Question about buying gray, but having AD size watch

[UW_ike]

Hello all,

I am new to the forum, this is my first post, but I have been reading excellent reviews and drooling at beautiful watches for the past 2 months on the forum. I have narrowed my first purchase to a sub, but having a hard time deciding between 16610 and 116610. I feel that there are better deals on TRF, and plan on buy from one of the trusted sellers.

My main question is: I have visited my local AD (small selection), but if I buy from one of the TRF sellers would it be weird to have my watch sized at the AD?

J

[Adam K.]

Depends on your AD (or whichever AD you visit). Some will be happy to oblige, smartly recognizing that even though you didn't buy that watch from them that you may at some point give them some business. Others will give you a snotty 'tude like you just asked them to lick your sweaty armpit...

these latter "fine establishments" of course, are just the reason many of us are happy to give the biz to the good sellers such as are here on TRF.

[rr-nyc]

Many AD's will re-size your watch at no cost while others will charge a small fee.

None will turn you down

[moviefreak]

It is an easy task.. If you are brave enough to get your Rolex wet or even wear it, you should be able to do it yourself..

[mdesa]

I bought mine pre-owned from a "gray" dealer and had it sized and appraised at a local AD, with great service.

[dougshagam]

Originally Posted by mdesa

I bought mine pre-owned from a "gray" dealer and had it sized and appraised at a local AD, with great service.

In fact - I did just this same thing on Saturday!

[Singslinger]

It depends on whether you have a good relationship with the AD because if you don't, then the store might reject your request.

Otherwise, I'd just take it to a Rolex Service Center.

[jay1988]

Am I missing something here ? How would the store know you had bought grey ? Do you need papers to size a watch ? I see no chance of them flat out rejecting you. Might charge you but rejecting you ? No.

Just walk in an ask them to size it. If they do ask where it's from say it was given to you as a gift.

[bewithabob]

Originally Posted by jay1988

If they do ask where it's from say it was given to you as a gift.

I do not think it is weird to take your gray market watch to an AD to have it resized. I am not a fan of making up a story about how you bought your watch, I see no reason to tell them exactly where you buy your watch if they ask. They should respect the truth, if you tell them that you prefer to keep the name of the seller confidential.

Just tell them that you need to get your ROLEX re-sized because it isn't riding properly. If they are nice to you, and you are lucky , you may get it done free. But if they dont offer to do this for "no charge", I don't think it makes them a 'bad guy'. Especially if you have never done any business with them before.

You seem to be price-sensitive, and so if you chose not to give your AD the sale. That is fine. But if they are willing to do the re-sizing service for a small charge why would you refuse to pay them a reasonable service charge? After all we are not communists!

If they refuse to do it for free, or ask that you pay them a small fee, no harm to just try to negotiate a little! Likewise, if you ask them to open the case to verify the legitimacy of the movement or to do a pressure test, wouldn't you agree that they are entitled to a small fee? Seems reasonable, and unless you have bought something from them in the past, I think it is unreasonable to expect an AD who you have never done business with to provide you with free services.

If you are DIYer, maybe you could ask, can I borrow your tools and just do it myself here on the counter? Do you think you cold do it yourself in 10 minutes? They would probably not look too kindly on that either. Since the display case is intended as selling space. If you lost a screw or a springbar, would you then expect them to give you a replacement for free? I don't know but I think this is asking too much...

For the same reason, I don't go into restaurants and ask for free bites of their steak and lobster or french fries or hamburgers, or free re-fills without buying the first drink. Even if I do have dinner there a lot…

Sorry but this is just me… good luck with your re-sizing!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by UW_ike

Hello all,

I am new to the forum, this is my first post, but I have been reading excellent reviews and drooling at beautiful watches for the past 2 months on the forum. I have narrowed my first purchase to a sub, but having a hard time deciding between 16610 and 116610. I feel that there are better deals on TRF, and plan on buy from one of the trusted sellers.

My main question is: I have visited my local AD (small selection), but if I buy from one of the TRF sellers would it be weird to have my watch sized at the AD?

J

If you can use a screwdriver its very easy to do it yourself.

[azguy]

It's always about how you carry yourself; walk in there and ask them "how much" to size and pressure test the watch. They may quote you a price, which you should pay, or they may say "no charge".

I have done this many times after an "on-line" purchase and never had an issue and have never been charged a penny, but I'll throw the watch tech $20, because I would like to be remembered......

[horseco]

Any one with a working knowledge of the screwdriver & a steady hand should be able to handle the job...

[Route 66]

It's such a simple process, you should consider just doing it yourself. All you need is a 1.6mm screwdriver and a small bottle of Loctite, both available on Amazon.com.

[azguy]

I understand the "do it yourself approuch, but the most important thing on a pre-owned watch is the pressure test, by far So, I have the AD size it after doing that for me. They also throw it on the timing machine and check the amplitude

When buying pre-owned, who knows who opened the case back and if the watch is really water tight.....or not........

[Warnsboy]

Originally Posted by azguy

I understand the "do it yourself approuch, but the most important thing on a pre-owned watch is the pressure test, by far So, I have the AD size it after doing that for me. They also throw it on the timing machine and check the amplitude

When buying pre-owned, who knows who opened the case back and if the watch is really water tight.....or not........

x2 for peace of mind!

[UW_ike]

Thanks for the replies. I know I can do it myself, likely will do it (I have small screwdrivers for computer things), but I do like the advice of azguy and warnsboy. Will post pics once I get it.

[Le Chef]

I can think of better things to spend my money on than having an AD size my watch. An average grade schooler could size a bracelet competently if you asked them nicely.

[SaddleSC]

Buy a small screwdriver...adjust it yourself...problem solved:)
It really is very easy.

[errol0_7]

I buy grey all the time and re-size the bracelet myself, you only need a small screwdriver and a steady hand.