How do I handle this transaction?

[caspian]

I found a used platinum Presidential with the blue dial that I wanted from a reputable dealer.

I traded in my 18K Sub as a partial trade. He got my watch and wire payment. I received the platinum President.

Problem is, it is short 3 links in the bracelet and that wasn't mentioned in the ad. It is too small to fit my wrist.

I sent him an e-mail and asked if the links were at his place and he forgot to include them (trying to give him a chance to make it right).

I just sent the e-mail a few minutes ago, so I can't give any further updates.

However, if things go south and he doesn't have any links. Do I take it "as is" because I didn't ask? Do I deal with shipping back? Is there a source for links for platinum presidents? (a quick google search only showed one on e-bay for around $900!!!!!

Thanks
Chris

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Unfortunately it's "buyer beware" but hopefully they will make it right!

[Polar Bear]

Was the price you paid $2700 less than similar models from other dealers?
If you paid market price, then the dealer should have disclosed the missing links as they would for a missing warranty card
If it was "a steal" then you might be SOL, but they still should have mentioned that in the listing prior

[WAK4]

Did the ad say anything like "complete" etc?

I think new links from an AD are $1200 or more so it's hard to let it go particularly with 3. I'd push back.

[caspian]

Lesson learned. They have a 14 day return policy and since it literally will not fit me, it will be in the same condition they sent it.

I am hoping they will make it right. I heard back from them and they are going to check the listing photos. I am optimistic that they didn't notice it was short on links and when he sees the photos with the missing links, he will see that they sent it short and will take care of it.

I will keep the post updated. Worst case is that now I know one more thing to ask before ordering. I have bought 5 Rolex's and this has never been an issue, so it's new to me.

FWIW, it's a beautiful watch.....I just think I would look a little out of place wearing it om four fingers instead of my wrist. LOL

Thanks
Chris

[Vince M.]

Part of the reason I would never buy from a grey. I'm sure they pulled the links on purpose. Every link should be included on sale and if they aren't it should be explicitly noted. What the hell does someone do with a couple extra links to a watch anyhow ?

[4 Aussies]

MSRP for one link is $1700.00
Did he send you the XL box??


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[Michael T]

How many links were in the photos? Did you get what was in the photos? It sounds like the seller has agreed to send them. Offer to send a FedEx overnight label, to flush out their sincerity.

[caspian]

Originally Posted by Vince M.

Part of the reason I would never buy from a grey. I'm sure they pulled the links on purpose. Every link should be included on sale and if they aren't it should be explicitly noted. What the hell does someone do with a couple extra links to a watch anyhow ?

I am guessing the previous owner had the links pulled and didn't include them with the watch. Otherwise, it has box, papers, and warranty card.

I have had 100% satisfaction from 5 previous deals with gray, so I am comfortable with gray dealers as long as they have a long history of positive reviews on multiple sites and a storefront. The fact that he is replying to me at 10:00 pm to figure this out is somewhat reassuring.

Ideally, it would have been caught prior to shipping, but we're human. The is the optimist coming out in me. LOL.

[omar-rye]

As others have said; 3 links is the cost of a Rolex OP 41mm. Whether you got it below market value or not shouldn’t matter if the listing advertised it as complete

[caspian]

Originally Posted by Michael T

How many links were in the photos? Did you get what was in the photos? It sounds like the seller has agreed to send them. Offer to send a FedEx overnight label, to flush out their sincerity.

I screwed up and didn't count the links in the ad. The ad has since been pulled because I bought it. That is a lesson learned. He is going to check the ad posting when he gets to the office tomorrow. However, he has been responsive, so I feel pretty good about the situation.

If not, it's an 8 hour drive to have a "discussion". ;) I honestly don't see it coming to that.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by caspian

I screwed up and didn't count the links in the ad. The ad has since been pulled because I bought it. That is a lesson learned. He is going to check the ad posting when he gets to the office tomorrow. However, he has been responsive, so I feel pretty good about the situation.

If not, it's an 8 hour drive to have a "discussion". ;) I honestly don't see it coming to that.

OP, I'm sure HE COUNTED those links when HE bought that watch. And paid the seller accordingly. Insist on having them, if misrepresented on the ad.

[Moondoggy]

Yeah, it's a bit of a common dirty trick some greys do deliberately.

[hutch300]

I'd like to know the seller. Its a bummer but you will work it out.

People knock gray all the time but guys like DavidSW are as solid as they come.

[caspian]

Still holding out hope this is an honest mistake. If not, I work in a profession where it would escalate to an expensive end for them. I don't foresee that happening. But lesson learned. Disappointing since there (in my experience) are many good gray dealers.

[jingerman]

The missing links should’ve been listed in the listing, but otherwise it seems like what’s done is done, and it’s up to the seller.


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[Cigars&Watches]

Sounds like a common practice by some grey dealers. If the price you paid was the going rate for a full set then name and shame the dealer if they don’t make it right.. notice to all, buyer beware. Thanks for sharing OP

[Armis]

It’s likely (hopefully) just an oversight. If they knew it was short 3 links, then they should have included that in the description. It’s hard to count the links on many of these posted pictures. And there’s no place for wordplay like ‘complete’ or omitting that word that should require you to read into it. Some greys may play games, unfortunately, but given the response you got so far it looks like they will make it right.
Good luck and congrats.

[caspian]

Originally Posted by hutch300

I'd like to know the seller. Its a bummer but you will work it out.

People knock gray all the time but guys like DavidSW are as solid as they come.

I have bought from DavidSW. He is solid. Like I said, I have bought 6 from gray and all good (Blue Milgauss, Cameron Deep Sea Dweller, Blue Sky Dweller, Air King, and 18k Submariner, Two tone Sub). All solid.......this one tho....so far......

And if things, go south, then I will name him and follow up with all the websites I can, the BBB, US Attys Office (wire fraud), and civil action. I am not "that guy" but if I don't get what is represented or a 100% refund within 15 days as stated on their website, I will do everything I can to help someone from getting burned.

The overwhelming positive posts on their company has me feeling positive that this was a misunderstanding. If so, and addressed accordingly, I will gladly give them a positive review and positive press.

[hutch300]

At least the problem is a link Rolex sells. Could be much worse. Good luck OP

[HMHM]

I honestly doubt it’s a mistake. Grey dealers are known to pull these kind of dodgy business from time to time, hoping customers don’t notice the total number of links are wrong. But, I think once you caught their wrongdoings they will most likely replace the missing links which THEY INITIALLY TOOK OUT THEMSELVES to avoid worsening the situation.

[caspian]

FWIW, while I can not access the photos, it was listed as "Mint with little signs of wear". That alone indicates no missing links. I am (optimistically) hoping he will see that when he reviews the ad tomorrow morning and we can move forward.

Sorry for the drama without having the full story, but I dumped a ton of $ into my dream watch and am a little concerned when I can't even wear it.

[caspian]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I honestly doubt it’s a mistake. Grey dealers are known to pull these kind of dodgy business from time to time, hoping customers don’t notice the total number of links are wrong. But, I think once you caught their wrongdoings they will most likely replace the missing links which THEY INITIALLY TOOK OUT THEMSELVES to avoid worsening the situation.

Note to dodgy grey dealers.....don't make it obvious. I could probably fit in a -1 link......but -3 is wife size. LOL.

My positive attitude comes from their 15 day 100% return policy and quick e-mail responses. I am hoping this is an oversight on a used watch they took in. I gave them an out and asked if they accidentally didn't include the links. Fingers crossed.

[HMHM]

Originally Posted by caspian

Note to dodgy grey dealers.....don't make it obvious. I could probably fit in a -1 link......but -3 is wife size. LOL.

My positive attitude comes from their 15 day 100% return policy and quick e-mail responses. I am hoping this is an oversight on a used watch they took in. I gave them an out and asked if they accidentally didn't include the links. Fingers crossed.

I hope things go well for you! It’s a lot of money for a platinum DD and buying such an expensive piece should bring joy and satisfaction to you, not unnecessary worries.

And great choice of platinum DD! The waffle dial is probably one of the two DD dials that I would consider myself if I’m in the market for a DD.

[omar-rye]

I personally don’t think it was done deliberately. I would understand the suspicion if it was just one link missing…but it would be foolish for a dealer to keep 3 links intentionally - knowing the bracelet wouldn’t fit the average wrist without them

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by caspian

"Mint with little signs of wear". That alone indicates no missing links.

Not sure I’d go that far. But dropping the coin on a Plat anything, I would expect the ad from a dealer to disclose any abnormalities. Shouldn’t be up to the buyer to count links in a bracelet. Hate to say it, but I’d probably start packing it up and getting it ready to send back. I’m gonna bet those links don’t show up, and an “oops!” will be in your inbox tomorrow.

[caspian]

Originally Posted by HMHM

I hope things go well for you! It’s a lot of money for a platinum DD and buying such an expensive piece should bring joy and satisfaction to you, not unnecessary worries.

And great choice of platinum DD! The waffle dial is probably one of the two DD dials that I would consider myself if I’m in the market for a DD.

Thanks. My impatience and past positive experiences with grey dealers got the best of me and I am early into the rectification process of this situation. It's the $ that caused me to ask for advice on the forum.

I am probably blowing it out of proportion, but when I spend close to as much I spent on my first house on one watch, I get nervous.

Even handling this watch and it's beauty, weight and presence (even though I can't wear it) is enjoyment.

And yes, I am a huge fan of Rolex blue dials.....and the waffle (as I see it) is a limited edition and will be both beautiful and a great investment. Same reason I went for the Cameron Deep Sea. Down the road, these will be both fun to wear and solid investments.

[Andad]

Three links short is not something I would expect a seasoned seller to miss?

That wouldn't even feel right just holding it in my hand.

[harvey]

It’s quite a common practise for some unscrupulous sellers to withhold a couple of links…to later sell on.

[caspian]

Plan is to wait to hear from him tomorrow. He will either say, "sorry, that's what you bought" then I move forward on the 15 day refund, which I hope to be seamless and I am only out the payment of getting my trade in back.

or....he says, "You get what you saw in the pictures" and I put him on blast here, and yelp, and google and start the process for wire fraud with the State US Attys office, civil court and a visit.

The last option is the least desirable and don't see it coming to that. It's good to plan for the next step, but the next step could also be, "OK, we'll send you a return label". As for the headache and nonsense. Not ideal......but is part of life.