Worse experience ever...

[Juantxo]

My sister, 60, got her first Rolex when she was 15. That was a two-tone 29mm (?) Dayjust with a beautiful ivory textile-like dial. Ever since then she has become an avid watch gatherer (she whimsically buys a couple of new Rolex a year).

Lately she has been buying larger watches from the Professional line, and her last fatal attraction has been the Explorer ll with white dial. However, at 42mm it feels awkward on her wrist. So I suggested a 40mm Polar Explorer. She wouldn't leave me alone until I found one for her.

And a Polar (16570) I found with box and papers at Bob's Watches. I avoid secondary market dealers as I have been buying my watches from the same authorized dealer for decades, and not only do I get substantial discounts, I also get Daytonas, etc. at retail (no tax). But this time I had no choice.

So I called Bob's. First I asked, very, very nicely if they would forgo the 3% surcharge for buying with credit card or PayPal. A too firm no was the response. I called my sister and she told me to buy it anyways. So I call again and this time a man answers the phone. Again I ask very kindly about the 3% surcharge. He tells me that if I buy by way of PayPal I won't have to pay the 3%. Are you sure...? Of course. Just proceed buying the watch from our website. Oh, my, thank you so much. Are you sure...? Yes, of course, go ahead and buy the watch.

And I go through the process of buying the watch. When I get to the pay here window, I see a 3% surcharge for paying with PayPal and the $100 for registering my email address with them is not discounted in the invoice.

I call again and ask for the man I had talked to earlier. His response: oh, but that's PayPal charging the fee, not us. I never said... What a liar. Disgusting. I talked to two other people, no one would honor his word.

My sister wanted the watch anyhow, it was her money, so I had to buy it. However, I would never ever even visit that website again. If you don't honor your word, if you then lie, you are worthless. I hope the watch arrives in decent condition, at least. It was listed as in "excellent" condition.

[joli160]

That would piss me off as well

[gyang333]

I bought my Sub with them recently and the person I worked with was very helpful and polite. I did call back after the fact wanting the extract of the service/work they did on the watch I bought and the guy I spoke with was basically completely useless and had no idea what he was talking about.

[epicurus]

Thats the worst experience ever??

[donas]

Originally Posted by epicurus

Thats the worst experience ever??

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Life is good if that's as bad as it gets!

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by epicurus

Thats the worst experience ever??

exactly, life is a breeze if that’s the worst

[cptmike03]

Bobs has been dodgy lately. I have bought with them before, but I dont think I will again. I almost bought a DJ from them a few weeks ago but noticed the endlink had a huge dent in it. Since it was listed as "excellent, like new" I called to see if this was just a reflection.

The man on the phone was a bit stern and stated that the endlink was in fact damaged, but it was still "like new, excellent" condition. When I asked how, he repeatedly said that it is a 20 year old watch and this was like new condition for a watch of this vintage. He stated that a polishing wheel or some other mechanical refurbish caused the damage.

When I asked him how this was "like new condition" he continued to talk circles, and finally said daily wear is normal on these watches. How is damage like that daily wear and tear?? He could not explain, and continued to say that it is like new condition due to it's age. I should try to find the item and post it.

Just found it: https://www.bobswatches.com/mens-rol...eel-16234.html

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by cptmike03

Bobs has been dodgy lately. I have bought with them before, but I dont think I will again. I almost bought a DJ from them a few weeks ago but noticed the endlink had a huge dent in it. Since it was listed as "excellent, like new" I called to see if this was just a reflection.

The man on the phone was a bit stern and stated that the endlink was in fact damaged, but it was still "like new, excellent" condition. When I asked how, he repeatedly said that it is a 20 year old watch and this was like new condition for a watch of this vintage. He stated that a polishing wheel or some other mechanical refurbish caused the damage.

When I asked him how this was "like new condition" he continued to talk circles, and finally said daily wear is normal on these watches. How is damage like that daily wear and tear?? He could not explain, and continued to say that it is like new condition due to it's age. I should try to find the item and post it.

Just found it: https://www.bobswatches.com/mens-rol...eel-16234.html

Bob’s definition of excellent:
Excellent - A watch in this condition will show very slight signs of wear

Haha a bit past very slight sign. I’ve been beating the piss out of my sub for 8 years and I don’t have a dent like that!

[Etschell]

I am not one to judge your experience but the $100 is the cost of doing business. The guy was wrong and mistaken - as long as your sister is happy does it really matter? Simply dont use bob's again. Alternatively try watchrecon.

[captainron62]

Has anyone else noticed that a whole lot of the online watch dealers just throw a blanket "excellent" on all their inventory. I happened upon on that has several scratches in the sidecase and a small gouge on the edge, yup, this too was "excellent."

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by captainron62

Has anyone else noticed that a whole lot of the online watch dealers just throw a blanket "excellent" on all their inventory. I happened upon on that has several scratches in the sidecase and a small gouge on the edge, yup, this too was "excellent."

Yes ever used beat up watch is now excellent...and overpolished watches excellent....never trust them analyze the pics hard and lug size first....

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by captainron62

Has anyone else noticed that a whole lot of the online watch dealers just throw a blanket "excellent" on all their inventory. I happened upon on that has several scratches in the sidecase and a small gouge on the edge, yup, this too was "excellent."

unless it says unpolished assume it is... and thus its in excellent condition.

The good ones know what they are doing but i would prefer RSC do my polishing

[R G]

Bogus service, but if that’s the worst experience you’ve ever had, then you’re really lucky.

[MSchott]

I assume the site routes you to PayPal. If so, there is no way not to pay the fee. The seller would have to reduce the price of the watch by 3% to compensate. He did not lie, it seems there was some miscommunication.

[tudorbaja27]

Ok - Paypal has been known to add a fee...that is how they make money.
If you were unfamiliar with that - I get your reaction.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by tudorbaja27

Ok - Paypal has been known to add a fee...that is how they make money.
If you were unfamiliar with that - I get your reaction.

They make money by buying cheap and selling expensive. The money is in the margin, not in the fee. They make $2000 or more in margin, when the fee would be $200.

I was just asking for a break in the price (I believe a normal part of buying a watch) by way of foregoing the fee. I was told it was fine if I paid with PayPal and then they turned on their word.

It's not the money, as a matter of fact, I was buying the watch for my sister, with her money. It's the principle (weird concept now days) of not honoring their word.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

They make money by buying cheap and selling expensive. The money is in the margin, not in the fee. They make $2000 or more in margin, when the fee would be $200.

I was just asking for a break in the price (I believe a normal part of buying a watch) by way of foregoing the fee. I was told it was fine if I paid with PayPal and then they turned on their word.

It's not the money, as a matter of fact, I was buying the watch for my sister, with her money. It's the principle (weird concept now days) of not honoring their word.

I'm talking about Paypal, not Bob's watches.

[dba]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

They make money by buying cheap and selling expensive.

Ya gotta love capitalism!

[cptmike03]

Yes they do, and another thing about Bobs that I learned (after I bought a watch from them) is that they claim every watch is served by a Rolex certified watchmaker, BUT will NOT guarantee the watch is accurate to COSC standards. In fact the man on the phone said that they will not guarantee any accuracy and that "no online pre-owned dealer will" I called because mine was only accurate to 6 seconds a day and I was shocked at this.

[Maxy]

Worst experience ever??? Truly First World problems!!

If someone can well afford multiple Rolex watches, you shouldn't be even worried about 3% charge which is actually legal charge via Paypal. Secondly make a post about it.I want to be as polite as possible here you are talking about 3% charge of a used watch for someone who buys 2 new Rolex a year!

[tyler1980]

best experience ever for me. I was expecting an AD rant.... and it wasn't


Sorry for your experience, but you kind of made my day, so i hope that helps


and we have paragraphs, that never happens

[locutus49]

I like the way you think, Tyler.

Originally Posted by tyler1980

best experience ever for me. I was expecting an AD rant.... and it wasn't


Sorry for your experience, but you kind of made my day, so i hope that helps


and we have paragraphs, that never happens

[42mm Scud Missile]

Originally Posted by maxy

worst experience ever??? Truly first world problems!!

If someone can well afford multiple rolex watches, you shouldn't be even worried about 3% charge which is actually legal charge via paypal. Secondly make a post about it.i want to be as polite as possible here you are talking about 3% charge of a used watch for someone who buys 2 new rolex a year!

+1

[EDL7]

Whatever happened to...buy..the seller..

[cpefy3]

I do not mean to come off as mean spirited, but their payment terms are very clear on their website. I could see where trying to haggle over the phone could easily lead to misunderstandings. I have purchased from Bob's and had a very professional experience. If I was in your shoes, I'd just put it on a card that gives me 2% cash back (Citi Double Cash card) so I'd really only be paying 1% for the security my credit card provides. Hopefully your sister loves the watch!!

[antbkny]

I hope in the end, the watch brings your sister and yourself some joy

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

My sister, 60, got her first Rolex when she was 15. That was a two-tone 29mm (?) Dayjust with a beautiful ivory textile-like dial. Ever since then she has become an avid watch gatherer (she whimsically buys a couple of new Rolex a year).

Lately she has been buying larger watches from the Professional line, and her last fatal attraction has been the Explorer ll with white dial. However, at 42mm it feels awkward on her wrist. So I suggested a 40mm Polar Explorer. She wouldn't leave me alone until I found one for her.

And a Polar (16570) I found with box and papers at Bob's Watches. I avoid secondary market dealers as I have been buying my watches from the same authorized dealer for decades, and not only do I get substantial discounts, I also get Daytonas, etc. at retail (no tax). But this time I had no choice.

So I called Bob's. First I asked, very, very nicely if they would forgo the 3% surcharge for buying with credit card or PayPal. A too firm no was the response. I called my sister and she told me to buy it anyways. So I call again and this time a man answers the phone. Again I ask very kindly about the 3% surcharge. He tells me that if I buy by way of PayPal I won't have to pay the 3%. Are you sure...? Of course. Just proceed buying the watch from our website. Oh, my, thank you so much. Are you sure...? Yes, of course, go ahead and buy the watch.

And I go through the process of buying the watch. When I get to the pay here window, I see a 3% surcharge for paying with PayPal and the $100 for registering my email address with them is not discounted in the invoice.

I call again and ask for the man I had talked to earlier. His response: oh, but that's PayPal charging the fee, not us. I never said... What a liar. Disgusting. I talked to two other people, no one would honor his word.

My sister wanted the watch anyhow, it was her money, so I had to buy it. However, I would never ever even visit that website again. If you don't honor your word, if you then lie, you are worthless. I hope the watch arrives in decent condition, at least. It was listed as in "excellent" condition.

Well if thats the worse experience you will face in your life you truly will be very fortunate.

[Maxy]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well if thats the worse experience you will face in your life you truly will be very fortunate.

Exactly.. I'm truly lost here, glad someone agrees!

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by Maxy

Exactly.. I'm truly lost here, glad someone agrees!

I had a worse experience buying a cup of coffee this morning....Maybe we are all becoming jaded in the current market... :)

[Andad]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well if thats the worse experience you will face in your life you truly will be very fortunate.

And I am happy that his sister has another 90+ Rolex watches to choose from.