as is rather than risk a price increase Jan. 1.

[Willyjo]

Originally Posted by worldofoyster

i would not take it knowing hundreds people tried it on before.

It’s a metal watch, not a clothing item. This isn’t a big deal for me. Enjoy your watch!


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[OTX]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

What was the AD's response to the clasp scratch? I'd be very curious to hear that.

Regarding the microscratches on the center links, that would personally bother me. I'd inquire if they could discount it or do something to alleviate that. I personally prefer to either put all the scratches there myself or have some financial incentive to accept them.

Funnily, those hairline scratches may actually have come from them removing the stickers today, seeing fingerprints from handling it, and then wiping at it with the Rolex gloves that probably have dust/dirt on them. Any time an AD handles my watch and starts to try to wipe at it, I immediately ask them not to because that's a quick ticket to micro-swirl town.

I didn’t bring it up to the AD as it was extremely busy and they were having a hard time keeping up with everyone. The dealer was too jumpy.

[PBJ1925]

Agreed, if it's a model I wanted, I'd probably take delivery assuming the bezel / crystal are clean.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by Odat

I didn’t bring it up to the AD as it was extremely busy and they were having a hard time keeping up with everyone. The dealer was too jumpy.

If it wasn’t bought on the spot, are you sure they’re going to hold it?


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[OTX]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

If it wasn’t bought on the spot, are you sure they’re going to hold it?


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He said he would hold it for him until tomorrow morning. He said he has many other people interested in the Bluesy.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by Odat

He said he would hold it for him until tomorrow morning. He said he has many other people interested in the Bluesy.

There you go. It's the world of Rolex, where the customer is not in a position to ask for discounts or to have a few examples brought out for him to choose from. I hate to say it, but beggars can't be choosers.