Scratches on new watch - Would you reject it?

Yeah…sadly it is hard to find one in stock. Much less finding a pristine one that hasn’t been out of the box; I’ve yet to find one of those! The other ADs that I called prior to ordering this one basically said that they don’t know when they will get the specific model with the bracelet in. They just get whatever Tudor sends for their store’s allocation of watches for that shipment. They can put me on the list, but it’s a bit of a crapshoot as to when they will actually get one in their allocation with the bracelet. Lots of stores have it on the strap, but the bracelet models are harder to find.

All that said, I think it’s probably worth the wait to get one with no blemishes. Just wanted to see if anyone else has experience in this area!

Yes I'd have a word - I mean they only need to replace the clasp / bracelet.

I don't know, man! Personally, I'm not too fussed about stuff like that. I mean, when it comes to tool watches, they're gonna be tools, and scratches and dings are just part of the character of the watch. Especially if this is something that's on a waitlist and you gotta wait for months and months again to get another one.

But, by the same token, there are other things I'm totally OCD about, and can't stand, and other people would be like...

So, can totally see where you're coming from.

My gut says that if it bothers you enough to ask about it here, it’ll always bother you. Even if you add similar scratches during normal wear down the road, you’ll always have this in the back of your head. Just my two cents.

Agreed. The fact that this watch has polished sides means it’s going to be a scratch magnet anyway. But on the flip side, it’s the principle of it - making an expensive purchase and it not being perfect when you receive it - that bugs me.

Yes. It’s one thing if they are scratches I put on it myself. It’s a bit different when they are someone else’s handiwork!

For that price then yes you expect pristine out of the box. I wouldn't buy a new car and say nothing if it had two big scratches!

Yeah, I understand the "it's the principle of the matter" part of it.

Might I suggest the following? A steel bezel, great bracelet, GMT, with phenomenal specs, amazing value (can be had for roughly the price of the Black Bay Pro... that's the price I got it for from my broker, with free overnight Fedex shipping, and "out of state sales tax treatment" meaning "I'm not going to charge you state sales tax, I expect you to follow up with your own state tax authorities and make the payment yourself" so all-in probably cheaper).

Or, if you prefer, the blue dial...

They don't come with scratches, either. 😂

Our watches are jewelry with the ability to tell the time more or less accurate. And hence Tudor is a premium brand I wouldn't accept that kind of scratches. Of course you'll eventually end up with scratches of your own, but at least those come with a story of your own and no one is to blame but you. I wouldn't be able to tolerate this "stranger wear and tear" on the brand new watch.

That's a no go. There seems to be a lack of respect and honoring of the customer. Especially in this price range. I would send it back.

Bye the way, if you hate scratches as much as I do, I can recommend you the Rado Captain Cook High Tech Ceramic. Totally scratch resistant.

On the bracelet, it wouldn't bother me that much. Odds are, I'm gonna do the exact same thing to it in the first few weeks. All of my bracelets and clasps are dinged up from wearing them.

Maybe ask about a discount or credit toward your next purchase... Act disappointed and see if they offer something to make it up to you.

reject.

Unless I was offered a minimum of a 20% refund it goes back

Reject it and demand a replacement. A watch is only new and scratch free once. You should at least get to enjoy it while it lasts if you're dropping four figures.

As mentioned before, no matter the OP's question, someone will come up with a Seiko 😜

I'd reject it mostly on principle even though this is what my bracelet would look like after a few hours haha.

Reject it and pressure them to replace it asap

If you said Rolex, I'd say keep it, but Tudor, heck yeah, reject it.

Update on the saga for everyone. Got a call yesterday from my nearest AD, who had previously been sold out of this model. They just received it on allocation yesterday, and got it sent to me. Just arrived. Flawless condition. Glad I sent the scratched model back! Seems maybe it was meant to be.

Attaching some photos to show how it fits on my 6.73in/171mm wrist. 3 links removed; expanded out 2/3 notches on the T-Fit clasp. May try the Uncle Seiko half link so I can get the default position back to the most inside notch, and allow for the full range of expansion. Want to wear it for a while and see if that is necessary.

I think you should send it back fine if you put the scratches on it. Just my opinion.

I would reject it in the store, but if I realize after leaving the store, I would keep it - based on real life events.

If I order online, I would try to file a complaint.

Watches above $1k should not be scratched imo OR tagged as ‘Like new’ conditionwise.

You might want to ask for a partial refund at the very least. I'd let them know what happened and if you're not too pushy about it, they might offer something to make it up to you on your next purchase. Maybe you could even request a free strap. Regardless, definitely let them know and see what they might offer to make it up to you.

Yes all the above if you buy anything let alone spending thousands on something if its new or bought under the pretence it's in perfect condition then send it back,if you bought cheap white trainers an they came with a black mark would you keep them because your situations magnified by too much to keep hold of if you wanted to sell your new watch as new you can't because technically its not,and I know not planning on selling but plans change and so do are tastes you never know what the future holds,scratches devaluing your new watch your not responsible for not on,I'll have a word with tudor myself I know him personally 😂😡

Be honest I'm more under £1000 price point but but if I paid what you paid I'd be wanting a pristine factory watch 🤔

that's a really obvious scratch - would be rejected for even a $100 watch!

Send it back and inform Tudor. A watch should always be handled with care and if you purchase it new from AD these should not be there. :/

Demand that you get a pristine substitute and right away also.

They did you dirty, If you get pissed enough they will listen, as often happens with these companies.

I would ask for an exchange to be honest. If I’m paying, and at this amount, I’d expect the product to be pristine. So it’s definitely a no go for me at least 😎 And it also shows the manufacturers/ADs the quality matters!

My first question would be who did you buy it from? If an AD, I would not have left the shop with it. Perhaps they would offer go buff out the scratches in house. Most AD's have watchmakers on staff.

If you bought it from the secondary market, you'll be paying for the "repair" yourself most likely. Afterall, the merchant, in both cases, doesn't know when or how the scratches occured once it leaves the shop.

But to the initial question, it depends upon how much the watch is discounted. For instance, I bought an Oris Frank Sinatra at huge discount when BB&B went out of business in the USA (they ran the Macy's fine jewelry dept at the time, btw). The watch case had lots of scratches from being shown (who knows how long it was in the case) but was brand new and at the discount offered, it was worth it. BTW, I had teh scratches buffed out during a servicing and now it is very pretty.

Didn’t read the whole article, but hell yeah, you didn’t pay for scratching of any sort. Get ur money’s worth aaand ROLL TIDE !!