Rolex Sunburst Issues?
Discussion
After two years on the waiting list, I got 'the call' last weekend, and today I finally picked up my new Yachtmaster.
What a nice watch - except for the scratch on the dial I noticed... When taking more photos under magnification its quite the mark.
With the naked eye and in bright light, the first photo is most representative (look above the 'X') but that which has been seen cannot be unseen!
I'm going back to the AD tomorrow, to see what the score is. I've had an Omega and a Ball going back to service centres under warranty (with more serious issues) and coming back with new marks, damaged hands, sprained caseback notches etc...
So I'm not inclined to accept a repair that opens up my brand spanking watch.
What would you guys do? Should I accept that like a box fresh caravan, or any TVR (I'm experienced), these things are hand made and therefore shoddiness comes with the package?
Or should I, as I am more inclined, demand perfection and a replacement - though only God knows when that'd arrive...


What a nice watch - except for the scratch on the dial I noticed... When taking more photos under magnification its quite the mark.
With the naked eye and in bright light, the first photo is most representative (look above the 'X') but that which has been seen cannot be unseen!
I'm going back to the AD tomorrow, to see what the score is. I've had an Omega and a Ball going back to service centres under warranty (with more serious issues) and coming back with new marks, damaged hands, sprained caseback notches etc...
So I'm not inclined to accept a repair that opens up my brand spanking watch.
What would you guys do? Should I accept that like a box fresh caravan, or any TVR (I'm experienced), these things are hand made and therefore shoddiness comes with the package?
Or should I, as I am more inclined, demand perfection and a replacement - though only God knows when that'd arrive...
If it’s a brand new purchase at rrp with your name on the warranty card then yes, absolutely, you should expect perfection. Nothing less. The AD should be entirely aligned with that expectation. Not sure I would get in a twist about the case being opened though. It’ll be handled by the Rolex service centre and fitted with a new dial face.
Hell, even if it was an ‘as new’ purchase from a grey dealer I would be taking that straight back.
Hell, even if it was an ‘as new’ purchase from a grey dealer I would be taking that straight back.
Edited by DoubleSix on Sunday 14th August 00:04
Coxey said:
I take it you didn’t notice in the shop?
Sadly not, it was still in the transport packaging, all stickers on. I had a cursory glance but nothing stood out.Bright sunlight and the right angle and there it is!
Thanks all for replies, will keep you posted on how I'm treated...
You won’t get a brand new one, they will replace the dial and that will be that.
The AD is highly unlikely to have another available even if they did I reckon their first choice would be to send it for repair rather than give you a new one then and there.
If you’re worried about it being damaged when it gets opened, are you never going to have it serviced?
The AD is highly unlikely to have another available even if they did I reckon their first choice would be to send it for repair rather than give you a new one then and there.
If you’re worried about it being damaged when it gets opened, are you never going to have it serviced?
When I went to pick up my new Hulk in Aug 2020 the AD guy noticed a huge chunk (probably 2mm sq) missing from the dial and therefore couldn’t sell me the watch! When I looked at it with just my eyes, it looked as as if a flake of rose gold had landed there. It wasn’t, it was the metal base of the dial. Anyway it went back to Rolex to have a new dial fitted and I collected it in September - after it had been discontinued!
carbonblack said:
You won’t get a brand new one, they will replace the dial and that will be that.
The AD is highly unlikely to have another available even if they did I reckon their first choice would be to send it for repair rather than give you a new one then and there.
If you’re worried about it being damaged when it gets opened, are you never going to have it serviced?
And the prize goes to Carbonblack!The AD is highly unlikely to have another available even if they did I reckon their first choice would be to send it for repair rather than give you a new one then and there.
If you’re worried about it being damaged when it gets opened, are you never going to have it serviced?
Rocked up, they saw it and were mortified.
Said there were only two options owing to availability; send off for a dial replacement or give a refund.
I've let it go off to Rolex on the basis it was assembled by hand and so with good care should, in this case, be better than new... And I have little choice!
I'm not going to fall out with them and demand they reallocate a replacement to me on the basis that I am on the waiting list for other watches.
The irony of not wanting to ruin a relationship to be allowed to buy more expensive goods with dubious QC isn't lost on me

As to the servicing question, in c.5 years it'll no doubt be knocked, scratched and dented so I'll care less, its just not quite boxfresh.
Five weeks estimated - I'll keep this updated. Hoping for a flawless dial, and no damaged hands/dust inside...
yellowtang said:
When I went to pick up my new Hulk in Aug 2020 the AD guy noticed a huge chunk (probably 2mm sq) missing from the dial and therefore couldn’t sell me the watch! When I looked at it with just my eyes, it looked as as if a flake of rose gold had landed there. It wasn’t, it was the metal base of the dial. Anyway it went back to Rolex to have a new dial fitted and I collected it in September - after it had been discontinued!
Did it come back minty?DoubleSix said:
mozza42 said:
And the prize goes to Carbonblack!
Rocked up, they saw it and were mortified.
.
Hmm think i can see how you missed the scratch now… Rocked up, they saw it and were mortified.
.

Perhaps upgrade to one of those Casios that also changes the telly!
They're not hand made, hand assembled at some point in the process yes, but not hand made no one painted that dial a machine did in fact a machine made everything.
They make a million a year it's mass produced, they are not whittling bridges and escapements with tiny chisels or hand painting dials.
Wills2 said:
They're not hand made, hand assembled at some point in the process yes, but not hand made no one painted that dial a machine did in fact a machine made everything.
They make a million a year it's mass produced, they are not whittling bridges and escapements with tiny chisels or hand painting dials.
It would appear the hand of an oaf was involved in being clumsy with the dial. And perhaps the QC was keen to get to the pub (or just back from!)They make a million a year it's mass produced, they are not whittling bridges and escapements with tiny chisels or hand painting dials.
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