Ben Bridge salesperson said...?

[Tudor66]

I spent some time at a Ben Bridge store to try on a new GMTII. I am currently considering three different Rolexes for a daily use watch- i- new stainless GMTII, ii- new white explorer II, iii- used coca cola GMTII.

The salesperson at Ben Bridge told me that buying a used Rolex is not worth the risk, she cited examples where used Rolex buyers could not get their watches fixed because they did not buy it from an AD, and/or they had aftermarket parts installed which made the watch non-repairable.

She also indicated that a small discount from the ,7,900 dollar purchase was available,

Question A- Does she have any valid points of concern here...?
Question B- What is the typical discount for a new GMTII through Ben Bridge..

thanks,

Al

[Melanotaenia]

Originally Posted by Newbieone

I spent some time at a Ben Bridge store to try on a new GMTII. I am currently considering three different Rolexes for a daily use watch- i- new stainless GMTII, ii- new white explorer II, iii- used coca cola GMTII.

The salesperson at Ben Bridge told me that buying a used Rolex is not worth the risk, she cited examples where used Rolex buyers could not get their watches fixed because they did not buy it from an AD, and/or they had aftermarket parts installed which made the watch non-repairable.

She also indicated that a small discount from the ,7,900 dollar purchase was available,

Question A- Does she have any valid points of concern here...?
Question B- What is the typical discount for a new GMTII through Ben Bridge..

thanks,

Al

A) No
B) Who knows, just get one here on TRF and save some coin

[SALTY]

Can't really speak to the issue of discounts authoritatively but my understanding relative to RSC policy is that the watch needs to be put back into original Rolex condition, as avaiable for the date and iteration model you have when you send it in to the RSC for work.

A friend of mine replaced a few missing diamonds from his datejust with non-Rolex diamonds. When he sent the watch in for service, they required that the non-Rolex diamonds be replaced with Rolex diamonds!

[HL65]

Pure rubbish to get people to spend more money so they can make theirs!
Rolex will not service watches with after market parts but what does that have to do with where you buy it...

[Rolex Junky]

A. No
B. Depends on your bargaining skills.

[RolexYM]

This is what i wrote yesterday:

Originally Posted by RolexYM

From my (limited) understanding, for warranty work, you will need a filled warranty card AND proof of purchase (e.g. receipt). So, if you got it at a grey dealer, then Rolex will NOT fix under warranty (aka free). BUT, they will fix your watch for a fee...same fee as what they would charge a Rolex that is out of warranty.


HOWEVER, since grey market (or trustworthy broker) usually offers amazing discounts over what you can get at the AD, it is worth it! Why?

I recently had my YachtMaster (bought at AD) serviced at 5 years...it came out $820 ($700 + $120 for new sapphire crystal). So, lets say, in your WORST CASE SCENARIO, your new Rolex from Grey dealer stops working as soon as you put it on your wrist. Well, just send it in...and pay $700 (or less) for Rolex to fix it. (Remember, $700 is for a FULL SERVICE...not to fix a small problem, which should cost less.)

Now, how much did you save by going with the Grey Dealer? I am sure (or hope) that it was much more than $700. Let's say that you save over $1700 (as i did with my recent TOG purchase)...minus $700 for Rolex to fix your watch (worst case scenario!)...in the end you still made $1000 in profit over buying from AD!!!!

Is it worth it to get a new Rolex from a trusted broker or grey market? Hell yeah!! I would do the same over again.

(And yes, my TOG is my FIRST Rolex purchase from a non-AD broker.)

[dddrees]

She's naturally going to try to emphasize things which make it more desireable to buy a new watch from her. However she simply isn't telling you the whole truth.

Yes it is true you can buy a used Rolex from someone which has aftermarket parts which Rolex will not service until it is brought to factory specs. However it is always possible to buy a completely authenic used Rolex or get the one with aftermarket parts serviced by an independant. I personally would not buy a Rolex watch with aftermarket parts. In fact most if not all ADs sell used Rolex completely authenic watches.

[Tudor66]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Pure rubbish to get people to spend more money so they can make theirs!
Rolex will not service watches with after market parts but what does that have to do with where you buy it...

I believe the salesperson was implying that if I bought a used watch from a grey market dealer, I would not know if it had aftermarket parts. Then, upon requesting service from Rolex I would be denied due to these aftermarket parts. She went on to say that certain individuals in these situations cannot every get their watches fixed, as no one except Rolex can repair them.

Yesterday I had a good conversation with TRF member Tony M (justrolexes), he has a nice coca cola in stock, and he was very helpful in answering my stupid/newbie questions.. His watch is also a lot less than 8,000 dollars.
I also read this morning about another newbie who bought a fake, so I obviously have much to consider. I am in no rush, so the research will continue...

thanks,

AL

[The GMT Master]

There might well have been an element of scaremongoring, but they are both valid points. Rolex USA can (but not always) refuse to repair a watch under warranty if it has been bought second hand/on the grey market. It is very clear in the USA warranties that the guarantee card has to:

a) Have been filled in by an AD
b) Be in the name of the original owner

The guarantee, furthermore, is non-transferable, so if you have bought it from elsewhere from an AD, Rolex USA has every right to refuse warranty work. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but if you don't want to run the risk and want a full 2 year factory warranty, then buying new from an AD is your best bet. I should also note that this is a Rolex USA policy only, and overseas markets have different warranty policies.

There have also been cases of second hand watches being fit with aftermarket parts, most commonly dials, bezels and bracelets, but sometimes movement parts as well. Again, Rolex can refuse to service these. If you look at the Rolex USA warranty paperwork, it defines any watch that has had modifications made to it as counterfeit. An RSC will insist on putting right these changes (at your expense) before any services can be carried out. There are a lot of legitimate second hand Rolex sellers out there who do not use aftermarket parts or modify their watches, but there are less honest sellers who would do that. When buying second hand, make sure you really know your stuff, and if in doubt, don't buy. Caveat emptor.

Chris

[Speed]

Well-spoken Chris!

If you are asking for the typical discount on a very popular SS watch, the answer is Zero.

However, if you have dropped a lot of coin at this AD in the past on jewelry, watches etc, or he is in a small town and needs to move products....he may cut you a deal.

[Megalobyte]

If you buy an authentic watch with a warranty card properly stamped by an AD, dated at time of purchase, with the name of the original purchaser, the RSC in Dallas by all reports will repair the watch under warranty, even though your name isn't on the card, the NYC RSC however has been known to require your name be on the card.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Newbieone

I believe the salesperson was implying that if I bought a used watch from a grey market dealer, I would not know if it had aftermarket parts. Then, upon requesting service from Rolex I would be denied due to these aftermarket parts. She went on to say that certain individuals in these situations cannot every get their watches fixed, as no one except Rolex can repair them.

Yesterday I had a good conversation with TRF member Tony M (justrolexes), he has a nice coca cola in stock, and he was very helpful in answering my stupid/newbie questions.. His watch is also a lot less than 8,000 dollars.
I also read this morning about another newbie who bought a fake, so I obviously have much to consider. I am in no rush, so the research will continue...

thanks,

AL

I understand that. Having collected Rolex for 24 years I've never had an issue.
Know what you are buying and who you are buying from. I also have heard the same things from sales people for years at Rolex AD's on how risky it is to buy from anyone but an AD. To me- that is rubbish. If people like to pay more- no skin off my back. As for warranty- how many people have to use them in first place? That is why I love Rolex- well built and last forever and rarely an issue! JMHO for what it's worth....

[chiko323]

I have heard Ben bridge is not the AD with the best discounts.

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by Newbieone

I spent some time at a Ben Bridge store to try on a new GMTII. I am currently considering three different Rolexes for a daily use watch- i- new stainless GMTII, ii- new white explorer II, iii- used coca cola GMTII.

The salesperson at Ben Bridge told me that buying a used Rolex is not worth the risk, she cited examples where used Rolex buyers could not get their watches fixed because they did not buy it from an AD, and/or they had aftermarket parts installed which made the watch non-repairable.

She also indicated that a small discount from the ,7,900 dollar purchase was available,

Question A- Does she have any valid points of concern here...?
Question B- What is the typical discount for a new GMTII through Ben Bridge..

thanks,

Al

I've bought new from AD and used...I saved a lot of money on the used one!

Just a poor scare tactic....

[Tudor66]

This is certainly great feedback, it's much appreciated.

A few years ago I got taken at a less than honorable repair place that serviced my vintage, albeit a cheap 1960s Lucerne. They strung me along week after week, then when I went in person to simply ask for my watch pieces so I could go elsewhere they had closed their store and kept my watch.
With this fresh in my mind I am reluctant to trust anyone in the grey market area...

[Tools]

Enjoy your search... sometimes it's the most fascinating part of buying a Rolex..

However, you are confusing Grey Market, which is a legitimate business operating outside the Rolex Distributors umbrella, with the used or shady shop practices market.. They aren't the same....

Grey Market watches are always imported, authentic, and usually cheaper, but the Distributor Rolex didn't get paid and so they have no funding to cover warranty work done, therefore, they don't provide/honor the warranty..

The Used market is the one where you may or may not get an authentic watch, or you may get one that has been rebuilt with non-authentic parts... Here you must know your seller and have good feedback and references.. it's your best insurance that you are getting a good product...

[texex91]

Haha, Ben Bridge. Well, if their lips are moving...you know the rest. You can get new GMTIIC for about $7200 here from a trusted seller (seems to be about going rate). Why waste time/money at BB, get it delivered to your door, and don't pay taxes.

[ingoodtime]

In this economy, there is always the risk of having a jewelry store close their doors and you may lose your watch. I bought my first pre owned from a non AD jeweler. I had a concern about the way the date was changing. They said they would send it to a Rolex certified watchmaker they used at another store or I could take it there, next county over but only a half hour drive. I Drove to the jeweler and left it there and all was well.

Buy what u like and can afford. Ask for discounts and interest free financing.

If the sales person in the store has preowned and is trying to scare you about it's condition with regard to original parts, they should not have it in their display case. You could always ask them to have it inspected and get a written report as to authenticity.

[Chipmunk]

Bought my first love Rolex at BB, was so excited I didn't even ask for a discount. Now I only go there to try on watches.

[TSW]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

There might well have been an element of scaremongoring, but they are both valid points. Rolex USA can (but not always) refuse to repair a watch under warranty if it has been bought second hand/on the grey market. It is very clear in the USA warranties that the guarantee card has to:

a) Have been filled in by an AD
b) Be in the name of the original owner

The guarantee, furthermore, is non-transferable, so if you have bought it from elsewhere from an AD, Rolex USA has every right to refuse warranty work. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but if you don't want to run the risk and want a full 2 year factory warranty, then buying new from an AD is your best bet. I should also note that this is a Rolex USA policy only, and overseas markets have different warranty policies.

There have also been cases of second hand watches being fit with aftermarket parts, most commonly dials, bezels and bracelets, but sometimes movement parts as well. Again, Rolex can refuse to service these. If you look at the Rolex USA warranty paperwork, it defines any watch that has had modifications made to it as counterfeit. An RSC will insist on putting right these changes (at your expense) before any services can be carried out. There are a lot of legitimate second hand Rolex sellers out there who do not use aftermarket parts or modify their watches, but there are less honest sellers who would do that. When buying second hand, make sure you really know your stuff, and if in doubt, don't buy. Caveat emptor.

Chris

I agree on all points!

[Grissom]

My experience with Rolex USA and the warrantee is that it follows the watch, NOT the buyer. As long as one has the original, properly filled out card or certificate, and it is still within the warrantee period, Rolex will provide any covered service, under that warrantee, for an "unmolested" Rolex. Even if the name on the warrantee is not your name. Imagine if they did not do this? How, then, would anyone be able to gift a new Rolex to someone else? I have spoken with a number of large ADs such as Ben Bridge, and with Rolex USA and everyone has acknowledged such to be true. As far as Rolex seems to be concerned, from my own personal experience, with a properly filled out warrantee by a Rolex Authorized dealer, the warrantee will be valid no matter who sends in the watch for repair.

With regards to Ben Bridge discounts, I have found them to be few and far between.

As far as buying from someone other than an AD, as has been said here countless times before, buy the seller.....and if you deal with someone reputable, then, in the event of an unforeseen issue, they will either refund you, or make it right. Buying from an AD does not automatically eliminate the risk in your purchase, as sometimes, consumers can experience problems with even an Authorized Dealer, and have found that they paid top dollar, for that privilege. There can be some very good deals had, on the secondary/grey market, just do your due diligence, before making a purchase.

[imono]

You have concerns about buying elsewhere.
I'd buy new from AD.
This way you won't loose sleepless nights wondering where the watch came from or whether it had replacement parts.
So what if you have to pay $500 to $1000 more?
It will cost a whole lot more to cure the sleepless nights.

[HongNinja]

ADs always do this. So does Jared. They always use this scare tactic to sway you from buying from anybody but them/AD. It's a sales ploy. There is an element of that, but if you're smart and deal with the right people, there's plenty of upside(i.e save/make money). There are a lot of honest people around the forums, just have to be careful.

[Lagunatic]

Originally Posted by Newbieone

I spent some time at a Ben Bridge store to try on a new GMTII. I am currently considering three different Rolexes for a daily use watch- i- new stainless GMTII, ii- new white explorer II, iii- used coca cola GMTII.

The salesperson at Ben Bridge told me that buying a used Rolex is not worth the risk, she cited examples where used Rolex buyers could not get their watches fixed because they did not buy it from an AD, and/or they had aftermarket parts installed which made the watch non-repairable.

She also indicated that a small discount from the ,7,900 dollar purchase was available,

Question A- Does she have any valid points of concern here...?
Question B- What is the typical discount for a new GMTII through Ben Bridge..

thanks,

Al

PM sent. Stay away from Ben Bridge Jewelers, they are totally incompetent

[DG123]

I agree that buying a used watch is risky.

Originally Posted by Newbieone

I spent some time at a Ben Bridge store to try on a new GMTII. I am currently considering three different Rolexes for a daily use watch- i- new stainless GMTII, ii- new white explorer II, iii- used coca cola GMTII.

The salesperson at Ben Bridge told me that buying a used Rolex is not worth the risk, she cited examples where used Rolex buyers could not get their watches fixed because they did not buy it from an AD, and/or they had aftermarket parts installed which made the watch non-repairable.

She also indicated that a small discount from the ,7,900 dollar purchase was available,

Question A- Does she have any valid points of concern here...?
Question B- What is the typical discount for a new GMTII through Ben Bridge..

thanks,

Al

[Melanotaenia]

Originally Posted by DG123

I agree that buying a used watch is risky.

buying a used watch is not risky if you buy the seller; there are some top notch used dealers that always have period correct pieces with nothing aftermarket and nothing questionable. The rubbish used dealers are the ones that sour the used Rolex market; there are some good sellers out there, you just need to know where to look.

[Speed]

ADs will also tell you EVERY Rolex sold by an internet dealer is fake...and every GMT insert sold online if fake.

[blama215]

I bought 4 watches from Ben Bridge the only time I received a discount was on a Omega when they were discontinuing that brand all together in there stores. Other than that they don't want to seem to want to discount. I do like buying from AD's, but I would also consider buying from one of the trusted sellers on this fourm.

[Johnnie]

The salesperson is very funny LoL

[Captain Kirk]

Crap, crap, crap, what you have been told here. I have bought 3 new rolex's from Ben Bridge. First why anybody with the means would buy a used Rolex is beyond me.... Second, BB will clean your watch / buff out little scratches from an opps moment for free. Third, most BB have smart sale folks, but I buy mine from the manager of the store, too get a discount the manager got to approve the discount anyway. 4. The warranty 5. I sleep better at night knowing my new watch is fresh, and completely real.

Your recourse if you have a problem is much better with the AD. Yes you may save on the tax if you buy gray market,but really if you can't afford the tax and a little higher price to buy from an AD, can you really afford the watch?

That's the problem with the Rolex name right now.... Too many goofs can wear a watch that they shouldnt be wearing, and has caused the prestige of the Rolex name to be muddy. I know this statement is a harsh toke, but really I worked hard to put a great watch on my wrist, and hate every Tom, dick,and harry wearing one. Or the fakey guys out there, who really screwing up the brand. Yes, their are some folks on TRF that sell great deals, and are completely real, and do a great job and sell great products, but there is nothing like walking into the AD throwing down the cash (get the discount) for a Rolex and know you are the first to wear it.... I know many will disagree with me, but there are a lot that will agree with me. Pick your poison.

Buy new and be happy!