My rolex is not original.How can this happen?

[rlx]

This incident recently happened to me. Although it has been resolve, I feel obliged to disclose the case to fellow forumors.
I had a Rolex SS Datejust-lady watch with mother-of-pearl dial, which was purchased in 2006 (see the attached picture) in an up market watch & jewelry store D**** in Singapore. We remembered clearly this style was on display. When we queried the staff whether they have another one with different color of the dial, we were asked to wait for 30mins to get another watch transferred from another branch. Oh, the watch was beautiful when she arrived. Her white mother-of-pearl dial was rather pink, and reflected pink/green/white colors from different angles. Since we entrusted the retailer and were given a handsome discount, we didn't hesitate to take her home.
Everything was perfect until I sent the watch to RSC for servicing. Almost within 24 hours, I was notified the watch was not the original model. The dial has been changed from metal one to MOP. As such, RSC would not service my watch or returned it unless the dial is changed back to metal.
It was devastating to hear this, and I could not figure out how this happened in Singapore, on a 'reputable' retailer. To get this resolved was exhausting. In the end, I have settled with a brand-new replacement watch (the right model with MOP dial), and topped-up the difference. Well, I don't think this is the best solution but we finally reached the agreement.
According to RSC, there is a master catalog containing all models. The consumer is advised to request a reference from the master catalog when making the purchase. However, how many first-time buyers are as savvy as this?
Some of you may think I should resort to legal channel for a resolution. Rightfully I should. But it will be a time consuming and painful process. Hopefully by disclosing my story, forumor can be alert as possible in the future.

[communicam]

oh my, this must be the first time i'm hearing such case. A bit ridiculous lor. Lucky you got it resolved.. Was it dickson?? I believe it's good us to know which AD so we can be more wary in future..

[triton]

when did you sent in the watch for service?

you said metal dial was change to a MOP, can you kindly advise us what metal dial you referring to?

IIRC, when a customer sent in a watch for service, the watch will first look through by the technician to authenticate the watch. if the watch is found to have used after market dials, they would return the watch immediately.

like you said, it was changed from a metal one to a MOP. so long as the MOP dial is original, there should be no issues. unless the MOP dial used was not original.

Everything was perfect until I sent the watch to RSC for servicing. Almost within 24 hours, I was notified the watch was not the original model. The dial has been changed from metal one to MOP. As such, RSC would not service my watch or returned it unless the dial is changed back to metal.

[^Lee^]

May I ask where did you brought the rolex, AD or preowned watchshop?

[pam1938]

Hi rlx,

So sorry to hear your bad experience, I know it's a real nightmare when things like this happen.

Thank you for the insight, it will make me more vigilant and not take things for granted, even with reputable watch dealer.

Cheers

[116520]

What an unexpected incident, if i am you, I will bring this issue to the media and rolex and demand an answer from the AD. In this case, you shouldn't top up anything for another rolex, they shall replace a similar one without any extra cost....

[wolfeyes1974]

thanks for sharing...

i'll definitely pursue using legal means....this is our rights...besides, you may be able to get more compensation may be equivalent to 2-3 rollies...

[Darkangel]

Ok first question first...where you buy from? Authorised Dealer or other shops?

[Taurus75]

I was notified the watch was not the original model. The dial has been changed from metal one to MOP. As such, RSC would not service my watch or returned it unless the dial is changed back to metal.
It was devastating to hear this, and I could not figure out how this happened in Singapore, on a 'reputable' retailer.

According to RSC, there is a master catalog containing all models. The consumer is advised to request a reference from the master catalog when making the purchase. However, how many first-time buyers are as savvy as this?

From ur post, I'm assuming u are referring to the local AD "D******". if the replacement dial used by the said AD is an original (authentic) Rolex dial albiet that of another model, RSC should service the watch. Such practices are prevalent on Datejust where there are plenty of variations on minute details. For example, some AD are willing to swop the bracelet, said an oyster bracelet onto a Datejust that originally comes on a Jubilee bracelet if the customer so request, and this should not be an issue when the watch is send in for servicing at RSC. However, I had read in some foreign forums that those with SS SubDate 16610LV who swop their original Green bezel insert to a conventional Black bezel insert (authentic ones found on the SS SubDate 16610) do encounter problem when they send their watch for servicing as RSC would request that the former be fitted back. So I'm not sure exactly what RSC's stance is on this.. . Maybe someone can clarify on this?

[triton]

as mentioned previously, there should be no issues.

like you said, it was changed from a metal one to a MOP. so long as the MOP dial is original, there should be no issues. unless the MOP dial used was not original.

So I'm not sure exactly what RSC's stance is on this.. . Maybe someone can clarify on this?

[keltzar]

that is very unfortunate.
maybe that's why the discount was so handsome...
but then, if the dial had been changed they should have just disclosed it.

[ricnas1]

unfortunately, for the datejusts... there are many different types of variations.... and not all are original.. the so-called custom dials... in different colours and finishes such as the mop... diamond studded....

an original from rolex wld cost ....

however there is a possibilty that the dial is original but diamonds added on as markers so that wld be a modified dial...

rolex wl insist on all original and/or unmodified parts before engaging on a service.

what u can do.. is try to get a form of written explanation from rolex as to why the dial needed to be changed..

but since u have already opted out for a change... the dial wld have been disposed off.. and quite simply leaves u with little option to pursue.

[seiko.citizen]

in my case, i would have asked rolex to issue statement that my watch is not authentic as claimed and keep the parts as I will make clear that I am pursueing legal action.

I have done it before and it is relatvely painless to do. I took sony ericsson to court where they refuse to service a phone that they claim was not broken. I said it was, and can prove. They wanted to settle with a bundle of terms and conditions. In the end, they had to pay up, but only after I had chased them for it.

I believe a lady in SG also did the same to Nokia.

[rlx]

Triton,
I believe the watch is still with RSC. You may want to take a look of the watch if you have any contacts there. The watch model 179160 does not come with the MOP dial. In other words, there is no combination of domed bezel with MOP dial. Although the watch was genuine and brand-new and dial is authentic, RSC refused to service it because the watch has been modified.

when did you sent in the watch for service?

you said metal dial was change to a MOP, can you kindly advise us what metal dial you referring to?

IIRC, when a customer sent in a watch for service, the watch will first look through by the technician to authenticate the watch. if the watch is found to have used after market dials, they would return the watch immediately.

like you said, it was changed from a metal one to a MOP. so long as the MOP dial is original, there should be no issues. unless the MOP dial used was not original.

[triton]

strange. cause my wife's rolex undergo change of dial, they never say anything leh

Triton,
I believe the watch is still with RSC. You may want to take a look of the watch if you have any contacts there. The watch model 179160 does not come with the MOP dial. In other words, there is no combination of domed bezel with MOP dial. Although the watch was genuine and brand-new and dial is authentic, RSC refused to service it because the watch has been modified.