Rolex for Present

[peterpl]

Hi Gents,

Just wondering if anyone could point in the the direction of an AD or Trusted dealer that is accommodating for presents?

I have a 60th Birthday for my father and would like to purchase him a Day Date 40 but obviously its a present so I am not 100% sure on if he likes this model. (I think he does)

So is there any AD or TD that will provide a 7 days return policy if its totally brand new? For instance if its from a AD they wont fill out the warranty card or anything and let me take it home to give as a present if he likes it I will return to the shop to fill the card out? Obviously the watch will remain in the box fully stickered and unsized.

Or even a trusted seller that will allow me a 7 days refund? Obviously I wont want to be stuck with a $20k watch that no one wants.

How does one go about buying a present that you want it to be a big surprise and cant risk talking about watches to the recipient?

Cheers

[MonBK]

Give him a brochure and if he likes the watch go get it!

[tyler1980]

I would find an excuse to get him into an AD to try on watches, like having him help you pick one for yourself. When your done have him try some "as long as you are there" Lots of buying options after you find out which one he prefers.

[BMess]

I think many ADs will do this. My local AD in NJ offers this. Will sell the watch and will not fill out the card or take off the stickers until the receiver accepts it. In my case, the AD held the card until I brought the watch back and confirmed that I liked it. Otherwise, I had the option to swap it out for anything else in the store.

[brandrea]

Make a day of it at the AD. Chances are he'll appreciate as much about picking out the watch with you as he will the watch itself.

[ale70]

My AD in Long Island did this for me

[TonyD]

When I got my wife a watch I had my local AD put aside 4 or 5 models I thought she would like. I then made lunch plans in a nearby coastal town we like to frequent. She knows I always like to stop in at every AD.

I surprised her when we got there as the salesman was waiting to help her pick out her present.

To my surprise she nixed all the watches I selected and went for something totally different.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by TonyD

When I got my wife a watch I had my local AD put aside 4 or 5 models I thought she would like. I then made lunch plans in a nearby coastal town we like to frequent. She knows I always like to stop in at every AD.

I surprised her when we got there as the salesman was waiting to help her pick out her present.

To my surprise she nixed all the watches I selected and went for something totally different.

Did she go to the platinum DD

[AK797]

If you don't want to take him to an AD at least show him online pics of the different configurations and let him choose his favourite, in the flesh they are so different that it will still come as a big and pleasant surprise.

[peterpl]

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Yeah I was hoping to avoid taking him to an AD or showing him pictures of watches a month out from his bday.

That makes it a bit suss and my brother doesnt like that idea as well. I really appreciate the guys that have PM'd me some contacts that might be accommodating to this scenario.

If you could please share your experiences on a similar situation along with details of the dealers that would be immensely helpful.

Its kind of a big deal for me and my brother because its a very special day and we would want this to be a complete surprise to him.

I wish ADs were more accommodating to this kind of stuff because it really makes buying watches quite difficult for presents especially because the sums of money we are talking about is quite substantial.

Any further recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

All the AD's and trusted sellers are not willing to accommodate this scenario even if the watch is not even taken out of the box or anything - well the ones I've been talking to anyway. I would think if they offered these kind of services their sales would grow a lot because it takes the worry out of the purchase really.

Its funny when you buy a TV or large appliance or something there is return policies but for watches there is not? I wonder why?

[ale70]

location?

[peterpl]

US/HK or Australia. I travel alot.

[Canefan1]

Not a fan. AR would be selling a used watch if it didn't work out and would not mention it. One mans opinion.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by Canefan1

Not a fan. AR would be selling a used watch if it didn't work out and would not mention it. One mans opinion.

How is it used? Not sized, fully stickered and not even removed from the box? The guys on instragram posting wristies with all stickered pieces are selling them as BRAND NEW after wearing them themselves.

There is no way you will tell.

Same as a Trusted seller on here. Their watches are from ADs and other sources - they still sell them NIB fully stickered? Whats the diff?

[Canefan1]

Someone walks out the AR's door with a watch on and uses it for 5 days is a used watch.

[3ther]

Originally Posted by HarrisonK

I think many ADs will do this. My local AD in NJ offers this. Will sell the watch and will not fill out the card or take off the stickers until the receiver accepts it. In my case, the AD held the card until I brought the watch back and confirmed that I liked it. Otherwise, I had the option to swap it out for anything else in the store.

This. Most of the large chain ADs may not budge, but a smaller independent is very likely to help you on this, OP

[904VT]

Originally Posted by peterpl

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Yeah I was hoping to avoid taking him to an AD or showing him pictures of watches a month out from his bday.

That makes it a bit suss and my brother doesnt like that idea as well. I really appreciate the guys that have PM'd me some contacts that might be accommodating to this scenario.

If you could please share your experiences on a similar situation along with details of the dealers that would be immensely helpful.

Its kind of a big deal for me and my brother because its a very special day and we would want this to be a complete surprise to him.

I wish ADs were more accommodating to this kind of stuff because it really makes buying watches quite difficult for presents especially because the sums of money we are talking about is quite substantial.

Any further recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

All the AD's and trusted sellers are not willing to accommodate this scenario even if the watch is not even taken out of the box or anything - well the ones I've been talking to anyway. I would think if they offered these kind of services their sales would grow a lot because it takes the worry out of the purchase really.

Its funny when you buy a TV or large appliance or something there is return policies but for watches there is not? I wonder why?

I think the biggest reason is that an AD has no way to verify the watch wasn't tampered with without opening up the case back. If they do that though, it wouldn't be in brand new condition to resell. I think it's a lose lose from the AD perspective. At least personally, I know I wouldn't want someone else to have taken my "new" DD 40 home prior to me purchasing it.

Great gesture and gift!

[904VT]

Originally Posted by Canefan1

Someone walks out the AR's door with a watch on and uses it for 5 days is a used watch.

Agreed, second it leaves the AD it's used, or at least should be labeled as such by AD.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by 904VT

At least personally, I know I wouldn't want someone else to have taken my "new" DD 40 home prior to me purchasing it.
Great gesture and gift!

I think there is a misunderstanding here.

I am going to pay for the watch fully before I take it of course. I'm not asking to take the watch without paying - that is obviously not going to happen.

All I want really is a 7 day return policy for presents/gifts.

Also to the remarks of if I take the watch and wear it for 5 days etc....I'm not sure what part of not sizing/wearing/leaving it completely wrapped up in gift wrap equates to wearing it? It will NOT be worn for even 1 minute. Completely sealed and inside the box soley for the purpose of giving it as a present. And if my father doesnt like it by looking at it well then it will simple go back into the box and returned for a refund.

Happens all the time with other consumables. I even know some countries have a 14 day money back no questions asked policy in their consumer protection laws. I know in Australia big companies like large retail shops you can return anything and get a full refund before 14 days. Doesnt seem to apply to watches for some reason?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by peterpl

I think there is a misunderstanding here.

I am going to pay for the watch fully before I take it of course. I'm not asking to take the watch without paying - that is obviously not going to happen.

All I want really is a 7 day return policy for presents/gifts.

Also to the remarks of if I take the watch and wear it for 5 days etc....I'm not sure what part of not sizing/wearing/leaving it completely wrapped up in gift wrap equates to wearing it? It will NOT be worn for even 1 minute. Completely sealed and inside the box soley for the purpose of giving it as a present. And if my father doesnt like it by looking at it well then it will simple go back into the box and returned for a refund.

Happens all the time with other consumables. I even know some countries have a compulsory 14 day money back no questions asked policy in their consumer protection laws.

Where are you located Peter?

If you're in the US go to the nearest Mayors and buy it as they have a 30 day return policy.

[peterpl]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Where are you located Peter?

If you're in the US go to the nearest Mayors and buy it as they have a 30 day return policy.

I travel alot for work. Based in HK now but have homes in the US and Sydney.

Thats great to know. I might just go there. How are they with pricing and negotiation?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by peterpl

I travel alot for work. Based in HK now but have homes in the US and Sydney.

Thats great to know. I might just go there. How are they with pricing and negotiation?

Pretty much fixed.

[904VT]

Originally Posted by peterpl

I think there is a misunderstanding here.

I am going to pay for the watch fully before I take it of course. I'm not asking to take the watch without paying - that is obviously not going to happen.

All I want really is a 7 day return policy for presents/gifts.

Also to the remarks of if I take the watch and wear it for 5 days etc....I'm not sure what part of not sizing/wearing/leaving it completely wrapped up in gift wrap equates to wearing it? It will NOT be worn for even 1 minute. Completely sealed and inside the box soley for the purpose of giving it as a present. And if my father doesnt like it by looking at it well then it will simple go back into the box and returned for a refund.

Happens all the time with other consumables. I even know some countries have a 14 day money back no questions asked policy in their consumer protection laws. I know in Australia big companies like large retail shops you can return anything and get a full refund before 14 days. Doesnt seem to apply to watches for some reason?

I understand that you were planning to pay for completely, I guess my point is more so that there is no way for them to actually know with certainty that a watch wasn't tampered with since stickers can be replaced on the case back etc. I know you have the best intentions, I just wouldn't want my piece that I'm paying retail for at an AD to have ever left an AD for a scenario like this if the buyer returns. I'm sure you are honest, I just don't trust scammers taking advantage of this and you would need to open the case back to test upon return to AD (doubt the ADs always do this though). That being said, warranties cover this I'm sure if you purchase from an AD, but just my preference when I purchase from an AD to have a piece that never left in the hands of a third party to be returned. I'd also, be worried about unknown drops and falls that could occur, unbeknownst to the AD.

Movement tampering and the potential for is at least in my opinion why this doesn't happen/offered in the watch industry as often as other type products.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by peterpl

Hi Gents,

Just wondering if anyone could point in the the direction of an AD or Trusted dealer that is accommodating for presents?

I have a 60th Birthday for my father and would like to purchase him a Day Date 40 but obviously its a present so I am not 100% sure on if he likes this model. (I think he does)

So is there any AD or TD that will provide a 7 days return policy if its totally brand new? For instance if its from a AD they wont fill out the warranty card or anything and let me take it home to give as a present if he likes it I will return to the shop to fill the card out? Obviously the watch will remain in the box fully stickered and unsized.

Or even a trusted seller that will allow me a 7 days refund? Obviously I wont want to be stuck with a $20k watch that no one wants.

How does one go about buying a present that you want it to be a big surprise and cant risk talking about watches to the recipient?

Cheers

Bobswatches.com provides 3 days.

[cda555]

Buy it at Costco

In all seriousness, you guys are doing such a great thing for your dad. I'm sure he would love whatever you picked out for him. That particular watch it gorgeous and would make most folks happy. Either way, it will remind him how much he is loved every time he looks down.

[jon_jon]

In the EU, they have the "Consumer Rights Directive Law" that allows a 14 day cooling off period. This may also apply to luxury watches. Perhaps some UK members can chime in to confirm if this applies to a Rolex purchased in the UK.

I understand that OP is based in Asia/Pacific, but if you get a chance to travel to the UK, you may be able to take advantage of a weak GBP and the DD40 should be quite readily available.

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by cda555

In all seriousness, you guys are doing such a great thing for your dad. I'm sure he would love whatever you picked out for him. That particular watch it gorgeous and would make most folks happy. Either way, it will remind him how much he is loved every time he looks down.

THIS...

You guys know what your dads' taste is. I think there is more value in what you and your brother pick out for him as a gift than him returning it for something else.

I recently bought one for my Father in Law on Fathers Day. I picked out the Rolex and gave it to him. He absolutely loves it. It wouldn't have mattered which model.

[peterpl]

Thanks guys for all the feedback.

I've got some good leads now and we'll see how it goes.

I'll keep you guys posted on how it all pans out.

Cheers

[Star Ferry]

I would consider 1) whether your dad is comfortable with the idea of wearing a Rolex and 2) whether he is okay with having a visibly gold watch (assuming you plan on getting YG or RG)

outside of those 2 reasons, I'm not sure why a gift recipient would have an issue with the DD40. All the dial options look good IMO and it's a great, reasonably sized watch