Rolex QUALITY is SLIPPING! - Watch Dealer’s Honest Market Update - November 2024

[@oceanblue5794]

Noticing a hair in the dial of your Rolex feels worse than spotting a hair in your fettuccini alfredo

[@mrpoopoo888]

Is the hair a pube in both cases?

[@iankuah8606]

Or a fly in your soup in a Gordon Ramsay restaurant!

[@kentwong3818]

I mean, your rolex is worth 700+ bowls of pasta so yeah....

[@Futurama10000]

If it’s still under warranty, you can go get it taken out for free at a service center

[@AlfieFarron]

😂

[@gaffs82]

Sounds like people are swapping out real with Chinese fake parts

[@lihanou]

lol chinese fakes have better QC than swiss counterparts. It's a running meme in China, which they call '瑞士毛' (swiss hair). It's surprising the west has just started noticing this.

[@ALEXANDER_MARIO_S.]

Who knows?

[@kentwong3818]

copium.

[@gaffs82]

@@lihanou no one does quality control like those Chinese 8 year olds working in the factories

[@huemann7637]

@@lihanouQC?! Lol those Chinese watches are not going to be ticking 10 years from now. Get real…

[@David-yd6ur]

I'd rather hear more specifics regarding the number of watches with defects and the models rather than simply saying, 'so many'. You mentioned a couple, saying 'so many' implies many more than that. Please expand.

[@gaffs82]

Sounds like a couple. Probably people swapping fake parts.

[@greenrush4313]

David you know what is going on here

[@David-yd6ur]

@@greenrush4313 I have an idea what you think, but I'd like to give him a chance to supply more information. So far, he hasn't...

[@FirstnameLastname-np5cd]

@@greenrush4313 what is going on here?

[@fordracing331]

I looked at a submariner at an AD about nine months ago and saw the dial was not centered properly. It was off a couple degrees and very noticeable to me. I brought it to their attention and they said they were going to have their watchmaker look at it. Nothing like paying all that money to have some watchmaker open it up

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Absolutely spot on there, it’s a lot of money to spend - it should be perfect!

[@jeffb321]

The problem is across every sector. It all started during Cov. Everything changed from then on. I notice it in every aspect of daily life now.

[@cedarcanoe]

At night as well? 🤣

[@FPJDK]

I had my 2002 Air King in for service back in 2012 at an AD. When I got it back I wore it in a shower shortly after and saw humidity forming inside the watch. I called up the AD who was very apologetic and was at least happy that it wasn’t salt water. But it tells me that they didn’t properly service the watch or pressure test it

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Ah very sorry to hear that. Yes such a terrible thing to happen, they should have pressure tested that for sure. 👌🏻

[@steelrolex]

Don’t wear a watch when you shower in “hot” water. The watch could be waterproof but it can not protect against “steam” molecules.

[@TheRunningManZ]

They are the same mass produced but decent watch they were. If I looped my 2018 Hulk the finishing on the hour markers and the lume plots is not as good as you would expect. But this is very similar for most mass produced brands. It’s not good enough. But I don’t think it’s a new thing. Decent way to get people to buy preowned though I guess!

[@SuperCoolFunHappyGuy]

It would be good to see a video from yourselves, on a mock purchase scenario, and you showing us what we should inspect, as though we are at the AD. For example, bring a magnifying glass, gloves, and check area A, B, and C, etc. Thanks.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

That’s a great idea! Will see what we can do 👌🏻

[@followme8238]

Bring your own 10x loupe and methodically scan the entire watch, mm by mm. Look for dust on the dial, scratches on the hands and indexes, printing errors with the text on the dial, scratches on the bracelet, clasp, and crown, and misalignment of the bezel/indexes.

[@bobby381]

I have a 2021 Air King that I have recently removed from storage. I found a speck of dust on the dial. This watch has been worn before but very carefully and occasionally. I can't recall there being any dust on the dial before. Thoughts on whether this speck has always been there and rolex quality control didn't pick it up?

[@tex24]

Wow! That is so concerning. Sad day when you realize your precious Rolex watch that you've waited so long for has scratches. I sure hope Rolex will address this. Thank you for addressing this.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Yes it is such a shame isn’t it, especially with the high cost involved - it should be perfect! 👌🏻

[@greenrush4313]

If you buy from him he will check and make sure and you only pay way over then the AD. cant you look at watch at AD when you get??????????????????????????WTF

[@mariocabella5476]

The problem is to find people with the skills to produce these watches. It will get worse, it is a global event, not only for Rolex.

[@scottyee707]

yep, new migrant labor everywhere

[@Seedavis397]

Yep. After covid everybody got dumb and lazy. Guess it’s a good opportunity for people who wanna actually do a good job

[@Joe-kw8hq]

He is not wrong, I recently went into a Rolex boutique to check out a white dial Explorer II and noticed the day numbers misaligned up slightly. The horizontal bar for 7 almost touched the edge of the window. The dealer was initially shocked when I showed it to him, but then pretended it was all normal !!

[@OngoGablogian185]

It's something that could affect any company, I guess. You occasionally employ the wrong person, who seemed great at interviews, then they get settled in, switch off, and stop caring. That's all it takes.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Very true! Always the risk of that happening 👍

[@Coolguy24686]

Great video mate. Is the Daytona OF Ghost above or below list? What price would you pay for a 2024 unworn? I don’t have one for sale, just curious on the current market on this watch. Thanks!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks so much for the support mate, so glad to hear you’re enjoying the content! The Daytona Ghost is really solid in the market and still above retail in the secondary market for us to buy and sell 🙌🏻💯

[@sjp8880]

Thanks for that update mate! You’re absolutely correct! I picked up a Yacht-Master 42 white gold on oyster flex from my AD back in August 2023. I inspected the watch and everything was fine. Then, when we sized the watch, they had to order another strap size. I didn’t think to inspect it again when I came back to pick it up and surely enough, they had scratched the lugs. When I noticed it a day later, I immediately went back to my AD to show it to them and they said it couldn’t have been them since they put something on the lugs to protect them. They further told me that when I walked out of the store with it, it amounted to me accepting the watch and declaring myself satisfied with it. Believe me when I say that I learned my lesson and that will never happen to me again!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks for the support mate, I really appreciate it! So sorry to hear about your experience, that's terrible - the ADs should show more respect to their clients 🙌💯

[@VectorSearch]

32xx low amplitude problem. Been going on for a long time now. 200 page discussion in the Rolex forum. It’s not just superficial quality issues. The whole movement is unreliable.

[@stepots8789]

How do you know that some of the second hand watches haven't been messed with by other traders ? Stripped down to fix and polish or replace crystals ? Just a thought

[@bananathecockatiel1439]

Random question not related to quality - what is the harder watch to come by / better option do you think - rose gold or yellow gold two tone wimbledon dial datejust? If you had an option for either or at a dealer which would you pick?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

That’s really hard to say, both are utterly stunning configurations, and it all depends on which gold you prefer the look of! The steel is also a stunning option, and a much better seller in the current market - the Bimetal currently trades for below retail on the secondary market 🙌🏻💯

[@bananathecockatiel1439]

Thanks for the reply - it is a hard choice - interesting that market doesn’t really favour one or the other bimetal option

[@bryanhughes9252]

Your prices online are crazy high, about a year behind the times.

[@breakdownshakedown71]

💯

[@deanwilliams7790]

@@breakdownshakedown71all grey market dealers are fucking sharks

[@l14mky31]

needs to pay for the Lamborghini Urus somehow!

[@SCDC-Channel]

That is horrible! Even superclones dont have that....

[@adzmoto666]

Had 3 different bezels on subs and gmts not lining up perfectly at 12 o'clock. The crown on the inner rehaut is rarely perfectly aligned at 12 o'clock either.

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Same

[@markanthonys625]

As someone who works for an AD and have seen the behind the scenes , the quality is not slipping . It is QC every step of the manufacturing process . Rolex does not send watches unless they are perfect . Clickbait title

[@greenrush4313]

How to we really know we can TRUST you. If this is true this guy is just trying to help HIMSELF. What do you recommend what is going on here on this channel. I just bought a sprite last week and it was perfect.I bought it from AD.

[@davieferguson202]

How is it click bait ? He’s telling you they won’t accept them? To what end would it benefit his business by highlighting imperfections. Hats off to the guy for ensuring his clients get the perfection they deserve

[@Seaward1224]

I’m over Rolex. They have become like car dealers to me. Always manipulating buyers and playing games. Putting profit over product and worst of all manipulating the supply by selling their watches out the back door to grey dealers. Their watches are average at best in quality and specifications vs many other better products that are readily available. Rolex are for fools with money. Most of their customers can’t afford the watch and are sheep renters. They buy what their told to rent.

[@kcw9313]

Bs. I’ve seen defects on watches I’ve owned since new.

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Wrong. I own many & not all are perfect. Rolex work to a tolerance & I can tell you absolute perfection isn’t it.

[@jamesmoninger1982]

Great video, and not a single mention of the Rolex Pepsi. I really enjoyed this.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

So glad to hear you’re enjoying the content mate, I really appreciate the support 🙌🏻

[@BuMBLB23]

Instead, you are the one mentioning it 😂

[@robertengel7213]

There were always faults, I am not saying you are wrong in your observations about issues. However you do not get the watch directly from Rolex so hard to be 100%...BUT the logic of Rolex reducing QA costs because of the grey prices dropping is outlandish. There is no logical connection between the issue and the hypothesis. Also would like to know the numbers out of interest

[@jca23]

If the mint and wimbledon DJ41 are the top 2, would that make the Azzuro blue the third? You did feature it for a quick second in your video there.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

The Blue baton dial and the Azzurro Blue Roman numeral dial are closely tied for 3rd! All of them are unbelievably stunning combinations 🙌🏻💯

[@sutats]

When does quality ever improve for any product.

[@gaffs82]

Rolex is a great example. Compare a modern Rolex to one from the early 2000s or prior and the build quality is substantially better.

[@TwentyOne_Five]

I’m really into Glashutte Original right now. Got my first one in 2016, but continuing to add in recent years.

[@Speedking2022UK]

Great video Charley, million percent one of the best ones 😊. My AD has closed the waitlist on GMT DAYTONA SKY DWELLERS. Not sure why I have spent around 70k with him. I’m on the list for a stainless steel Daytona don’t expect to get the watch tbh. Going on the list for a green dial jubilee datejust 41.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks so much for the support mate, so glad to hear you’re enjoying the content! Strange to hear, good luck with your purchase, the Mint dial Datejust is such a stunning timepiece 👌🏻🙌🏻

[@Kogemate]

Checked my new watch from AD. No pubic hair on the dial or seller team's shark teeth marks on the bezel. (Joke aside: checked my 2024 Rolex Daytona steel from AD following your video. All good. :) ).

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Glad to hear your watch is flawless mate, you’re incredibly fortunate to have such a stunning model in your collection 🙌🏻👌🏻

[@TwentyOne_Five]

I felt my Sub 41 had a case finish that was inferior to my Sub 40. Remember Rolex has been running full out for years trying to match demand. No games. Their production is way up.

[@fatsotalksstocks9530]

Excellent video one of the only people in the watch industry that actually speaks the truth that ive seen on KZbin. thanks for the honesty Charlie 👍

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thank you mate I really appreciate that! Thank you for watching 🙏

[@simonmorris1626]

Enjoyable video Charlie, i agree check your watch from the AD carefully before you leave.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the content mate, I really appreciate the support! 🙌🏻💯

[@Sebastian-z1h]

So if I got one from you and there’s a problem can I send it back to Rolex under warranty?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Absolutely, providing it is within the 5 years, the warranty is tied to the watch 👍 However we inspect for these issues and don’t stock any if they are present 👌🏻

[@David-yd6ur]

Of course!

[@cupra2Jock.]

Watch dealer and honesty don't belong in the same sentence 😂😂

[@DRIFTSTIG]

I said same thing there is not 1 honest watch dealer in the world 😂😂

[@GodTell7]

That why i said older rolex are more fine workmanship compared to newer models , older model at before 2017 seem better workmanship. If your have submariner 116610ln u can compare 2012 version & 2018.. big difference especially dial

[@SK-ej5lg]

This is very interesting. Have you thought of sharing your findings with Rolex 🤔

[@felton11]

Any advice on buying vintage Rolex watches, I am getting the Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 1974 and I am looking for the Sub ref 6538

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Find a trusted dealer who focuses on vintage. Eric Wind and Adam Gold of Menta Watches are 2 US based companies to contact.

[@singh_2411]

I think you need to stick to watch demand and trend rather than scaring people to go to AD. Please read the comments, I think you will lose your credibility by making such videos. Couple of questions for you. 1. Do you think your quality check is better than Rolex’s quality checks? Such a big brand must be spending fortunes on quality assurance. 2. From where did you get the figures for the number of watchers sold by Rolex?

[@jh5560]

He isn't trying to scare anyone, he is telling them check their watches. You can easily send it rolex and have them check it, its not hard. There is spending a fortune and then there is dealing with volume, you think Ferrari's dont leave with imperfections here and there get real.

[@singh_2411]

@@jh5560 but you don’t take your Ferrari to garage down the road to check if there is any imperfections. Has to be detected by the approved dealership, right? Or you will go to a local garage to buy a Ferrari, over the retail prices, just because they claim that they can do better quality check the Ferrari 😀 Understand his logic mate.

[@jh5560]

@@singh_2411 and again he encourages people to do their due diligence. You are greatly overthinking this, is he the only grey market dealer in the world? Give it a rest, no where did he claim he can do a better quality check than Rolex. The Rolex AD =/= Rolex first and foremost. The only way your argument holds water is if every Rolex that leaves the factory is flaw free and historically thats not the case and its been that way long before this guy ever had a youtube channel.

[@cedarcanoe]

I have noticed vertical striping marks on the polished Rolex case flank of my new 2024 Sub. Rolex quality really is not up there anymore.

[@CryptoData]

Top quality as always! That’s why you guys are the best 💎

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks mate really appreciate that!

[@majedalessa8376]

I'm ready to buy that defective Daytona for 50% off retail

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

😆😆

[@stevenfoleyuk9404]

All the more reason to buy from the AD and not from the Grey Market . I cant Believe for one min that Rolex standards are slipping . Just click bait as the Market is Dead .

[@sebentertainment286]

It can never be true that a Rolex watch takes one year to produce. Economically, that would be impossible given the prices they charge.

[@BDF30]

One year to produce... is a stupid lie...

[@Harvey-ip6xx]

OR SOMEBODY GETS A ROLEX FROM THEIR AD ....GETS A SUPER CLONE ALSO .....BUT PASSES ON THE CLONE NOT THE ORIGINAL AS UNWORN....

[@SonOfStim]

Maybe we weren't looking so closely previously, before the reps got so good...

[@GoogleStealsData]

Refurbed watches sold as new by the Ad’s

[@William5849]

Most Rolex owners could be walking around with imperfections and never notice it because they ASSUME that it’s perfect solely because it’s a Rolex. Replica Rolexes from the top factories have higher QC than these and the replica owners have a higher expectation of their watch than genuine Rolex owners do. At the end of the day, at least replica buyers get high quality pictures and videos of every watch before they spend $700, vs an AD that will never give you that luxury. Something to think about!

[@griff5043]

Reptimers promoting buying fake watches under "Gen" watch videos SMH. Get back to reptime!!

[@markymark1940]

Im about to purchase my first. Should i wait because you said the prices will be dropping soon? I know you're honest, so will give an honest answer. Thanks

[@troisk]

No one knows what the market will do. What we know is supply is virtually maxed up, demand is still relatively strong, and MSRP increases every year or so. Market has already significantly corrected since 2022, some models have started rebounding over the past few months after dropping continuously since 2022. On the other hand, some models could still continue to drop (Datejusts, OPs, etc.) but they're not going to fall off a cliff even if they do drop. If someone tells you they know for sure what the market will do, they're BSing you. At the end of the day, you're buying a luxury item. If you want it today and you can afford it, get it, otherwise, don't.

[@David-yd6ur]

Please spell and punctuate correctly. Your comment has given me a headache.

[@davidbrown9947]

^ Prices still continue to fall month on month as they have for 18 -24 months.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It all depends on what model it is you’re looking at purchasing, mate. However, if you’re buying to wear and enjoy, market performance is irrelevant! Although, I’d check the secondary market and see if you can potentially pick it up for below retail price before purchasing from the AD 🙌🏻💯

[@RJ-uq1wc]

Interesting observations. I purchased a brand new 116610LV (Hulk) from my AD shortly after release. I noticed it had a tiny black imperfection within the bezel and it ended up going back to Rolex who changed it without question. This was obviously many years ago so I don’t think it’s necessarily a ‘new’ problem with quality control? I bought a new JC Deepsea from the same AD a couple of weeks ago and your video made me get the loupe out again though!! 😂

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It's crazy to think isn't it, happy to hear you had it rectified by Rolex! Haha I hope the JC was flawless mate 🙌

[@RJ-uq1wc]

⁠Haha… Thankfully it was! Didn’t stop that nervous hot flush feeling when I was looking though!!

[@user-tz8zo8xx3f]

I've seen quite a few companies slipping in their quality in recent years, such as Nike, but I definitely wouldn't expect it from Rolex! By the way, what watch would you recommend for daily use, if any? Ideally one that is subtle enough to be worn on the train (the law firm I work in is in the Liverpool Street area so it's pointless to drive). I am a fan of most Rolex models but I am unsure if something like a precious metal GMT or DayDate is justifiable if I can't wear it in London, which is why I'm thinking to scale it back to something like a Datejust, Submariner or stainless steel GMT

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

The precious metal GMT and Day-Date are utterly stunning models, however, they’re not suitable for daily use as the gold is prone to scratches - they’re much better suited to being a special occasion watch! The steel Submariner is almost unbeatable when it comes to daily functionality, so stunning, so versatile, and so robust 🙌🏻💯

[@kankusho1904]

Interesting topic and fantastic video as always, but how do I approach my AD regarding this on future purchases. I can’t take a loupe into the boutique to inspect a piece I’m being offered, it just wouldn’t be right. I just trust my AD on quality control and expect perfection. Worrying really.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks for the support mate, glad to hear you’re enjoying the content, I really appreciate the support! It’s really hard to say because it can be an awkward situation to manage, especially when you’ve potentially waited so long for the watch and want to maintain a relationship. However, you have to remain vigilant and tell the AD as soon as a defect is noticed! 🙌🏻💯

[@Mikkifikki13]

Thanks for the heads up !! going to hold off on buying one now!!

[@Calmness1014]

😂😂😂😂 you've got to be shitting me! Don't listen to this garbage! He wants you to buy them from him for a few thousand more! Go and buy one from an AD! Let's be honest yoh won't be able to see an issue unless you use a magnifier! Just wow! Don't be so gullible!

[@Mikkifikki13]

@ Rolexes are overpriced ! -Good video to bring the prices down!! lol May buy one when it does !!! 😂🤣😂🤣😂!

[@Deathignator]

Have had the same experience with multiple Breitlings

[@warhammerfaction]

I had a scuff on my bezel on my brand new Bruce Wayne. They replaced the bezel. They also literally left a sticker around the cyclops lens I’ve never seen that before

[@Sam-I-Am91]

I love the Oysterflex Daytonas and know that you do too. How come you never discuss pricing or show the white gold, black face Daytona Oysterflex with the silver sub-dials? Do you sell/stock them?

[@JinxPalm2023]

Because he needs to advertise his slow sellers...

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

As stunning as that model is, unfortunately, we wouldn’t look to stock it - it’s a slow seller within the market and trades for below retail price 🙌🏻💯

[@jfdomega7938]

As gaffs82 said maybe parts are being changed out. Could you be looking at fake bezels?

[@Lsi581]

Basically scaring you to go to your Rolex ad so you go to him instead 👀

[@OBELISK3210]

Had a friend that went in to a AD soon as Covid relaxed. He put himself on the list. Year later he got his black sub. He got extremely lucky. Was the AD in Birmingham bullring.

[@steved2008]

If you don’t like it please watch something else

[@greenrush4313]

@@steved2008 You stevy you GO dont say that to anyone else. PALSY your part of this whole mess

[@singh_2411]

Exactly what I thought 😂

[@warhammerfaction]

Nah my new gmt bezel came messed up from the factory

[@sheldondinsmore6085]

I bought a brand new sub last month from an AD. Three weeks later I discovered it had a piece of lint factory sealed inside the case underneath the glass. So this is very true unfortunately 😢 (side note I took it back to rolex and they took care of it)

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It's unbelievable to think how often clients seem to have experiences like yours! So happy to hear you got it sorted mate, now you can wear it and enjoy it again 🙌💯

[@michaelturner7949]

Two of my watches are at Rolex, London. They are between one and three years old. One loses 10 sec and the other that is a year, old loses 4 seconds a day, I have a Deepsea that is 22 months old and loses 8 secs a day. This will be attended to in January. In 2018, I bought an Explorer II, within six months the timekeeping was so poor that it spent a few weeks at Rolex. I bought a new Deepsea that had dust on the dial I was without this watch for nine weeks! One of my Rolex winder boxes has broken down. I have been waiting for 18 months for its return. Rolex state it cannot be repaired. I am sorry I bought it as Rolex have always been able to effect repairs but not with Swiss Kubik..

[@gaffs82]

It happens. A small knock can throw off the timing of a mechanical watch. It’s why it’s recommended you don’t golf in one, for example.

[@Mark-lj1dj]

I've never been convinced by Rolex build quality. Gmt pepsi bezels prone to cracking, meteorite dials with cracks in them and paint on gmt hands that look like a 5 year old painted it. Plus they mostly don't METAS certify them like Omega do so they might be vulnerable to magnetism. For such money I would expect perfection.

[@fj7509]

They don't do METAS like Omega because Tudor does that.

[@Mark-lj1dj]

@fj7509 i know they do. Rolex should do it too since omega do it for half the price.

[@troisk]

​@@Mark-lj1dj METAS was initiated by Omega. The last thing Rolex will do is align to a standard that was pushed by Omega. However, it was very smart to get Tudor to do so, as it proves the "entry-level luxury" brand owned by Rolex has movements that directly compete with Omega at a cheaper price. Rolex's superlative test has a very similar set of steps to METAS anyway, and an even tighter tolerance on accuracy. Not to mention the WR which is tested above spec, and knowing the WR spec for Rolex is still very safe (any sports model with a Triplock can do much better than 10 bar in reality). Obviously there will always be some QC issues on specific models, there's not a single brand on the planet that doesn't have any. From 100k Pateks to supply chain gods like Toyota, you'll find QC issues. The real question is the percentage, and with more than 1 million watches made per year, you really don't hear that many issues of significant QC issues with Rolex...

[@GregShieldsOutdoors]

I cant tell that they are producing watches faster..I have now been waiting on a Rolex Expl II ref 226570 Polar for 14 months.

[@lioleo888]

I have mine for sale basically brand new bought from Rolex even with reciept of purchase! 2023 ref 226570

[@Galaledeen]

I’ve received a very poor service from Longines boutique in London: I collected a “brand new” Zulu Spirit GMT that had marks on it and doesn’t bleep the power reserve advertised. Very extremely careful even at the authorised dealers as they pull the wool over your eyes!!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

That’s terrible mate, sorry to hear about your experience! ADs certainly seem to take the client for granted 🙌🏻

[@JLim3111]

I don’t think it’s the issue with Rolex factory. It’s the newbie staffs at ADs who doesn’t need any training/skills to sell watches. In this situation we can expect their noob way of handling watches are causing all these defects. They may also be so fascinated with these watches and start playing with them 😂

[@Garysvideos]

Yes very interesting, what happened to the day in the life videos?

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks Gary glad you enjoyed it. Season 2 has ended now. Stay tuned for more BTS style videos 👌🏻

[@dooks85]

1.25 MILLION watches created and theres a waitlist for daytonas? give me a break lol

[@singlendhot8628]

Yet another clickbait title. Rolex would never risk their brand.

[@Novilicious]

It’s a great message, just make sure you inspect what you buy at the end of the day is your responsibility to do so!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Correct mate! You should always do your checks, even when purchasing from the AD 🙌🏻

[@GordyM-ov7pt]

Since when have Rolex supplied official watch production numbers?

[@gaffs82]

The Morgan Stanley report each year and the new Rolex Submariner book.

[@GordyM-ov7pt]

@@gaffs82 The Morgan Stanley report is an estimate, not an official number supplied by Rolex. The book I haven't seen.

[@cgarcia3964]

All that theorize is base on manual labor, Rolex is all robot machine produced, so you can’t push the production as with human labor. The machine can produce a maximum number of units, just industrial engineers. You must check the movement which you have stated you don’t do .

[@edwoodsnowden]

Sub no date is my favourite for sure and a bargain price as well!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Such a classic timepiece, so much watch for the money! Great addition to any collection 👌🏻🙌🏻

[@Slipperywrench]

Ceramic bezel from my root beer fell off while the ad was putting it back in the box. They replaced the watch with a new one.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Wow that’s unbelievable! Glad to hear you had it replaced mate 🙌🏻

[@bobbydazzler8620]

Honest car Dealer The clues in the name 🤣

[@David-yd6ur]

Clue's...

[@o0MadHouse0o]

They make over 1.2 million watches a year. Rolex are mass produced watches. I’m not surprised quality has dropped.

[@geertvoorwinden8924]

I bought a new Rolex 124060. The point of the serrated bezel do not correspond perfect with the markers and triangle on the bezel. The perfect straight line from the triangle to the Rolex encraved crown on the edge inside. It is annoying that it is between two clicks when it perfectly correspond in a straight line. I think, there is no end control on every watch. Rolex has the name but not the perfection. Only the 124060 on the catalog is perfect. People with this problems?

[@harrychristoforou6089]

I’ve had misaligned hands, particularly noticeable at 6pm. When the hour hand was bang on 6pm the minute hand was about 2min behind.

[@gaffs82]

Easy fix

[@harrychristoforou6089]

@ requires service centre. Not what you expect from a new watch

[@paullewis266]

Very informative honest video from the top dealer, I wish Rolex would supply you direct Charlie that you sort the problem , I know what a perfectionist you are when adjusting watches , Some of these ADs need to get a grip . Brilliant video as usual mate Thank you speak this week 💥💥👍🏻

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Haha that would be nice wouldn’t it! 😆 Thanks Paul glad you liked it, appreciate you watching and will speak next week 👍

[@ajcan89]

I can’t wait for the good old days to be back where we can buy watches from grey market at a discounted rate. The grey market dealers treat you way better than AD’s.

[@David-yd6ur]

Not always the case. My main AD is superb.

[@troisk]

If you're looking for a steel GMT or a Daytona, you're going to be waiting a long time for that to ever happen. If you're looking to buy a Datejust or OP however, it might happen in a few years.

[@Holborn1000]

Hi Charlie, I have thought that I am wrong, but it looks to me that I was right, it is not only Rolex, I had an issue with Breitling, so I have thought I will go with Rolex,I was focused on any other deal, quality, info etc and I have been surprised by brand new watches I’ve seen in some Rolex AD…..when I have asked about the visible quality issue….they said “you can see it on every watches, it doesn’t matter how big price tag is or even brand it is” …..

[@troisk]

It's never acceptable to have QC issues from a customer perspective, but the underlying point is true - nothing, regardless of the price, is perfect. There isn't a single brand in any industry that has a 100% QC success rate. Even the almighty Toyota has recall issues every now and then, and luxury brands are no different. So absolutely demand QC perfection because that's what you pay for as a customer, but never forget that's it's objectively impossible and that there will always be a few products with issues here and there.

[@FBAMogul]

Another great video. This is what happens when a company has more customers than products, they are going to sell them anyway even if they are not perfect and they get complacent. Then before you know it few years have gone past and the reputation is gone.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It’s ridiculous to think isn’t it mate, Rolex should be desperate to resolve this! So glad to hear you’re enjoying the content, I really appreciate the support 🙌🏻

[@ColinMilton-vi5ys]

I think you have called it right. Any external visual defects should have been picked up by the AD. Hair under the glass or imperfections should not have been passed to the next production stage but quarantined under their QC system. As far back as 2021 (height of Covid), Rolex admitted they could not keep up with demand - they referred to customer allocations rather than wait lists. Next year, Rolex are opening up four new "pop up factories" to meet the extra demand before the new facility in 2029. Other suscibers have mentioned training of new staff - looks like youe will need to be even more vigilant, any subsrcibers luck enough to pick up a new Rolex should follow your checks at the AD and even ask to look at the watch under a magnifier (or take one with them - there not that expensive),

[@gaffs82]

Hairs under the glass are so easy to see. Me thinks someone has been in that watch since it was bought.

[@ColinMilton-vi5ys]

@@gaffs82 Yes, thanks, good point. Looking at all the comments so far and the number of views to date, whatever the reasons, this is a nightmare for a luxury brand as it creates uncertainty and doubt. Rolex can't control this narratve and no doubt Rolex staff will see this on their social media.

[@ColinMilton-vi5ys]

Since this video landed, I was concerned by a comment made by another subscriber............ "32xx low amplitude problem. Been going on for a long time now. 200 page discussion in the Rolex forum. It’s not just superficial quality issues. The whole movement is unreliable". This set the alarm bells ringing, as I have a significant birthday that falls at Christmas, I was looking to splash out on another pre-owned Rolex. What I have since read on this site, the Rolex Forum and another KZbin channel over the current ethics of Rolex staff, has made me stop in my tracks.............now looking around at other brands!

[@dielalex89]

ABSOLUTELY true - brand new straight from AD I would say 50% or more of mine have had debris or dust under the crystal.. evidence of a fingerprint of sorts on the underside of the crystal once.. misaligned Rolex print compared against the 12:00 marker very common.. only once I have experienced a hair on the dial.. it was a polar explorer one of the very first new reference ones back in 2022 and it blew me away to see that! lol.. Im still a Rolex fanboy though I always just assumed this type of stuff was expected to a certain extent for mass produced watches.. I figure Rolex knows a VAST majority of their clients are not nit picky enthusiasts like we are, and they know they can get away with that shit quality (which they do get away with it clearly lol) so yeah!

[@leeburton1986]

Now you have said this, when I got my watch it needed resizing and I didnt notice it for a while but the clasp wasnt sitting central on the underside of my wrist. Being somewhat OCD about it, it has annoyed my but I still havent got round to sorting it.

[@DRIFTSTIG]

just swap a link from one side to the other easy fix get yourself some watch screw drivers do it yourself at home I do

[@gaffs82]

This is a strange way to promote your business. Tell your customers that Rolex quality control is bad. Sure, LWC can check the exterior but Charlie has said they don’t open watches up so if he’s saying that quality control is bad then surely that could apply to the movement?

[@jamessmith-on3jf]

My first Rolex bought in early 2014 was gaining 20 seconds a day in after 1 year and had to go to the RSC.

[@gaffs82]

@@jamessmith-on3jf it happens. You can knock a watch a few times and it can throw the timing off. That is why it’s recommended not to golf in a watch.

[@jh6273]

you need to be sure you are not buying super clones - totally possible

[@stevesracingbits]

Am sure they know what they are doing, super clones are easy to spot if you know what your looking for.

[@jh6273]

@stevesracingbits yes but many dealers have been caught out

[@deepseadweller687]

Chinese?

[@deepseadweller687]

Just don't get the attraction of the green bezels.... Love the blue skydweller w jubilee

[@troisk]

"Super clones" are the same 600 dollar shitters from the same 4/5 factories. They mostly use the same serials, and the paperwork/box is a red flag alone before you get to the watch. You can find hundreds of pictures online. Then once you get to the watch, winding it/setting the time will confirm it's a fake 99% of the time for anyone that has a real Rolex with your eyes closed, and opening the caseback will confirm the last 1%. If any grey dealer is too incompetent to purchase one and resell it without noticing, they're certainly not a trusted dealer to begin with.

[@jeffberg9522]

Rolex is obviously a big name, and likely the most recognizable, but they are certainly not a top tier luxury watch brand. The imperfections are no surprise either and I anticipate that they don’t improve anytime soon given their manufacturing ramp up.

[@aaronmittnacht6939]

Rolex have never been a high finishing or high horology brand. Their products are mass produced.

[@mickpriestley]

As I'm not a watchmaker myself, I'm sure there are all sorts of things that go into it that I dont know about...but I can't imagine how it possibly takes a whole year to make one watch

[@joonkt3483]

It's just a story they want you to believe to support the hype and lies of scarcity.

[@nimbleninja12]

I got a sub recently, and there is a speck of dust on the dial.

[@spx1416]

an AD should not be quality control for rolex....people need to wake up and realise that rolex are not as good as they try and make you think they are. much better watches out there for much less money. just becuase every youtuber wears one doesnt mean we all need them. over priced and over hyped

[@megalodon45]

I had one with a tiny grey spot under the date bubble glass ,when I took it back they tried to tell me I had dropped it and wanted £150 for a new glass.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

So sorry to hear about your experience mate, that's terrible to be blamed for their mistake! Hopefully you get it sorted 🙌

[@stefanknorsch]

It's not maximizing margins, it's a shortage of skilled workers all over.

[@christopherma1718]

I agree I had to send back 5 watches dust on dial and date window scratch on dial Loud rotor Watch couldn't hold power x2

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

That’s ridiculous! Such expensive luxury items, they should be perfect! Hope you managed to get them all rectified! 👌🏻

[@truxton1000]

Rolex quality slipping? Yes. That’s why I only got vintage Rolex watches, well one exception as it’s a 2012 watch.

[@zaidal-zobaidi7206]

Wow. That is really scary. Thanks for the sharing.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

It is isn’t it! You are very welcome, thanks for watching 👌🏻

[@slide7132]

Thank you Charlie much appreciated.

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

You are welcome mate, glad you liked this one! 🙌

[@Theo_313]

Another Banger! Salute from Athens !!

[@thehonestwatchdealer]

Thanks for the support mate, I really appreciate it 🙌🏻

[@macadamianuts6363]

What happens when AD’s are too exclusive and resellers prices are too high then you create an opportunity for people to buy super clones which couldn’t be determined if its fake or not and at a fraction of the original.

[@glenncaukill1320]

Nothing in life is 100 percent perfect, personally I’d rather but new than second hand . Go Patek for higher quality

[@mendipfox1650]

The only way to buy a 100% authentic Rolex is to buy via an AD. You are running the gauntlet buying anywhere else. You cannot be 100% sure it’s authentic with a non AD. We live in an era where every margin is being pushed.