Funny response from someone who should know better?

[Dan S]

I saw a bad dial on a DJ on eBay from a knowledgeable seller that I've purchased from in the past, so I just sent a quick message to let them know it was repainted.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/40394491606...&segname=11051

The response was "Generally if there is a T Swiss T at the bottom the dial is not refinished."

I told him to have an expert take a look and that I would post it on RF to get more opinions. What say you? I like this seller TBH, but at the same time, I think I gave him fair warning, and the response was pretty shallow.

[alwayshere]

yikes... not even close hey...

[Stan Cooper]

That is glaring; maybe the seller needs glasses.

[Dan S]

To be fair, the owner of the company really knows his stuff. Unfortunately, he has some people working for him who apparently are less knowledgeable, and maybe also not trained to deal with customers in the way you would want for high-value items. The person was extremely responsive to my message, but I would have preferred for them to say, "Thanks for your message, let me double-check with one of my colleagues and then get back to you."

[Avs Fan]

wow. No doubt about it.

[linesiders]

I don't think that was repainted. I think they used magic marker.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by linesiders

I don't think that was repainted. I think they used magic marker.

Yes, but first they used glittery spray paint on the whole dial. Then the fine-point marker.

[dannyp]

Looks more like the dial was wiped clean and the writing and hour markers were applied to a translucent piece of plastic. Definitely looks like there are two layers of material, where the chapter ring and lume are original and everything else came from a kids art kit.

[Old Expat Beast]

"Generally if there is a T Swiss T at the bottom the dial is not refinished."

Jeff Hess said that?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Looks more like the dial was wiped clean and the writing and hour markers were applied to a translucent piece of plastic. Definitely looks like there are two layers of material, where the chapter ring and lume are original and everything else came from a kids art kit.

The chapter ring and lume don't look original to me, look closer. The minute markers are terrible, and actually stray out of the step onto the upper part of the dial. And the lume "blobs" are also obviously not original. It's all very sloppy.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

"Generally if there is a T Swiss T at the bottom the dial is not refinished."

Jeff Hess said that?

It must be an employee who is responding to eBay inquiries for him. But yes ... I expected better.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The chapter ring and lume don't look original to me, look closer. The minute markers are terrible, and actually stray out of the step onto the upper part of the dial. And the lume "blobs" are also obviously not original. It's all very sloppy.

You may be right on the plots. But I think what you’re seeing with the minute markers is the distortion associated with placing that translucent plastic atop the dial. That’s why The markers look weird at they move inward.

[southtexas]

This should be fun.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The response was "Generally if there is a T Swiss T at the bottom the dial is not refinished."

What a weird non-sequitur response. Couldn't a refinisher write T Swiss T? And only "Generally"?

This is clearly a response from someone who doesn't know what's what.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by zapokee

What a weird non-sequitur response. Couldn't a refinisher write T Swiss T? And only "Generally"?

This is clearly a response from someone who doesn't know what's what.

Indeed.

[swish77]

The minute markers look like they were done with a Sharpie. That is not a Rolex factory-finished dial.

[TuRo]

You are only as good as your worst campaign, sale or service given, or most arrogant, lazy or uncaring employee !
Very wise words given to me in 1976.
Why I always hired folks more accomplished than me (not that difficult tbh!)

[springer]

There are several threads here on TRF regarding hessfineauctions and/or Jeff Hess. From what I recall, none of them are complimentary at all.

[dhknola]

Holy shit, that came from Hess?? Wow, how does that get by their QC?
Pretty bad as it sullies some of the good watches they get.

[oysterfisher]

But if you look at the 6636 they sold quite a minute ago, I think it would be worth spending a few thousands more each month and get a good sales agent...
Sad to hear such stories.

[btinl]

Originally Posted by oysterfisher

But if you look at the 6636 they sold quite a minute ago, I think it would be worth spending a few thousands more each month and get a good sales agent...
Sad to hear such stories.

I couldn’t even get them to answer questions about it. Some of their employees definitely seem clueless.

[oysterfisher]

@ btini: I´ve tried to ask as well, but -as far as I know from previous requests- they need up to 2 days to respond. Anyway, i think, this bracelet would have easily fetched a 3 times price, if it would be described and pictured in a normal way. I dont understand that "zero background" images and why a professional seller wastes a "limited picture volume" with same style pictures.

[dannyp]

Was also looking at the other photos of that watch on eBay: Is that bracelet period-correct? I thought that clasp style came later.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Was also looking at the other photos of that watch on eBay: Is that bracelet period-correct? I thought that clasp style came later.

The solid link oyster is later and not typical for that reference, but frankly it might actually add value over a folded-link jubilee even though it's not original. Personally I like oyster bracelets with the engine-turned bezel DJs.

[jeff hess]

Originally Posted by Dan S

It must be an employee who is responding to eBay inquiries for him. But yes ... I expected better.

Just saw this.

yeah, what a crappy dial. Our people dropped the ball on this one.

Does not happen very often, but wow, what a crappy response to a really really crappy dial.

Jeff Hess

(we have 42 employees... most no better to answer a q. like that without asking Katrina (who runs that part of our business) or one of our 4 Rolex trained watchmakers...but the bucks stops here. Sorry!)

[Dan S]

Many thanks for responding and taking responsibility, Jeff.

[Oldcarguy1961]

Yikes, looks like the story may have a happy ending though...