Monaco Service - S/N polished out...
Discussion
Good afternoon,
I am seeking advice on what to do next...
Earlier this year, I sent my Tag Monaco to be serviced by a specialist (used before without issue).
Unfortunately, on this occasion when the watch was returned the S/N was part polished out, unable to be read by eye - ouch.
The watch has since been returned to the specialist and sent to Tag Heuer for replacement case back.
It was first sent for the service in March. I'm still waiting for the return to see how the 'new' case back looks with the watch.
The reason for the service was due to selling the watch...
For your consideration:
Should I be concerned regards 'originality' selling the watch? (appreciate it's not a Patek!)
How would you proceed by way of final outcome?
1) Pay the original agreed service price, watch returned (albeit new case back) - onwards with life
2) Agree part-payment for service by way of compensation?
3) Agree NO payment for service?
4) Open discussion with the specialist for buying the watch? (no discussion presently taken place, specialist trades watches)
5) Other?
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
I am seeking advice on what to do next...
Earlier this year, I sent my Tag Monaco to be serviced by a specialist (used before without issue).
Unfortunately, on this occasion when the watch was returned the S/N was part polished out, unable to be read by eye - ouch.
The watch has since been returned to the specialist and sent to Tag Heuer for replacement case back.
It was first sent for the service in March. I'm still waiting for the return to see how the 'new' case back looks with the watch.
The reason for the service was due to selling the watch...
For your consideration:
Should I be concerned regards 'originality' selling the watch? (appreciate it's not a Patek!)
How would you proceed by way of final outcome?
1) Pay the original agreed service price, watch returned (albeit new case back) - onwards with life
2) Agree part-payment for service by way of compensation?
3) Agree NO payment for service?
4) Open discussion with the specialist for buying the watch? (no discussion presently taken place, specialist trades watches)
5) Other?
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Edited by CocoUK on Wednesday 17th July 15:00
If I had caused that damage and there was no doubt in my mind that it was me that caused it, I would be doing similar.
I would be correcting it FOC for the customer and offering my humblest apologies for the delay, while I waited for the case back to be sorted at Tag.
In that vein, I would go with your option 1.....
The service has been completed and I would imagine to the same level of repair as you have had previously.
The only delay is the case back, which I'm assuming he is covering the cost of, so there is no reason to expect any discount for the rest of the work.
People have new case backs fitted all the time, so it will make no difference to the watch and its value.
I've probably replaced 1 a year for the last 20 years, due to damage caused by a hobbyist trying to get into the watch. It happens a lot.
Even on a £3.5million Patek, if the case back was damaged by a watchmaker and it needed replacing, it would simply be done, with no detriment to the value of the watch or any further enjoyment.
Get the new case back fitted, pay for your service and continue enjoying your watch.
just my opinion obviously.
I would be correcting it FOC for the customer and offering my humblest apologies for the delay, while I waited for the case back to be sorted at Tag.
In that vein, I would go with your option 1.....
The service has been completed and I would imagine to the same level of repair as you have had previously.
The only delay is the case back, which I'm assuming he is covering the cost of, so there is no reason to expect any discount for the rest of the work.
People have new case backs fitted all the time, so it will make no difference to the watch and its value.
I've probably replaced 1 a year for the last 20 years, due to damage caused by a hobbyist trying to get into the watch. It happens a lot.
Even on a £3.5million Patek, if the case back was damaged by a watchmaker and it needed replacing, it would simply be done, with no detriment to the value of the watch or any further enjoyment.
Get the new case back fitted, pay for your service and continue enjoying your watch.
just my opinion obviously.
Thank you for your reply.
You have provided reassurance a replacement case back is not unusual and shouldn't affect the watch.
I will add that I've been quite disappointed by the customer service received from the specialist.
First of all, the watch was released from their final checks, after service/clean, with the S/N polish issue. As mentioned, the issue is immediately evident by looking at it, plus the specialist capture their own 'goods received' pictures...
Secondly, the replacement case back was complete this week and the watch returned. The only communication I received was an automated invoice (£0 repair charge) and automated despatch tracking message - no message to advise return or final apology.
For balance, the case back is now perfect and the quality of polish to crystal/case is very good - it looks almost as good as new, i'm very pleased.
With this in mind I will not seek any compensation and shall move on and enjoy the watch.
Thank you.
You have provided reassurance a replacement case back is not unusual and shouldn't affect the watch.
I will add that I've been quite disappointed by the customer service received from the specialist.
First of all, the watch was released from their final checks, after service/clean, with the S/N polish issue. As mentioned, the issue is immediately evident by looking at it, plus the specialist capture their own 'goods received' pictures...
Secondly, the replacement case back was complete this week and the watch returned. The only communication I received was an automated invoice (£0 repair charge) and automated despatch tracking message - no message to advise return or final apology.
For balance, the case back is now perfect and the quality of polish to crystal/case is very good - it looks almost as good as new, i'm very pleased.
With this in mind I will not seek any compensation and shall move on and enjoy the watch.
Thank you.
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