Have I been scammed? What should I do?

[cephyr]

Recently I purchased, or I thought I purchased, a Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 at a watch dealer named Manhattan Watch Company in NYC. The shop is located at 41 West 47th Street, #7 New York, NY 10036. (I am not disclosing any privacy information in this thread. It’s all public)

I contacted the dealer, Armando Martinez, through email (manhattanwatchcompanysales). I made, or I thought I made, a deal with him and wired him $16000. On 20 June, He said he will prepare invoice and shipping. On 25 June, at my inquiry he said the watch has been sent. I further requested for courier information and tracking number, and he has been irresponsive to me since. He does not reply to my email. So far nor does my receiving address in Hongkong receive the package.

I am in China. I love vintage Rolex but it’s hard for me to get one there. It’s my first try to trade with a US dealer but turns out to get this bad experience. This maybe only a delay in response (so far 3 days) or shipping. However in worse circumstance this can be a fraud in which the dealer does not intend to send the watch to me.

So now my question is what should I do? Is there anyone who know this guy? Is there any local authority I can contact with? I have all communication record and wire record with this dealer. The wire recipient is Manhattan Watch Company INC at Citi bank NYC.

I am confused with what happened. I thought this was an honest trade, and shouldn’t be like this, at a dealer with a fixed shop in downtown Manhattan.

Please advise.

[RRGHOST1]

Anymore news. Have you heard from the dealer.

[cephyr]

Originally Posted by RRGHOST1

Anymore news. Have you heard from the dealer.

No the dealer does not reply to me.

[tike71]

Have you tried calling them? The number listed on their webpage is 347-291-5778

[cephyr]

Originally Posted by tike71

Have you tried calling them? The number listed on their webpage is 347-291-5778

I tried multiple times but my call is not answered.

[cephyr]

Originally Posted by tike71

Have you tried calling them? The number listed on their webpage is 347-291-5778

I do not know if they do not answer my call only or the phone number is invalid.

[GGGMT]

Seems like a scam due to no response obviously

Never heard of this company but so many many reputable dealers on this forum for this common watch.


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[cephyr]

I resumed contact with the seller who said the package has been sent today. Issue closed.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by cephyr

I resumed contact with the seller who said the package has been sent today. Issue closed.

I would still be praying I get a watch lol…..very fishy

[RAB321]

You paid for this watch nearly two weeks ago and he only sending it today? Did he not have possession of the watch when he offered it?

A little early to be saying "issue closed", in my opinion.

[PRSWILL]

Some of these so called "dealers" are nothing more than consignment brokers- many don't inventory anything. they just operate as a middle man- good luck - crossing fingers for you.

[MohiMedia]

Deals not done till its in your hands and money has cleared. But glad they resumed communication. Hope it was shipped properly and in your hands shortly.

Lots of dealers don't actually have on hand what they claim. It's on consignment but not in possession etc. If they focus on these very niche vintage items, then I could totally see them opting to broker or consign a lot instead of holding illiquid inventory. Especially with the heavy losses dealers took last two years lots of watch dealers and exotic car dealers for that matter doing a ton of consignment instead of holding inventory right now...or downsizing, or going out of business entirely.

[101031-28]

I would say 'issue closed' when watch is in your hand. Wishing you a positive outcome

[brandrea]

Hope the watch arrives soon.

Did they provide tracking information? I hope they know how to ship internationally and did proper documentation.