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.