Boutiques need to take better care of their watches.
The other post where someone’s GS arrived by mail, all scratched up, inspired me to write my first post.
This might be an unpopular opinion here but I am quite anal about my watches, so I have a beater for the office and would only wear my nicer watches on weekends or special occasions, and I would consciously avoid bumping them into things.
As this was quite a large purchase for me, I wanted something fresh from the oven, so to the boutique I went! I placed my order and specified that I wanted something not from the display, and I would be willing to wait for a new arrival.
A week later, I got the call… the watch that was shown was quite banged up, so I rejected it. I went back 3 other times and the conditions were as bad! I was certain that the watches were different as some were worse than the others. The picture above was the last watch shown to me.
I even called the HQ to see what can be done but I am certain the customer service was clueless about watches, maybe they were from the jewelry department. They told me some imperfections are normal because the watches were ‘handmade’!
In the end, I opted for a stainless steel model as the condition of that watch was much better, but still think of the watch that got away.
Why can’t boutiques have display models for some of the more popular watches? Or use protective stickers on the models that are displayed?
I know some of you might say that the Santos might end up scratched anyway. With that logic, why buy a new watch? I expect something new to be in pristine condition!
If I were to be offered a test drive car, there would definitely be a big discount on it, why isn’t it the same for watches? End of rant.
Part of the itty bitty wrist comittee.
I agree and wait to hear a rational explanation
When I read the post about the GS, and then this one, I really have to say I appreciate my favorite AD even more than I already did. Obviously not all ADs are equal. But as an AD they should offer low hassle returns as an essential part of customer service.
When buying new from an AD/boutique/store/online or wherever it should be in excellent condition. So in my opinion you are correct. It could be the store gets send b-stock from their main office, it could be something else. However it should not be your problem.
It's one of those things that is simply a question of money... Unless the watch is wrapped in plastic at all times, an 18k high polished bezel will look like that. If the watch is wrapped in plastic at all times, there is no way to properly try it on. So they would need need display models and only handle the watch with silk gloves after it has been finished in the factory until it is hermetically sealed.
Fair enough if that's what you want. But brands like Cartier won't do that, that costs money. You are not wrong, they probably should, but they won't. One could say that you have to buy a Patek Philippe then. Order it and they will ship the watch double sealed and unpack it in front of your eyes if you ask them to. The price of a Cartier simply does not account for that level of care, maybe their upper end fine watchmaking models but not a mass produced Santos.
Money can solve problems yes, but there are simpler methods to prevent visible wear.
Method 1:
To protect the 18k bezel, a protective film can be applied at the factory and I am sure this would reduce the scratches to almost zero.
Currently Cartier uses these hard plastic covers on the watch case which I assume contributes to the scratches especially when dusts gets trapped inside. A more thoughtful design combining adhesive film and hard cover, can help in this case.
Method 2:
Replica santos are sold for <$500, so I doubt it would cost cartier more than $1000 to have floor display models. (An assumption) This would not be possible at the ADs but for a boutique, why not?
I purchased a Longines Flagship the other week that had a minor surface scratch to the bezel and I agree, there needs to be precautions to prevent this, stickers are an easy, effective solution.
I didn’t return as I got it at such a steal (50% off) but I suppose that’s why it was on sale! Some jewellers rightly add the disclaimer “this item is on sale because it is discontinued and/or shop worn, it may show minor signs of wear as such” (although this one didn’t)
FEA I say …. “ Daniel Riccardo”
I agree with you and also don't buy the saying "you will make the scratches anyway"If the watch is new it should be new without any marks, period. Not display model/test model..., new out of box with protective covers removed in fron of me and bracelet unsized. If the watch is used it should reflect on sales price with discount.
It's one of those things that is simply a question of money... Unless the watch is wrapped in plastic at all times, an 18k high polished bezel will look like that. If the watch is wrapped in plastic at all times, there is no way to properly try it on. So they would need need display models and only handle the watch with silk gloves after it has been finished in the factory until it is hermetically sealed.
Fair enough if that's what you want. But brands like Cartier won't do that, that costs money. You are not wrong, they probably should, but they won't. One could say that you have to buy a Patek Philippe then. Order it and they will ship the watch double sealed and unpack it in front of your eyes if you ask them to. The price of a Cartier simply does not account for that level of care, maybe their upper end fine watchmaking models but not a mass produced Santos.
It’s not chicken feed ! My wife is about to buy a Cartier small square case and I’m telling you we won’t be taking it if it’s scratched that’s for damn sure . If people accept shitty product procurement and customer service they deserve every thing that gets foisted upon their mealy arses mascarading as luxury goods.
It’s not chicken feed ! My wife is about to buy a Cartier small square case and I’m telling you we won’t be taking it if it’s scratched that’s for damn sure . If people accept shitty product procurement and customer service they deserve every thing that gets foisted upon their mealy arses mascarading as luxury goods.
I don't disagree, I actually acknowledge that it is the right thing to ask for. I wouldn't take a scratched up either (unless they sell it for WAY less). But the reality is that one may have to walk away from the purchase in such a situation. They have theor processes... it is what it is.