Should I be worried about the condition and longevity of this recent purchase?

[Yf77]

Hello,

Sorry to post about this again, it seems like I just have to make a final decision now. I would very much appreciate all feedback and opinions.

I purchased this YG DayDate Ref. 118238 / year 2001 from SwissWatchExpo two weeks ago. It came with box & papers, described as “excellent condition” in listing and photos. I paid $16.9k + $500 for an extra factory link totaling $17,400.

When it arrived, I noticed the end link was crooked and seemed “loose”. I’ve heard mixed opinions on whether this is normal wear or internal damage, such as a bent pin caused by an accident. This is the only portion of the bracelet that seems to have any stretch.

Rolliworks gave me a quote based on images for a few hundred dollars and said they could repair it to be close to almost new. I sent the watch back to SwissWatchExpo to have them view it (possibly return it) and it just arrived to them. Now I have a decision to make. I don’t want the jeweler (SWE) to try to repair it, I would rather have a full refund for the item or keep it myself and have Rolliworks perform the repair. I would see if SwissWatchExpo is willing to provide a discount on the watch to accurately reflect the condition, but I don’t have faith that they will. It will likely either be a full return, or I keep the watch and deal with it.

My few questions boil down to: should I worry about the longevity of the bracelet if I decide to keep this watch and go with the repair by Rolliworks? Did I get a horrible deal considering it has this loose end link with wear? I just want to feel comfortable with the watch and know it will outlast me and that I am not going down the road of having to replace the bracelet soon. I am a big fan of the champagne Roman dial, and I do like the watch and the fact that it came with box & papers. However, I want to know this watch will outlast me and that I am not taking a poor quality piece off someone else‘s hands. If I have to lose a few hundred dollars with the repair from Rolliworks I can live with that as long as I will have no worries with the watch and it’s condition or durability. All thoughts appreciated.

I have provided images below:

[EtherBrown]

If a return is possible for full refund then do it. If not, then let Rolliworks make it right for you.


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[Tools]

Didn't we just go through a couple of pages of discussion about this last month.

You can go back and read my view..

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=753781

[Yf77]

Yes, we did! I’m grateful for your feedback and it was very helpful, I just have to make a final decision by the end of the day and wanted to see if I could get additional thoughts.

Originally Posted by Tools

Didn't we just go through a couple of pages of discussion about this last month.

You can go back and read my view..

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=753781

[Atone]

Originally Posted by Yf77

Yes, we did! I’m grateful for your feedback and it was very helpful, I just have to make a final decision by the end of the day and wanted to see if I could get additional thoughts.

so you've made two posts in 1 week about the exact same issue and your worries about it, but you're still not sure what to do? l

[Yf77]

I’ve heard differing opinions on the extent of the wear to the end link and whether or not it is a simple fix or something more. Couldn’t hurt to get more thoughts before I make a final decision.

Originally Posted by Atone

so you've made two posts in 1 week about the exact same issue and your worries about it, but you're still not sure what to do? l

[Wahlberg]

Get your money back and get another one.

The thought of the bracelet and condition is already stuck in your head and will remain there.

[101031-28]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Get your money back and get another one.

The thought of the bracelet and condition is already stuck in your head and will remain there.

This.

[Yf77]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

Get your money back and get another one.

The thought of the bracelet and condition is already stuck in your head and will remain there.

Thanks for your feedback. This is my first DayDate so part of my concern is unfamiliarity. If this could be repaired to be as good as new by Rolliworks, I could get over it. However, if it’s something more serious and will continue to linger, then I would rather return it and find another.

[BartM]

Full refund because it will cost you time, stress and money to have it fixed. Probably then the seller will offer you a discount. Take the discount and let Rolliworks fix the endlink.

[TimeAZ]

I'd opt to return and get a full refund.

[wesdaniel]

Get the refund. From experience, if you're unhappy about some small thing on the watch, it will always bother you and, eventually, you'll want to change. You're far better off to get the refund and start hunting for one with which you'll be happy.

[imsayingthough]

If a full refund return is on the table, take it.

[huncho]

full refund and get one from a trusted seller, you might even pay less

[enjoythemusic]

[SAlNlDllvllAlNl]

Again! Dude get a refund! End of story. Your wanting this watch is clouding your judgement of common sense. You paid 17K+ for a watch with a description of "excellent condition". You got something other than excellent condition. REFUND and continue your search.

[Dr.Brian]

It’s not a rare watch. Just get a different one.

[Me4u2night]

Dude! This is your second posting about this. That alone says you're not happy. Not Happy = GET A REFUND!

[XBMX]

$hit or get off the pot guy!

[DC116710LN]

I didn't see the original thread but you seem unhappy with the purchase so I would send it back

[dukie748]

$17k on a watch with a very evident flaw? Not a chance.

[77T]

I’m glad to hear you have sent it back. There is nothing wrong with asking again since I can tell you’re still torn about it.

Yes Rolliworks can make the bracelet right for a few hundred.

If Jake & Victoria will allow you a partial refund that covers the cost of Rolliworks refurbishment, then that may be a good route.

But I believe they will want to either repair it themselves or allow a refund. If you are given that choice, take the refund.

Trust me - if you can get a refund, take it.

If you can get a refund take it.

Take the refund.

And please disregard the unkind comments. Just come back and let us know what you did tonight.



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[Yf77]

Originally Posted by 77T

I’m glad to hear you have sent it back. There is nothing wrong with asking again since I can tell you’re still torn about it.

Yes Rolliworks can make the bracelet right for a few hundred.

If Jake & Victoria will allow you a partial refund that covers the cost of Rolliworks refurbishment, then that may be a good route.

But I believe they will want to either repair it themselves or allow a refund. If you are given that choice, take the refund.

Trust me - if you can get a refund, take it.

If you can get a refund take it.

Take the refund.

And please disregard the unkind comments. Just come back and let us know what you did tonight.



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Thanks for your kind and helpful response. I was torn because I really liked the watch and this particular dial. I am glad and relieved to have returned it for a full refund though and will begin to search for a replacement. In the end I know it is better to enjoy a watch that I have no worries about.

[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by Yf77

Thanks for your kind and helpful response. I was torn because I really liked the watch and this particular dial. I am glad and relieved to have returned it for a full refund though and will begin to search for a replacement. In the end I know it is better to enjoy a watch that I have no worries about.

Congrats on making the call. You have peace of mind now. Best wishes as the hunt for a DD renews.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Yf77

Took the full refund. Thanks for all feedback.

Good move

[NachoNeal]

Refundamundo.

[Yf77]

Took the full refund. Thanks for all feedback.

[77T]

I think you made the right choice. A disappointment for you, I’m sure.

You might check the boutiques here on TRF.


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[Onikage]

Nice watch but it has been in an accident. Though it should be an easy fix for a jeweller/goldsmith. It might just be a case of pulling or twisting and tapping back into shape. Tell the seller to pay for it to be done and made 'excellent condition' or you don't want it. (as it has clearly been in an accident)

[Yf77]

This is the email response I received from SwissWatchExpo after the return went through. The salesperson, Creed, claims they were able to fix the end-link and make it even in a "matter of seconds"

Sounds dishonest to me, but its not my issue any longer.

Edit: I paid with Paypal, not sure why his email says Affirm, but regardless the refund to my account is pending.