I have purchase about $4000 in reps from Timesshop. They have always worked with me when there was an issue, and there have been some issues. Twice I received a watch (one was an expensive one, one a cheapie) that quite working only hours after I put them on. In one case a screw was over tightened and the head snapped off and lodged itself in the gears. I had to purchase a special case back tool (Ferrari Panerai) to remove the case back. I could have sent it back as Mark who was willing to take care of it, but the tool was about the cost of return shipping (hey and now I have a tool) so I checked it out myself. Mark sent a replacement screw with my next order and gave me a $30 credit. More than fair. The other was a situation where the movement was loose because a retaining screw and clamp came loose and (again) amd lodged itself into the gear train. Fortuantely I had the tool so I popped open the case back, located the issue, and fixed it.
There have been a few other issues like a loose rotor (watcheden) but for the most part they are all good and work as advertised.
I understand the expectation that a watch you paid good money for should work correctly out of the box and you should not have to mess with it after paying down your hard earned cash. I also understand that the "factories" are not ISO9001. The dealers are as much of a victim to the factories as we are. I don't think they can QC a watch to the point of using a torque wrench to check every screw, so issues will slip by. It is the nature of the game. I for one factor the possibility of issues into the purchase with the expectation there will be things that I have to address. At some point you have to ask yourself what is the cheapest method to deal with an issue. For me an investment in tools and time has allowed me to to address these as they pop up. Not to mention all the fun I have modding and breaking stuff too. If I am in over my head I can send it back or off for repair. For those who dont have the skills, or time, or desire to tear into these watches, there are plenty of good people who are members here who can help, and if that isnt an option for you can always send it back the dealer, as inconvenient as that may be.
Just imagine the free-for-all it would be without trusted dealers!
I suppose dealers could offer a QC service as an option (which would come at a higher cost) for those who want it. I for one prefer to take my chances and save on the cost. The RWI deals TS has are really good deals. You pay more elsewhere and still have the same risk of something going wrong. It would be nice if the Quality Control could be improved, as there is a lot of room for improvement. But until that day arrives, there is a great community here at RWI and many members who can help address these glitches as they occur, so at least in that you are not alone.
And Just FYI (not wanting to step on any toes here)
And as for this particular LV sub, I purchased it and it arrived today. When the stem pulls out to position three it doenst quite engage fully but if you pull a little harder it clicks into position and then sets time fine. Not sure why that is but John, if you want it back, I will sell it back to you for the same price I paid for it plus shipping of about $5 USD.
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