Terrible experience at CH Premier Jewelers in Nor Cal

[James84]

Originally Posted by codecow

i was hoping it would heat up like the 5522 thread.

Still waiting for the op to share what references he was able to get out of them.

A chatgpt summary of that old thread (closing in on 10 years old!): https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=5522

in a rolex forums thread, members discussed the patek philippe calatrava pilot 5522a, a limited edition of 600 stainless steel timepieces introduced exclusively in 2017 for the u.s. Market.

The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case, a matte blue dial with arabic numerals, and luminous hands.

Powered by the self-winding caliber 324 s, it offers a 45-hour power reserve.

Participants appreciated its design and exclusivity, noting its resemblance to the 5524g model.

Some highlighted its investment potential due to limited availability, while others debated its value relative to other patek philippe models.

Additionally, discussions touched upon the practice of bundling watches with jewelry purchases to secure highly sought-after models.

Some members shared experiences of being encouraged to buy jewelry or less popular watches to improve their chances of obtaining limited editions like the 5522a.

This practice elicited mixed reactions; some viewed it as a necessary strategy in a competitive market, while others felt it was an unfair sales tactic that detracted from the purchasing experience.

5168g, 5905r, 5980r

[codecow]

Originally Posted by James84

5168g, 5905r, 5980r

Nice so the first two were your original order you couldn’t get on any confirmed timeline without buying something high margin?

I’d assume the 5905r would do that by itself almost.

Then after complaining directly to Patek they offered the 5980 and also gave you your original pieces you already had deposits on?

[James84]

Originally Posted by codecow

Nice so the first two were your original order you couldn’t get on any confirmed timeline without buying something high margin?

I’d assume the 5905r would do that by itself almost.

Then after complaining directly to Patek they offered the 5980 and also gave you your original pieces you already had deposits on?

The first two were an agreed upon bundle (5905R 5168G) with a verbal promise to get 5980R later after starting relationship. This was at a time in the market when things slowed, Covid crisis, world coming to an end and lots of uncertainty in early stages of pandemic. They were not sure people were going to buy anything. Deposit taken with guarantee of watches in few months when they get next allocation from Switzerland.

Fast forward few months as allocations come in, the market begins to jump as does demand and grey market values tick up. That’s when the extortion attempts began. And Jenny attempted to passive aggressively say “well we want to make sure we can get your order sometime within “reasonable time frame” so to expedite it buy 50-100k of Chanel jewelry. They had already taken deposit and guaranteed me next shipment of these pieces. Thankfully I had deposits and promises in emails.

I did not allow these pathetic used car salesman tactics and as soon as I saw her attempt of holding my order hostage I went all the way up to my contacts at Patek. Thankfully I know a few higher ups at Patek in different places which helped.

But when I learned how they used my personal info and data in a prejudice way and when I learned from mutual clients we had some of the horrible character assassination they were attempting that’s when I really escalated the matters.

[ThatOtherGuy7]

So it’s been going on for about 5 years? How is that possible you waited that long? Also, you alluded to using person info and such. Can you share some details vs a broad statement? Just curious as I’ve had good experiences with the sales folks there aside from some awkward interactions with one of the sisters.

[James84]

Originally Posted by ThatOtherGuy7

So it’s been going on for about 5 years? How is that possible you waited that long? Also, you alluded to using person info and such. Can you share some details vs a broad statement? Just curious as I’ve had good experiences with the sales folks there aside from some awkward interactions with one of the sisters.

Unfortunately I cannot share details of what you are asking as some things are currently ongoing. But my intent with this post was to inform people to not allow themselves to be extorted. And multiple people shared similar or even worst experiences than mine only validating everything.

Operating with integrity, class, and ethics is essential. This company falls short of that based on multiple people’s experiences.

[PandaCansado]

I've spent a decent amount with them and have 2 Patek's and a handful of others from them, I've asked for some Patek sport models. So far no bundling talk or extortions but no assurances that it would happen any time soon.

[ThatOtherGuy7]

“Bundling” or requiring purchase of something else in order to get the piece I want turns me off. Many stores do that (Shreve, for example). I don’t care to go down that route. When I was shopping for a Calatrava a few months back, Sean at CH’s Patek section was helpful and just told me it would take some time. If I have history with them it’ll help. I don’t recall any ask about other purchases. Either way, when any store requires such things, I simply walk away. Whether I have a good or bad experience, my network hears about it. The Rolex store at the same mall has taken good care of me, and in return, I’ve sent countless referrals to them over the years. They’ve never asked whom I sent to them. That’s why the interaction I had with one of the CH sisters irked me so much when asking for specific names of people I sent to them. It’s not like I keep track of those things. Sometimes, it’s friends of friends or colleagues who simply asked for a contact since I’m in the know.

[codecow]

I have been a Shreve customer for over 15 years and they have never bundled anything. I buy what I want and it just happens my family also likes jewelry and other items. Everything for me has happened organically with zero tit for tat.

[enjoythemusic]

Look everyone, Patek is said to be trying. i may be misremembering, yet seem to recall that Theirry Stern himself say something like the Cubitus is for / to get new customers an entry-level watch? If so, am sure we'll see posts from TRF members getting a Cubitus as their first / walk-in Patek Philippe.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Look everyone, Patek is said to be trying. i may be misremembering, yet seem to recall that Theirry Stern himself say something like the Cubitus is for / to get new customers an entry-level watch? If so, am sure we'll see posts from TRF members getting a Cubitus as their first / walk-in Patek Philippe.

Pretty sure you are being sarcastic right?

Absolutely, Cubitus is meant to be the next entry level sports piece, unless you are a hater, then you never had a Patek and never will get one :)

[enjoythemusic]

Yes, you're right Thierry seemed to say the Cubitus SS is an entry-level "sporty" piece.

"Therefore, we limited the quantity of steel available and decided we should have an entry-level version made of steel, which I agree with."

https://swisswatches-magazine.com/in...us-collection/

Am an optimist, so hoping in a few years things get back to normal times. We may be seeing some hints of it now with various brands. Give it time, be patient is my advice. Plus the smaller (38.5mm?) version could have square movements after various feedback of the entry / launch models.

[321Forever]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Am an optimist, so hoping in a few years things get back to normal times.

I hope that you're right, though I'll probably be out of the market by then.

What a dizzying thread this has been to follow!

[Gebbeth]

I've had issues with CH Nor Cal with my Grand Seiko, which was running super super super fast out of the box. They wanted to charge me $600+ to take care of it even though it was brand new and under warranty. They said it was for shipping and insurance.

What scam.

Went to Topper in Burlingame, and even though I did not buy it from them, they sent it to GS in NJ gratis....eventually went back to Japan....it took forever, but I didn't spend a dime.

I also went to look at ALS, and their attitude was.....so off-putting. I'm too old for that crap.

Will never buy anything from CH.....ever.....


As for the libel comments, the defense against libel is, among other things, facts or "truth" if you want to call it that. This means in any lawsuit, the defendant can ask for discovery (disclosure of communications, correspondence, records, etc....). This is often where the plaintiff will call off the dogs because what is disclosed will be often much more damaging than the claimed libel. I believe the Shreve case settled, and I'm assuming it was just for this reason.

Also, to the extent any of these practices are condoned by the watchmakers, that's even more reason not to sue and face discovery. Who know what skeletons lie in those closets.

Finally, suing a customer is often, most often, NOT a good practice. Just sets the wrong image, especially for a business relying on sales based on individual relationships. Not a good idea.

Not saying it will never happen, but the odds that it will is very small.

[James84]

Originally Posted by 321Forever

I hope that you're right, though I'll probably be out of the market by then.

What a dizzying thread this has been to follow!

Not as dizzying as the unethical process and tactics CH Prenier puts clients through. Awareness is so important. Appreciate you hanging in there reading many people’s experiences with this company.

[James84]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

I've had issues with CH Nor Cal with my Grand Seiko, which was running super super super fast out of the box. They wanted to charge me $600+ to take care of it even though it was brand new and under warranty. They said it was for shipping and insurance.

What scam.

Went to Topper in Burlingame, and even though I did not buy it from them, they sent it to GS in NJ gratis....eventually went back to Japan....it took forever, but I didn't spend a dime.

I also went to look at ALS, and their attitude was.....so off-putting. I'm too old for that crap.

Will never buy anything from CH.....ever.....


As for the libel comments, the defense against libel is, among other things, facts or "truth" if you want to call it that. This means in any lawsuit, the defendant can ask for discovery (disclosure of communications, correspondence, records, etc....). This is often where the plaintiff will call off the dogs because what is disclosed will be often much more damaging than the claimed libel. I believe the Shreve case settled, and I'm assuming it was just for this reason.

Also, to the extent any of these practices are condoned by the watchmakers, that's even more reason not to sue and face discovery. Who know what skeletons lie in those closets.

Finally, suing a customer is often, most often, NOT a good practice. Just sets the wrong image, especially for a business relying on sales based on individual relationships. Not a good idea.

Not saying it will never happen, but the odds that it will is very small.

Thank you for sharing another horrible and greed obsessed experience with CH Prenier, further validating how absurd this company is and only operates for quick short term gains like used car salesman.

Also appreciate your legal input. It’s also something that is being reviewed based on some privacy, prejudice and data sharing concerns, as well as defamation of clients.

[James84]

Am I reading the price correctly on that Panerai pocket watch? $67,000???

[dauster]

[QUOTE=EazyE;13502070]

Originally Posted by Bearxj86

A panerai pocket watch

You and the guy suing shreve need to share notes

lol spit out my coffee just now - sucks for OP but also insanely funny - imagine the two meeting in the coffee shop near CH premier and Shreve at Stanford mall - including the heavy pocket watch on the table comparing notes ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dauster]

Originally Posted by Slackergirl

Ok this thread is funny and kinda annoying as far as the AD practices. Just curious are any of the Patek Boutiques owned by Patek? Thinking of the Patek store in South Coast Plaza.

Nope all owned by ADs other than the three salons in Europe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dauster]

Originally Posted by James84

The overwhelming consensus is they are terrible people at CH Premier. Specifically Stephanie, the sister and Jenny Fu who is a LIAR and manipulator.

The brighter side of my experience was that when I quickly picked up on their SHARK tactics I played offense and threatened to escalate and share their behaviors to Patek New York. I spoke to Eric Gonzales at Patek who quickly assured me they will keep their word and my deposit is good for what was committed.

In addition to that I further escalated my concerns about the unethical practices as I found these people used my personal information in a negative and prejudice way, AND some of their staff assassinated my character to mutual clients we had in my business. I went all the way up corporate Patek sharing what these people do.

Then a very nice manager at CH contacted me offering me a Nautilus and tried to smooth things after they got the message. This watch was also verbally promised in my early conversations with the Fraud Jenny who quickly moved the goal posts and failed at holding my first order hostage, which was an Aquanaut and annual calendar complication.

In the end I won as I got my aquanaut, nautilus, and annual calendar. All because they did unethical things and I was one step ahead of them with every attempt at extorting me and smearing me.

But ultimately in the end they lied about me again to Patek corporate requesting corporate navigate me to another AD after they gave me the nautilus.

So I won their game of deception, extortion and greed by not putting up with their crap. They still need to be exposed for their tactics. Do NOT LET THEM PLAY YOU FOR A FOOL AND EXTORT YOU.

Only one sales manager there is of class, he had the task of keeping me calm as I vocalized and he offered me a nautilus which I took. He is a nice guy because he was given that task, but the owner and Jenny are horrible.

I’m sorry this is insanity - remember it’s just watches. I would not have the patience to deal
With this but glad it worked out for you but it seems too stressful. Holy moly what in the hell is going on in the world.
This could be a YouTube series …


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[haw1144]

Without having to deal with CH here in the South Bay area, how would I get a Patek serviced? Would I just contact and deal with Patek NY directly?

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by haw1144

Without having to deal with CH here in the South Bay area, how would I get a Patek serviced? Would I just contact and deal with Patek NY directly?

Yes, very easy and straightforward to do. Reach out to Henri Stern (that’s Patek Philippe’s US base) and they will give you instructions/forms for sending watches directly to them for servicing. The staff at Henri Stern are great and awesome to work with.

[mooty]

every confirmed sale of PP from CH to my friends up here were BUNDLED.

[James84]

A serious question I have for Patek is WHY is CH Premier given Patek to sell If they literally don’t know how to sell it?

A good AD does not need to bundle Patek’s to sell. They suck at selling and representing the brand.

On top of that the awful experiences so many PP clients have pointed out here should make Patek think about this.

[Milgaussguys]

Same here.
I almost purchase a Complications for wife, but they won't accept CC.

They asked for cash or personal check (deposit). After a check clear (2 weeks), then we can come over to pick it up.
We passed.

[arodstein]

I know this is Patek section of the forum but how about the purchasing experience of another brands watches at CHP? My luxury watches collection hobby started at CHP several years ago and not with Patek but rather with purchasing of Omega NTD Seamaster. Both me and my wife were extremely happy with the service we received and the deep knowledge of the salesperson Jennifer. Then I acquired Zenith, PiageT... many straps for my Panerai... and I always was dealing with expertise, professional attitude and friendly environment. I did not make these purchases thinking about Patek, I really liked what I was buying. I recommended CHP in Valley Fair and in Stanford to many of my friends and family members, the purchased watches there as well and nobody had a negative experience described above. Jennifer, Ariel, David, Miguel, Cristiane, Sean, Garry ..they are all professional and good people to work with learning and buying the luxury watches. As far as Patek watches ...At some point I was ready to buy the dress watch and eventually acquired exactly what I wanted 5227J. The store has to keep the watch for 2 weeks or so but it is not only to clear the check, it also because having the watch in store longer allows potential customers see and experience it and appreciate it. So, I think we should be fair here and share all kind of experience and my experience with CHP is good.When at Valley Fair, I always try to visit them and enjoy communication with people there. I also can not say anything negative about Stephanie, she is always friendly and professional. BTW, look how beautiful this place is now, just a pleasure to go there.

[Yellowfury]

Originally Posted by arodstein

I know this is Patek section of the forum but how about the purchasing experience of another brands watches at CHP? My luxury watches collection hobby started at CHP several years ago and not with Patek but rather with purchasing of Omega NTD Seamaster. Both me and my wife were extremely happy with the service we received and the deep knowledge of the salesperson Jennifer. Then I acquired Zenith, PiageT... many straps for my Panerai... and I always was dealing with expertise, professional attitude and friendly environment. I did not make these purchases thinking about Patek, I really liked what I was buying. I recommended CHP in Valley Fair and in Stanford to many of my friends and family members, the purchased watches there as well and nobody had a negative experience described above. Jennifer, Ariel, David, Miguel, Cristiane, Sean, Garry ..they are all professional and good people to work with learning and buying the luxury watches. As far as Patek watches ...At some point I was ready to buy the dress watch and eventually acquired exactly what I wanted 5227J. The store has to keep the watch for 2 weeks or so but it is not only to clear the check, it also because having the watch in store longer allows potential customers see and experience it and appreciate it. So, I think we should be fair here and share all kind of experience and my experience with CHP is good.When at Valley Fair, I always try to visit them and enjoy communication with people there. I also can not say anything negative about Stephanie, she is always friendly and professional. BTW, look how beautiful this place is now, just a pleasure to go there.

Miguel and Jason are pretty chill. Both will just talk watches (even brands CH doesn't carry) if there's free time.

[James84]

Originally Posted by arodstein

I know this is Patek section of the forum but how about the purchasing experience of another brands watches at CHP? My luxury watches collection hobby started at CHP several years ago and not with Patek but rather with purchasing of Omega NTD Seamaster. Both me and my wife were extremely happy with the service we received and the deep knowledge of the salesperson Jennifer. Then I acquired Zenith, PiageT... many straps for my Panerai... and I always was dealing with expertise, professional attitude and friendly environment. I did not make these purchases thinking about Patek, I really liked what I was buying. I recommended CHP in Valley Fair and in Stanford to many of my friends and family members, the purchased watches there as well and nobody had a negative experience described above. Jennifer, Ariel, David, Miguel, Cristiane, Sean, Garry ..they are all professional and good people to work with learning and buying the luxury watches. As far as Patek watches ...At some point I was ready to buy the dress watch and eventually acquired exactly what I wanted 5227J. The store has to keep the watch for 2 weeks or so but it is not only to clear the check, it also because having the watch in store longer allows potential customers see and experience it and appreciate it. So, I think we should be fair here and share all kind of experience and my experience with CHP is good.When at Valley Fair, I always try to visit them and enjoy communication with people there. I also can not say anything negative about Stephanie, she is always friendly and professional. BTW, look how beautiful this place is now, just a pleasure to go there.

Ok fair. You are one person who had a good experience and the forum is open for all to share. I’m glad you are sharing a positive experience. You also made CH Premier a nice profit, more profit than other customers who only want Patek so they should treat you well as that is just common sense.

But your positive experience does not dismiss the horrible experience several others have had and the unethical and shady practices detailed by others. The rude and condescending behavior by Stephanie and Jenny will also not be dismissed.

All facts have been presented and it’s clear that if they maximize profits they treat some customers better, and if profit margins are thinner they mistreat you and even do unethical things like holding orders hostage, attempt to extort you, misuse personal information to be prejudice with certain customers, and assasinate characters. I appreciate you sharing a positive experience but it does not excuse their repulsive behavior with others.

They are obviously in business to make a profit and I’m all for that and happy for them when they do. But what I find totally unacceptable is the unethical, defamatory, misuse of data, extortion attempts, and holding orders hostage tactics with “certain customers”. The vast majority of people have shared a terrible experience with them.

[arodstein]

I am trying to see a bigger picture;
If I was the only one with positive experience at CHP,
the company would not be in business as long as it is.
If Patek is the brand of interest I suggest just for the sake of comparison
to travel to Burlingame and visit Kerns Fine Jewerly or to take a longer drive
to Carmel and have a chat at Fourtane. Do you think that you will experience anything drastically different ? It is possible is that they will smile more but you will never receive that phone call. If I can guess, many of Patek’s current or potential customers have a business sense, to some degree we should understand that for some watches the demand is much higher than supply ..that is what causing issues and not the business practice established company. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my and many other people’s positive experiences

[ThatOtherGuy7]

To be fair though, OP didn’t provide any specific details really. It’s just some accusations which we can only assume are accurate from his perspective. The rest of us have also provided our experience. Like I said, aside from a few awkward interactions, I’ve had good experiences with the sales team. I can only say good things about sales tea: Mia, Jai, Osma, Jamie (JLC), etc.

[Bearxj86]

Interesting suddenly 3 positive experiences show up in the space of 24 hours.... Either way, it's nice to see some good feedback and I do agree that some folks are getting a positive experience. I am glad :)