Question about Richard Mille repair--no, I am not rich.

[mrarchiegoodwin]

I have a question about Richard Mille repair because I am skeptical of the communications I have been receiving from the boutique (in another country). Do they seem reasonable to you all? First, a bit of background. I haven't worn a watch since I was mugged in 2020 and the police told me my Rolex was a magnet for miscreants. Fast forward to October 2024, when I was cleaning out my scarf drawer and discovered my long lost and forgotten RM 005 Felipe Massa--that I bought used for $23k around 22 years ago. [Story: I wore the RM almost everyday until it stopped running 17 years ago, and the Beverly Hills boutique sent it to Geneva for repairs. I got an invoice for over $3k by email, paid it, and received the watch via FedEx in the plastic constainer I had sent to the BV boutique. No paperwork at all--nothing except my watch (and that without informing me RM decided to remove the PVD coating over the titanium case--that changed it from warm gray to gloomy charcoal--ugh). The repair was so expensive (for me) that I didn't dare wear it anymore. That was when I bought a Rolex 5512 (for $4k to wear everyday, and then another, and then another, because that's what happens when you buy a Rolex and join Rolex Forums, and then the mugging happened.] After finding the RM in October, I decided to wear it because I was going overseas for the first time since the pandemic and knew I would want to know the time every 30 seconds. I fell in love with my old RM again--or did I fall in love with wearing a watch again? In Tokyo, I decided to visit RM's Ginza boutique to buy a yellow band (that I knew was available for my watch when it was new and I needed something to counter the ugly dark charcoal case with black band). For some crazy reason (why?) the Ginza boutique decided to do a pressure test and blew off the crystal. The very accommodating staff (Japanese, after all) expressed regret as they showed me the watch with crystal sitting askance and informed me that the watch needed to be repaired. Was I gonna glue the crystal on myself? So, okay, please repair my watch. I left it there and returned to the US. Late November, I got a follow-up email from the boutique that the watch would be thoroughly checked and it might cost $10k to repair. Darn. What could I do? So, again, okay. Today I got an email from the boutique telling me that it is RM's policy to update the balance wheel so that my gold balance wheel will be changed for a silver one. WTF, the movement was working well when I left it there! But do I have a choice? No! So, again, I agreed on the condition that all old parts be returned to me. The boutique's response was immediate: parts cannot be returned due to "manufacturing confidentiality and protection of intellectual property rights". Holy cow. What if a spy buys a new RM, takes it apart, and examines the guts? Knowing Japanese etiquette I could not ask such a question. I could only agree. I trust the Japanese staff but am disappointed by RM's policy (that reminds me of what I heard about Rolex's--that the factory will fix an old watch and not return the old parts). I have no idea what I will end up paying. But does my experience seem normal to people on this forum? Happy new year.

[GB-man]

[PhilLynott]

I attempted to read that wall of text but couldnt do it. Cliffs notes?

[Andad]

Wall of scribble.

[77T]

Originally Posted by mrarchiegoodwin

I have a question about Richard Mille repair because I am skeptical of the communications I have been receiving from the boutique (in another country). Do they seem reasonable to you all? First, a bit of background. I haven't worn a watch since I was mugged in 2020 and the police told me my Rolex was a magnet for miscreants. Fast forward to October 2024, when I was cleaning out my scarf drawer and discovered my long lost and forgotten RM 005 Felipe Massa--that I bought used for $23k around 22 years ago. [Story: I wore the RM almost everyday until it stopped running 17 years ago, and the Beverly Hills boutique sent it to Geneva for repairs. I got an invoice for over $3k by email, paid it, and received the watch via FedEx in the plastic constainer I had sent to the BV boutique. No paperwork at all--nothing except my watch (and that without informing me RM decided to remove the PVD coating over the titanium case--that changed it from warm gray to gloomy charcoal--ugh). The repair was so expensive (for me) that I didn't dare wear it anymore. That was when I bought a Rolex 5512 (for $4k to wear everyday, and then another, and then another, because that's what happens when you buy a Rolex and join Rolex Forums, and then the mugging happened.] After finding the RM in October, I decided to wear it because I was going overseas for the first time since the pandemic and knew I would want to know the time every 30 seconds. I fell in love with my old RM again--or did I fall in love with wearing a watch again? In Tokyo, I decided to visit RM's Ginza boutique to buy a yellow band (that I knew was available for my watch when it was new and I needed something to counter the ugly dark charcoal case with black band). For some crazy reason (why?) the Ginza boutique decided to do a pressure test and blew off the crystal. The very accommodating staff (Japanese, after all) expressed regret as they showed me the watch with crystal sitting askance and informed me that the watch needed to be repaired. Was I gonna glue the crystal on myself? So, okay, please repair my watch. I left it there and returned to the US. Late November, I got a follow-up email from the boutique that the watch would be thoroughly checked and it might cost $10k to repair. Darn. What could I do? So, again, okay. Today I got an email from the boutique telling me that it is RM's policy to update the balance wheel so that my gold balance wheel will be changed for a silver one. WTF, the movement was working well when I left it there! But do I have a choice? No! So, again, I agreed on the condition that all old parts be returned to me. The boutique's response was immediate: parts cannot be returned due to "manufacturing confidentiality and protection of intellectual property rights". Holy cow. What if a spy buys a new RM, takes it apart, and examines the guts? Knowing Japanese etiquette I could not ask such a question. I could only agree. I trust the Japanese staff but am disappointed by RM's policy (that reminds me of what I heard about Rolex's--that the factory will fix an old watch and not return the old parts). I have no idea what I will end up paying. But does my experience seem normal to people on this forum? Happy new year.

Reader's Digest version:

The OP shares his experience with a Richard Mille watch (RM 005 Felipe Massa) that they had not worn since being mugged in 2020.

After finding the watch while cleaning, he decided to wear it again during a trip to Tokyo. At the RM boutique in Ginza, the staff accidentally damaged the watch while performing a pressure test.

They agreed to have it repaired but were shocked to receive a quote of $10,000 for the repairs. Additionally, the gold balance wheel would be replaced with a silver one, despite the movement working fine.

The boutique refused to return any old parts due to their policies on manufacturing confidentiality.

The OP expresses disappointment with these policies and seeks feedback on whether his experience is common among others on TRF.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[waterman1]

I got sucked in at this - found my $23,000 RM in old scarf drawer that I had forgotten about for 22 years. With a title that says “no I’m not rich”. Classic!!!

But OP as for the whole ordeal you describe, I’m sorry you were mugged and as for experience with service on that RM, it seems really poor. I would be raising some hell. Maybe this is the cost of having an RM.

[enjoythemusic]

Sounds normal for Richard Mille. On the nice plus side, after you have it repaired to like-new condition so it includes factory repair warranty, that is the best time to sell it so you'll never have to worry or constantly be reminded about this situation again. Do you really want to always be reminded of this situation every single time you see / wear it?

Best bet.... Enjoy your time.

[1William]

Really?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

Reader's Digest version:

The OP shares his experience with a Richard Mille watch (RM 005 Felipe Massa) that they had not worn since being mugged in 2020.

After finding the watch while cleaning, he decided to wear it again during a trip to Tokyo. At the RM boutique in Ginza, the staff accidentally damaged the watch while performing a pressure test.

They agreed to have it repaired but were shocked to receive a quote of $10,000 for the repairs. Additionally, the gold balance wheel would be replaced with a silver one, despite the movement working fine.

The boutique refused to return any old parts due to their policies on manufacturing confidentiality.

The OP expresses disappointment with these policies and seeks feedback on whether his experience is common among others on TRF.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for taking the time Paul

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Sounds normal for Richard Mille. On the nice plus side, after you have it repaired to like-new condition so it includes factory repair warranty, that is the best time to sell it ….

This. Fix it, sell it.

[codecow]

If the repair cost of a piece is a problem financially that means it’s time to repair it and sell it.

[INC]

It wasn't that long ago that it cost $50,000 to replace a case. Based on this and the current value of your watch, I don't really understand what the question is about the price of the service? Plus, you just found about $90,000 in your closet. Wow, you know, I want to be sometimes such a wealthy man who can forget such a watch this way :)

[mrarchiegoodwin]

Thank you very much for reading and responding.

777T: Thank you, especially, for the synopsis of my overlong tome.

PhilLynott and Andad: Thank you for trying. I hope 777T's translation makes more sense.

Waterman1: Thank you. Good point about the cost of owning an RM. I bought the watch because (at the time), I got a big bonus, it seemed nifty, it was used, and nobody would notice it.

Brandrea: Thank you, I agree.

Enjoy the Music: Thank you. I will sell it (I have never sold a watch before).

Easy E: Thank you. I will do that.

CodeCow: Thank you. Good advice.

GB Man: Thank you for your entertaining response.

Inc: Thank you. You make an excellent point and I will keep it in mind. I had always considered myself "not rich" because I am a salaried worker, walk or ride the bus, cannot live off investments alone, and worry about medical bankruptcy. But it's all relative.

[N0trub]

Archie sorry this happened to you seems this watch is difficult. Thank you for sharing.

[INC]

Originally Posted by mrarchiegoodwin

Inc: Thank you. You make an excellent point and I will keep it in mind. I had always considered myself "not rich" because I am a salaried worker, walk or ride the bus, cannot live off investments alone, and worry about medical bankruptcy. But it's all relative.

Thanks! I think your "not rich" statement was a bit confusing. Now I see what you mean and thanks for explaining. To be honest, I don't know if there is a good term for this in the USA, but here in Hungary we use to say about your financial situation that I'm not the one "for whom money doesn't matter". In our country, this describes a well-to-do person who does not waste his money and pays attention to it. Based on this, I would modify my previous answer.

I think your watch is currently not worth as much as it could be because it is actually close to worthless which would be difficult to sell. And you know, I think, this is exactly the case, when you can and have to look on it as a financial ASSET. So in my opinion, if you INVEST to this watch a 10,000 USD, then ANY time later, when you need money suddenly, you can almost immediately get ~70-100,000 USD through the sale. This may provide you a better sense of well-being, as it would increase your sense of security. Exactly what are you looking for!

Therefore it is worth doing this NOW, when $10,000 does not cause financial problems. Because if your fear comes and you suddenly need the money, you won't be able to do it and you will lost a fortune if you try to sell it in a non-working state...

[WatchEater666]

Service it and sell it.

[XavierM]

Hi,

I have never owned an RM, maybe I got something wrong somewhere, but am I the only one surprised by the fact that THEY break your watch and YOU have to pay something ?

[codecow]

Your definition of “not rich” is true for almost everyone.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by XavierM

Hi,

I have never owned an RM, maybe I got something wrong somewhere, but am I the only one surprised by the fact that THEY break your watch and YOU have to pay something ?

It’s a feature of the experience.

[srvrf]

I agree with the others, fix it and then you can weigh your options of selling or keeping. I have never owned a RM, but guess service will give you 2-3 months to think about it. Then you'll have a fully functional watch with new warranty that you can enjoy for years to come, or sell it in prime condition.

As for the fact that the boutique damaged the watch, I agree that it seems like they should at least repair that part, but I'm guessing they consider that the watch had to have been "damaged" before it was brought in or it never would have happened.

[omar-rye]

I hate to break it to you but you’re rich.