General Question About QC Pics

[omlette]

Just a question. I am in the process of getting my first rep right now. Have paid the guy and all. He is sending QC pics soon. Before anything, I want to say thanks for the Sticky regarding the steps to follow for first rep purchases for noobs. I have followed that thread to a T and have had no problems whatsoever. It also has kept me very relaxed about the whole thing and un-worried about whether the dealer (who is a TD here) will scam me.

Anyways, this may have been covered in a different thread, but just wondering, what are valid reasons to ask a TD that you would like to change purchases based on QC pics - not get a refund, simply see if they can get a different rep for you? There is one detail about the rep I'm getting that I just noticed from the stock pic seems off and kinda makes me want something else (then again I have not seen QC pics yet). Just to be clear, of course I know most reps will have multiple things that make them noticeably different from a gen - just this one thing I found is kinda a big deal to me I guess.. So before I get the QC pics, I would like to get opinions about valid reasons for asking for a different rep based on QC pics. I dont want to be a hassle for the TD as he has been amazing so far..

 

[coopster9]

I suggest you be upfront about it before he sends the QC. Be mindful that TD will need to arrange from the factory, get the pics done, etc before QC gets to you.

Put yourself in his/her position and if you have decided you want something else, lets not waste time going back n forth.

 

[omlette]

thanks for your input, still thinking about whether this one thing is a deal breaker or not. I will take what you said into consideration when deciding!

 

[coopster9]

If you are dealing with them for the first time and on account that this wont be their last dealing with you, I am sure they will accommodate your request. They are not unreasonable bunch of thugs you know. Besides, its your money afterall. You call the shots but be mindful and nice over the new request, stating your doubts about their showcase watch, etc..

Or perhaps share with us what watch is that, and hear from the rest what they think about that major concern you have, with the watch you ordered.

 

[omlette]

thanks for your input coopster. this is the watch i am getting sourced:

http://ptswisswatch.com/audemars-pi...ack/product_info.php/cPath/24/products_id/274

although, it is from a different TD than the site i've posted for you guys.

I know there are several things wrong with this rep. but one of the most telling give aways to me (that i somehow did not even look for before... yes, i am dumb i admit it) is that it does not say "Swiss Made" on the bottom below the 6 like the gen. i was not horribly picky about the other things wrong with this watch (like the size, the back casing markings, size of back crystal, etc.) because i genuinely like the watch style. and truth be told most of my friends wont know what an Audemars Piguet is or be able to tell the difference between this and a gen, but i would preferably like my rep to say "Swiss" or something on it if the gen does, which this one does..

maybe im being too anal.

 

[coopster9]

No, you are not being anal. You have the right as a consumer, even though its a rep.

You should ask the TD why the SWISS letterings are not appearing on the watch you ordered and show the TD a photo of the gen watch.

If you are not satisfied with the reply, then tell him/her, you very much want to keep the business relationship as you appreciate the efforts so far, and ask for your next preference. That would be fair, totally.

 

[omlette]

thanks, i just sent him an email.

appreciate your help sir.

 

[fortis Persicum]

I disagree 100 percent. If you have picked a watch and paid for it, it is not fair to the dealer to change the watch just because you ve noticed something on the rep that you don't like. Most TDs don't have stock on hand and have to source your watch. That takes time and a lot of work. You should have done your research fully prior to placing an order

 

[omlette]

thanks for your input fortis.

I did tell him that if it is any problem then I will certainly take the watch we agreed upon. So not really laying down a ultimatum or anything for him

 

[zero_deficit]

imo, it's only fair to reject a QC:

1) If a flaw/s substantially affects the timekeeping and/or aesthetics of the rep from the perspective of a reasonable person from the replica communicty, and;
2) is not an inherent flaw within the design of the rep


Eg.
I can't reject QC because when under a macro lens, I can see lume being 0.002mm off from where it should be - not substanital

I can't reject QC because the light doesn't reflect properly off the hands as it does in the website's photos - not the perspective of a reasonable person

I can't reject QC because the movement doesn't look like the gen movement - an inherent flaw with the rep

 

[omlette]

so what are your thoughts about the absence of "swiss made" on the dial? is that considered an inherent flaw cuz ive seen many others with it

 

[zero_deficit]

You can determine an inherent flaw through research on the forum, but if the photos on the dealer's website doesnt have swiss made, then that's most definitely an inherent flaw

Essentially, the standard you're comparing to is NOT gen watches, but other reps. If another exact same rep has 'swiss made' but when you receive qc photos it doesn't (an unlikely scenario), there's grounds for you to reject based on that. However, even if the gen has 'Swiss made', but all the other exact reps don't, then it's an inherent flaw with the design.

 

[omlette]

understood - thank you. the TD actually responded with an email worded in a way that I could not really understand what he was saying (but not really negative or anything) then he said wait i will send you stock pics of what options i have for that. and he sent me pics of Patek Philippe watches instead of Audemars Piguet....

so im not completely sure where the confusion has happened in this situation lol.. trying to figure it out now.

but thank you!

 

[zero_deficit]

I think you might need a quick run down of how the rep industry works, because I feel you're still a bit confused.

'Factories' replicate a particular gen and it will come with certain inherent flaws (because there are no available movements for such a replication, they're lacking the ability to copy certain things, or it's just downright too much effort to do).

Dealers will buy from those factories to sell to us. Given the illegality of the industry, and the low prices you're paying, while making copies of the replicated watch, there will sometimes be issues with quality control, thus QC pics are used, for customers to pick up on any of those issues (dials may be crooked because a worker might have just been tired that day). These quality control issues are sometimes rejected, and it's these sort of things you want to look out for

 

[omlette]

thank you - i understand that all.

im just saying he sent me pictures of a watch that is a completely different brand than the one he said he could source me lol that's all. i understand how QC pics should work now, but the watch shouldn't be a completely different brand than the one we agreed upon

 

[zero_deficit]

Well hope everything works out

Good luck mate

 

[omlette]

thanks buddy. he responded again quickly - just a miscommunication, he sent the wrong pics.

thanks for your insight again. cheers!