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Vvillie · 30 March 2019, 06:46 AM

Ladies and Gents,

Just wondering how many of you have rethought or backed out of a purchase after being so underwhelmed seeing a watch in person? We see all the glossy promotional pictures and often hear of the hype relating to the SS sports models, but due to supply issues, we never get to actually walk into an AD to view the watch in person.

I am sure many of us have had our hearts set on something, often for many month or years, and then upon holding it in our hands, have thought, ‘this does nothing for me’. I would love to hear your thoughts and stories, as I am sure I am not the only person who has felt this way.

Fat_ninja · 30 March 2019, 06:49 AM

Nope...if ive obsessed over it...i would have bought it.

904VT · 30 March 2019, 06:55 AM

I haven't seen many Rolex that underwhelm in person. But sometimes have seen sunburst dials that photos don't do justice.

My advice would be to buy a watch you have seen and tried on in the flesh.

Seibei · 30 March 2019, 07:00 AM

Not me.

peterpl · 30 March 2019, 07:01 AM

I've had many watches that look awesome to me in pictures but in real life very very underwhelmed.

1) Hulk. I bought this watch 2 times. I loved it in pics but in real life its not that special and the green pastel color puts me off.

2) SS Daytona Ceramic White Dial. Wore my friends for a good week daily. Sorry to all the SS Daytona lovers there but there is no way this watch feels like a $22k watch.

inadeje · 30 March 2019, 07:02 AM

Yes. Yellow gold gmt. I haven’t wanted to go yellow gold but, decided to try one on. Luckily I didn’t pull the trigger.

~JJ · 30 March 2019, 07:03 AM

I have not experienced this before.

904VT · 30 March 2019, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterpl

I've had many watches that look awesome to me in pictures but in real life very very underwhelmed.

1) Hulk. I bought this watch 2 times. I loved it in pics but in real life its not that special and the green pastel color puts me off.

2) SS Daytona Ceramic White Dial. Wore my friends for a good week daily. Sorry to all the SS Daytona lovers there but there is no way this watch feels like a $22k watch.

I should tell you what i think the Aquanaut feels like at it's current price, but it would start an uproar on the forums

tac34vt · 30 March 2019, 07:08 AM

Years ago I thought I wanted a Daytona until I tried it on and realized how small it wore on my wrist.

glamorama · 30 March 2019, 07:08 AM

I wouldn’t say I was that underwhelmed but at first when I got my day date I thought Grand Seiko had better finishing especially on dial details as the applied batons and hands.

bobernet · 30 March 2019, 07:17 AM

Yes. I was 90% sure I wanted a white gold Skydweller. I almost ordered one without trying.

Tried it on at a dealer in Hong Kong, and even with a generous discount I knew it wasn't for me. Wears way too big for a dressy watch, and way too bling for a sport watch. I wanted to love it for the movement, but the design was the worst of all worlds.

101031-28 · 30 March 2019, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 904VT

I should tell you what i think the Aquanaut feels like at it's current price, but it would start an uproar on the forums

Stevec14 · 30 March 2019, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterpl

I've had many watches that look awesome to me in pictures but in real life very very underwhelmed.

1) Hulk. I bought this watch 2 times. I loved it in pics but in real life its not that special and the green pastel color puts me off.

2) SS Daytona Ceramic White Dial. Wore my friends for a good week daily. Sorry to all the SS Daytona lovers there but there is no way this watch feels like a $22k watch.

Have to say, I agree on the Daytona. It’s a lovely watch but in the metal I far preferred the black despite the white photographing better.

At that money if I was doing again I’d add a little more and go PM.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MikeyV · 30 March 2019, 07:25 AM

The advice to feel a watch before you actually buy it is great advice.

I was dead set on a certain Tudor model. Went to try it on and the feel of it stopped me dead in my tracks. Good thing I didn't just order one.

I want a blue Pelagos bad, but I'm afraid to try it on and have it feel way too light, being Ti, and then I won't want it!

Annan · 30 March 2019, 07:35 AM

Thought I wanted a BLNR when first released but changed my mind at the AD.

Helmi · 30 March 2019, 07:42 AM

White sky dweller steel. I loved it in the photos but in flesh was underwhelming. Decided to pass and continue my wait for the blue

Itgb · 30 March 2019, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annan

Thought I wanted a BLNR when first released but changed my mind at the AD.

I was so infatuated with the color scheme of the BLNR that I thought it was the one, having looked at countless pictures online. Once I had it on my wrist at the AD, I knew it wasn't for me. There was a long list of issues I could not look past(I know I'm in the minority) and I knew pretty much any 6-digit GMT was not going to work for me. So the search goes on...

enjoythemusic · 30 March 2019, 08:06 AM

I have done that quite a few times over the years. Minute repeaters and the music watch really let me down. Not in how they look, it's in the lack of sound output.

damoore · 30 March 2019, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyV

The advice to feel a watch before you actually buy it is great advice.

I was dead set on a certain Tudor model. Went to try it on and the feel of it stopped me dead in my tracks. Good thing I didn't just order one.

I want a blue Pelagos bad, but I'm afraid to try it on and have it feel way too light, being Ti, and then I won't want it!

I actually purchased the black Pelagos and it did indeed feel way too light. Especially since I also was wearing in rotation my SD4K. Sold it. It was a nice piece but just not for me.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quailhunter · 30 March 2019, 08:10 AM

I wanted a SeaDweller but once on my wrist I knew it didn’t fit. Same results on a Submariner.

jeffnnj · 30 March 2019, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tac34vt

Years ago I thought I wanted a Daytona until I tried it on and realized how small it wore on my wrist.

What he said.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Crown & Shield · 30 March 2019, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 904VT

I should tell you what i think the Aquanaut feels like at it's current price, but it would start an uproar on the forums

This

chloebear · 30 March 2019, 08:15 AM

I haven't experienced this exact situation, but seemingly every time I go in to see a particular watch I inveriably end up liking something more that wasn't on my radar.

I never looked too closely at the Sea-Dweller before, but remember going in to look at something else and was blown away by the SD4K in person. Bonus points because the salesman pulled his sleeve up to reveal a 1665. Blown away.

Harry-57 · 30 March 2019, 08:16 AM

Not so far. My two remaining Rolex wants have both been met in person. One is on order and the other will be got if the outlay can be justified down the road. They've already been inspected and passed fit to whelm.

Re. Daytona. At 40mm I suspected that it would be too small for me to easily read with all its complication. I was not underwhelmed. Merely, my hunch proved to be correct - for my needs. It is a beautiful watch. For me, it needs a date function and an extra 2-3mm diameter. I hope they don't do it, because I would likely be unable to resist.

I have been underwhelmed by a model from another brand, post purchase. My wife now wears that watch. She likes it and it looks good on her. I have occasionally revisited other models of the brand in question. They always disappoint a bit when I get to see them up close. I guess I'm just not a target customer for that brand.

droptopman · 30 March 2019, 08:17 AM

Yes, two of the most popular watches on the forum: Daytona which I have tried 5 different times and believe or not the GMT BLNR. BLNR is odd because I like GMT's. When they first came out I drove over to the AD and was fully planning on buying it and after trying it on decided not to. This was back when AD actually had all the models in stock...Funny because I really like the BLNR just not on me.

mudd · 30 March 2019, 08:17 AM

Omega yes, Rolex, no regrets with any of them. I just have to stop flipping them.

6scape · 30 March 2019, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 904VT

I haven't seen many Rolex that underwhelm in person. But sometimes have seen sunburst dials that photos don't do justice.

My advice would be to buy a watch you have seen and tried on in the flesh.

I agree!

Fallranger · 30 March 2019, 08:37 AM

Try it on. Obsessed over the GMT II and was shocked by the overly sized maxi case which put me off.

Jerrocop · 30 March 2019, 08:45 AM

Nope. So far every Rolex I've seen in the flesh has been more impressive than the ads/photos. The all gold references are an example . . . much better to hold and see those in person!

jb335 · 30 March 2019, 09:22 AM

Yep. A few times. Most notably the BLNR. Looked great in pics and on other people but when I first got try one on in the flesh, did not look right on me at all. This also happened to me with a 36mm SS/WG silver dial DJ too.

Consequently, I will never buy a watch without trying it on first.

30 March 2019, 06:46 AM	#1
Vvillie "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Sydney Posts: 51	Underwhelmed Ladies and Gents, Just wondering how many of you have rethought or backed out of a purchase after being so underwhelmed seeing a watch in person? We see all the glossy promotional pictures and often hear of the hype relating to the SS sports models, but due to supply issues, we never get to actually walk into an AD to view the watch in person. I am sure many of us have had our hearts set on something, often for many month or years, and then upon holding it in our hands, have thought, ‘this does nothing for me’. I would love to hear your thoughts and stories, as I am sure I am not the only person who has felt this way.

30 March 2019, 07:02 AM	#6
inadeje 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Miami Watch: me lose count. Posts: 5,887	Yes. Yellow gold gmt. I haven’t wanted to go yellow gold but, decided to try one on. Luckily I didn’t pull the trigger. __________________ ♛ 218206 Roman ♛ 116689 ♛ 126710BLRO ♛ 16520 white ♛ 16523 white ♛ 16610 ♛ 5513 Birth Year - ✠ Patek Philippe 5980/1R-001 - AP 26331ST Panda - Panerai Bronzo 671 & 111, Ω Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow, Cartier Santos XL - Montblanc TimeWalker Chrono 41

30 March 2019, 07:35 AM	#15
Annan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Ron Location: Arizona, USA Watch: 116233 Posts: 3,180	Thought I wanted a BLNR when first released but changed my mind at the AD. __________________ *so many Rolexes.....so little time*

30 March 2019, 08:06 AM	#18
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 21,023	I have done that quite a few times over the years. Minute repeaters and the music watch really let me down. Not in how they look, it's in the lack of sound output. __________________ __________________ ----> TAMPA Meetup In December 2024 <---- https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=13450519 Love timepieces and want to become a Watchmaker? Rolex has a sensational school. www.RolexWatchmakingTrainingCenter.com/ Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

30 March 2019, 08:17 AM	#25
droptopman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Mark Location: Washington State Watch: SUBS and GMT's! Posts: 9,664	Yes, two of the most popular watches on the forum: Daytona which I have tried 5 different times and believe or not the GMT BLNR. BLNR is odd because I like GMT's. When they first came out I drove over to the AD and was fully planning on buying it and after trying it on decided not to. This was back when AD actually had all the models in stock...Funny because I really like the BLNR just not on me. __________________ Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? Ty: By height.

30 March 2019, 06:49 AM	#2
Fat_ninja Banned Join Date: May 2018 Real Name: Jonathan Location: USA Watch: P-01 Posts: 11,772	Nope...if ive obsessed over it...i would have bought it.

30 March 2019, 06:55 AM	#3
904VT "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: USA Watch: All Rolex Posts: 7,024	I haven't seen many Rolex that underwhelm in person. But sometimes have seen sunburst dials that photos don't do justice. My advice would be to buy a watch you have seen and tried on in the flesh.

30 March 2019, 07:00 AM	#4
Seibei Banned Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: New Zealand Watch: 114060 Posts: 2,630	Not me.

30 March 2019, 07:01 AM	#5
peterpl Banned Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: . Posts: 6,692	I've had many watches that look awesome to me in pictures but in real life very very underwhelmed. 1) Hulk. I bought this watch 2 times. I loved it in pics but in real life its not that special and the green pastel color puts me off. 2) SS Daytona Ceramic White Dial. Wore my friends for a good week daily. Sorry to all the SS Daytona lovers there but there is no way this watch feels like a $22k watch.

30 March 2019, 07:03 AM	#7
~JJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Chicago Watch: explorer Posts: 2,285	I have not experienced this before.

30 March 2019, 07:08 AM	#9
tac34vt "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Northeast, USA Watch: GMT2-DJ2-SubC-SD43 Posts: 208	Years ago I thought I wanted a Daytona until I tried it on and realized how small it wore on my wrist.

30 March 2019, 07:08 AM	#10
glamorama "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Real Name: Dan Location: Benelux Posts: 1,920	I wouldn’t say I was that underwhelmed but at first when I got my day date I thought Grand Seiko had better finishing especially on dial details as the applied batons and hands.

30 March 2019, 07:17 AM	#11
bobernet "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: Mountains Watch: ALS, AP, PP, Rolex Posts: 2,988	Yes. I was 90% sure I wanted a white gold Skydweller. I almost ordered one without trying. Tried it on at a dealer in Hong Kong, and even with a generous discount I knew it wasn't for me. Wears way too big for a dressy watch, and way too bling for a sport watch. I wanted to love it for the movement, but the design was the worst of all worlds.

30 March 2019, 07:25 AM	#14
MikeyV "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Real Name: Mike Location: N. California Watch: DateJust 41 TT Posts: 549	The advice to feel a watch before you actually buy it is great advice. I was dead set on a certain Tudor model. Went to try it on and the feel of it stopped me dead in my tracks. Good thing I didn't just order one. I want a blue Pelagos bad, but I'm afraid to try it on and have it feel way too light, being Ti, and then I won't want it!

30 March 2019, 07:42 AM	#16
Helmi "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Doha Posts: 2,065	White sky dweller steel. I loved it in the photos but in flesh was underwhelming. Decided to pass and continue my wait for the blue

30 March 2019, 08:10 AM	#20
Quailhunter "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Real Name: Doug Location: Georgia USA Watch: Rolex President Posts: 1,348	I wanted a SeaDweller but once on my wrist I knew it didn’t fit. Same results on a Submariner.

30 March 2019, 08:15 AM	#23
chloebear Banned Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Mike Location: USA Watch: Explorer Posts: 2,902	I haven't experienced this exact situation, but seemingly every time I go in to see a particular watch I inveriably end up liking something more that wasn't on my radar. I never looked too closely at the Sea-Dweller before, but remember going in to look at something else and was blown away by the SD4K in person. Bonus points because the salesman pulled his sleeve up to reveal a 1665. Blown away.

30 March 2019, 08:16 AM	#24
Harry-57 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Real Name: Harry Location: England Posts: 10,630	Not so far. My two remaining Rolex wants have both been met in person. One is on order and the other will be got if the outlay can be justified down the road. They've already been inspected and passed fit to whelm. Re. Daytona. At 40mm I suspected that it would be too small for me to easily read with all its complication. I was not underwhelmed. Merely, my hunch proved to be correct - for my needs. It is a beautiful watch. For me, it needs a date function and an extra 2-3mm diameter. I hope they don't do it, because I would likely be unable to resist. I have been underwhelmed by a model from another brand, post purchase. My wife now wears that watch. She likes it and it looks good on her. I have occasionally revisited other models of the brand in question. They always disappoint a bit when I get to see them up close. I guess I'm just not a target customer for that brand.

30 March 2019, 08:17 AM	#26
mudd "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas Watch: 114060 Posts: 435	Omega yes, Rolex, no regrets with any of them. I just have to stop flipping them.

30 March 2019, 08:37 AM	#28
Fallranger "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Real Name: Nate Location: Ohio Watch: Hulk (116610LV) Posts: 296	Try it on. Obsessed over the GMT II and was shocked by the overly sized maxi case which put me off. __________________ Rolex Submariner \| Zenith El Primero \| Tag Aquaracer \| Zodiac Grandrally

30 March 2019, 08:45 AM	#29
Jerrocop 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: West Coast Watch: EXP 39, GRNR, SeaQ Posts: 955	Nope. So far every Rolex I've seen in the flesh has been more impressive than the ads/photos. The all gold references are an example . . . much better to hold and see those in person!

30 March 2019, 09:22 AM	#30
jb335 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: The States Watch: Cosmograph Daytona Posts: 7,431	Yep. A few times. Most notably the BLNR. Looked great in pics and on other people but when I first got try one on in the flesh, did not look right on me at all. This also happened to me with a 36mm SS/WG silver dial DJ too. Consequently, I will never buy a watch without trying it on first.

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