LOUPETHIS.COM Be Careful
Hello everyone!
Unfortunately I have to report an annoying “incident” during a recent purchase with Loupe This. I am a returning customer having completed previously 2 auctions without any issue.
My 3rd purchase, the most expensive of all, was an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15202ST, one of the most iconic and well know watches in the world, $50,600, not a small sum.
The watch was advertised as complete with box and blank guarantee, and 12 pictures. Was rated 9 out of 10 for conditions “near-mint”, their report also added “Cases exhibits crisp surfaces and sharp chamfered edges.” Watch was identified at “Circa 2000”.
I am an avid collector and among many other luxury timepieces, I own already a 15202ST, different dial color, and my guarantee papers are also unsigned/unnamed, although they do report the details of the watch, its serial number, dial code and reference.
My other watch is an F serial number, full set with original box and documents, this watch is also an F serial number, they are 81 serial numbers away, which means they were produced weeks apart.
As I receive my box and unpack the content and read the serial, I immediately realized that both the box and the documents included with this watch were not belonging to this AP. The box was from a previous era, it even included a completely different number/serial sticker on a side, the papers/warranty were also from a previous era, without any detail of the reference, dial code or serial number.
The watch was not in near mint conditions, it had a very deep scratch on the bracelet that was not reported and most importantly was heavily polished, with edges rounded and not sharp as they should be and were advertised.
I immediately contact Loupe This letting them know about these issues and giving them the benefit of the doubt of a mistake in packing the box/documents. In summary they limited their reply to “watch is sold as is” and did not confront me in any way on the multiple misleading and wrong information about this listing, and the box/paper that were most likely purchased on eBay by consignor and tied to this watch.
I asked to return the watch, as I collect only full sets, or to obtain a 20% credit, as that is the value on average of box and papers. I told them I could not pay for a mistake they made.
Their last reply was including their attorney, after I told them I had to inform the DCA and the watch community of what happened.
Be aware, they pride themselves as experts, vetting and guaranteeing their timepieces, this time the made a big mistake, and even worse customer care. They lost a wealthy and passionate client, and I just warn you, hoping you do not fall into the same trap.
Long time collector. Made in Italy, NYC adopted
Well that sucks. Sorry to hear you had that trouble.
Hold them to their word, whatever that may be. I agree the story should be told and spread as widely as possible. This story further reinforces the maxim that one is buying the dealer as much as buying the watch.
Thanks for outing them.
Have not ever purchased from them, nor will I now after hearing your story.
You do us all a good service by sharing.
Question: you are new to WatchCrunch as of today...did you join just to call out this seller? Do you plan to continue engaging with the community?
That sucks!!
Ahh, that really sucks!
Sorry to hear what happened to you.
What a first post on WC!
Thanks for the information
Good to know, info stored away in the noggin' !
If you get in touch with your solicitor they'll look into it, I work in retail & at least in the UK you've got 28 days to return for a full refund no questions asked.
Presumably the law is different there? In which case I'd be looking at an insurance job and/or paying them a visit.
Good luck 🤞🏻
Sad story
Hold them to their word, whatever that may be. I agree the story should be told and spread as widely as possible. This story further reinforces the maxim that one is buying the dealer as much as buying the watch.
They even quote this on their site!!
Sounds like they need to put their money where their mouth is and accept the return.
Lawyer or no lawyer - ALL over their site they advertise how they hold the watch, they inspect the watch, the buyer can have peace of mind…
What you actually got was very misleading. Be sure to screen shot the advertisement and all the online descriptions of the watch if you can in case you need to use it for evidence.
Utter BS.
Let us know what the outcome is.
I feel like contacting them about this..
If you get in touch with your solicitor they'll look into it, I work in retail & at least in the UK you've got 28 days to return for a full refund no questions asked.
Presumably the law is different there? In which case I'd be looking at an insurance job and/or paying them a visit.
Good luck 🤞🏻
Normally in the US the customer care policy are extremely fair. That's why I was shocked when they denied any confrontation and wrongdoing with a returning client and refused to take the piece back despite the long list of evident errors and omissions of their listing.
They hide behind their conditions of sale and copied an attorney on the email chain to probably dissuade me from any action.
I wrote to the Department of Consumer Affair in CA, I think people should at least be aware of this incident.
I own a lot of watches and this will not affect my collection or my wallet, but for someone else at his first important purchase, this could be extremely disappointing.
Thanks for outing them.
Have not ever purchased from them, nor will I now after hearing your story.
You do us all a good service by sharing.
Question: you are new to WatchCrunch as of today...did you join just to call out this seller? Do you plan to continue engaging with the community?
I am new to the platform, I am not a big "social media" or web community guy, but I would be very happy to hang out here from time to time...assuming I have something interesting to share!
I thought this would be a good warning to give. I have rarely been this disappointed in 20 years buying watches. Fortunately 80% of my collection comes from Official Dealers, whether is Rolex, Patek or AP...vintage pieces require more scouting and I was very disappointed by the outcome of this purchase and above all, their inexistent customer care.
Sorry to hear what happened to you.
What a first post on WC!
Right? 😬
They even quote this on their site!!
Sounds like they need to put their money where their mouth is and accept the return.
Lawyer or no lawyer - ALL over their site they advertise how they hold the watch, they inspect the watch, the buyer can have peace of mind…
What you actually got was very misleading. Be sure to screen shot the advertisement and all the online descriptions of the watch if you can in case you need to use it for evidence.
Utter BS.
Let us know what the outcome is.
I feel like contacting them about this..
I already stored the information and listing, thanks for the reminder, I thought as well it was a good idea.
They are ignoring me, and passed the ball to what seems to be a small solo firm attorney who is making ironic comments on my "reviews" stating this will do them more good than bad...not sure how 🤣 but I would be pleased to get that lecture from him!
The reality is that I am a very busy business person, and I will let this go since 10/20k do not affect me in any way, but I felt the need to take the time to do this, because for someone else, that money could represent years of savings and a dream to chase.
Wow, threatening to sue a paying customer over their own mistake is an absolute dick move
I'm truly sorry to hear that, hope you get a solution/consolation soon!
I would love to see @WatchCrunch build out a section where people can report issues with various sellers, vendors, and auction sites.
Was the overpolishing not apparent on the pics they had posted? Definitely understand the box and papers not matching being a surprise, but were the pics not high-res enough to make the case condition obvious?
I could not tell. AP Royal oak are hard to evaluate from a picture because of their particular shape and structure. A Rolex for example is much easier when you look at lugs for example. Loupe This inspected and graded the watch, mentioning it was polished was the minimum they could do. They pride themselves being expert. They dated this watch completely wrong and provided a set that they knew did not belong to the watch, hence they decided to write “circa 2000”. I find it bad practice.
I would offer an opinion but my ass is poor and can't even contemplate what to say to a guy whom upon getting screwed in a 50 thousand dollar watch purchase merely refers to it simply as "an annoying incident"!! I'm clearly not on that level!! I do wish you all the best and hope you get what you paid for friend. Good luck!
I would love to see @WatchCrunch build out a section where people can report issues with various sellers, vendors, and auction sites.
Agreed
Hello everyone, since I am not a cybernaut, I would like to ask you if you find normal that my message on Rolex Forum was removed and then I was banned, right after LoupeThis owner responded to the thread, calling me a "terrorist" 😀
You have been banned for the following reason: No reason was specified.
Date the ban will be lifted: Never
Could have I broke a forum rule? They gave me no explanation and have not responded
I would offer an opinion but my ass is poor and can't even contemplate what to say to a guy whom upon getting screwed in a 50 thousand dollar watch purchase merely refers to it simply as "an annoying incident"!! I'm clearly not on that level!! I do wish you all the best and hope you get what you paid for friend. Good luck!
Money is relative WatchWizard, what happened to me could happen to someone else for a smaller or a bigger amount. I find it annoying regardless.
Real life problems are very, very different accidents.
Have a great week end!
Money is relative WatchWizard, what happened to me could happen to someone else for a smaller or a bigger amount. I find it annoying regardless.
Real life problems are very, very different accidents.
Have a great week end!
It was a joke. Humor. Haha. Me and a few others thought it was funny.
It was a joke. Humor. Haha. Me and a few others thought it was funny.
I did as well!!
Hi Guys-
I am one of the owners of Loupe This and have the following reply to this meritless complaint.
OP complains about the watch and papers he received when the listing on the site had no less than 13 unedited images showing exactly what he was getting- including the papers and box that were included. In the description, it even mentioned that the papers included were blank. Not "open", but completely blank.
In an email exchange at the conclusion of the auction and prior to him sending payment, we again reiterate that the papers are completely blank and he still proceeds to send payment. Rude emails commence once the watch is received, with the buyer demanding $10k in compensation, further threatening to report us to the "DCA" and share with hundreds of thousands of internet people about us, then throwing shade at my business partner and myself in the process while continually throwing subtle insults at the operation. At this point we cease communication and let our attorney handle further communication on our behalf.The website says several times "All Sales Final" and he further agreed upon this when he clicks the disclaimers during the bidding process. It couldn't be more clear.
While we have in the past made concessions to make customers happy or to right a perceived wrong, this OP chose the threatening route to approach us and of course we do not negotiate with terrorists.With literally thousands of transactions with happy buyers and sellers, we are confident in our track record and have nothing to hide.
Audemars Pieguet unofficially confirmed that the box and paper do NOT belong to this watch. An expert like you should have known. And I believe you did.
The watch is on its way to AP for review and certification, costing me several thousand dollars. Hoping it was never reported stolen.
Everyone makes mistakes, I just asked to send you watch back, no rude emails as you wrote.
I completed 2 other successful bids with LoupeThis, and I posted that as well.
You have been hiding behind your sales conditions and it’s your choice. But your advertising was not accurate, actually it included a major mistake and omissions.
It’s important that people know, so they can pay 10 times the attention I did before bidding. And you also pay more attention when you rate the product you are selling.
Be well
Wow Alessandro I’m really sorry all of that happened to you. It’s really nice if you to post this a bring awareness from these guys through your terrible experience. I hope you are able to rectify the situation to your satisfaction and don’t have to go through to much more of a headache ✌️😉
I found the original posting: https://loupethis.com/auctions/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-jumbo-15202st
I'm curious what AP said about the box / watch. I was thinking of bidding on a watch and this definitely gives me pause.
I found the original posting: https://loupethis.com/auctions/audemars-piguet-royal-oak-jumbo-15202st
I'm curious what AP said about the box / watch. I was thinking of bidding on a watch and this definitely gives me pause.
Hi. The watch is still sitting with Audemars Piguet. It’s legit and I did not have doubts about it. My only concern was the possibility of being reported stolen which was not fortunately. They confirmed box is not part of this original watch set and nor the paperwork I was given. They will provide me with some sort of additional paperwork for the watch.
As I said before, LoupeThis is a good platform but they screwed this one up. I have noticed that after my issue, they have been much more careful in their descriptions , adding details on polishing and evident damages, as well as questioning more parts or accessories that they do not guarantee as original.
Any update?