from hodinkee's site"rolex sues melrose jewelers"

[skoony]

not sure if it is proper to post this here,but heres the link.

Rolex USA Sues Melrose.com For Selling Counterfeit Watches: Further Proof You Do Not Want To Mess With Rolex

regards,

mike

[Watchbreath]

[Cursor]

Sounds like they are really shady! To my mind, if you're butchering a Rolex with knock-off parts, then that's a travesty. Particularly if you're not telling your customers about it.

I have been looking at watches online and had discarded Melrose as something just didn't seem right about their watches. I have been looking more closely at Bob's Watches for a 14060 non-COSC or 5513. I suppose that any time one buys a used Rolex there can be concerns about when it was serviced, who serviced it, and what parts were used. I know many users say you buy the seller as much as the watch. And these pieces come up in the forums from time to time as well--which presents its own challenges. Anybody have any recommendations for a good place to pick up a used discontinued piece?

[GinGinD]

Good for Rolex.

Jeannie

[I Like Watches]

Rolex is right. If the "doctored" watches are sold as 100% Authentic and something goes wrong with it using aftermarket parts, who gets blamed? The manufacturer of course!

[Mathew J]

So I read the article, and then I checked out the site...

A part of me wants to believe that Rolex is going after them because they feel that Melrose is doing people wrong, that they feel what is being sold shouldn't be considered a "Rolex" because of possible modifications.

But the realist in me thinks that Rolex is going after them because they are possibly taking away retail buyers, the claims they make on the net that they are the #1 Rolex seller, and they put alot of emphasis on discounts and deals, something we all know Rolex hates to be associated with.

I'd need more info....if Melrose is in fact using faker parts with logos then shame on them, and Rolex is fully justified....

But if they are using aftermarket non branded parts and telling people exactly what they are getting then I fail to see where the true "issue" is beyond Rolex just not liking their business model.

[Memphis1]

So I read the article, and then I checked out the site...

A part of me wants to believe that Rolex is going after them because they feel that Melrose is doing people wrong, that they feel what is being sold shouldn't be considered a "Rolex" because of possible modifications.

But the realist in me thinks that Rolex is going after them because they are possibly taking away retail buyers, the claims they make on the net that they are the #1 Rolex seller, and they put alot of emphasis on discounts and deals, something we all know Rolex hates to be associated with.

I'd need more info....if Melrose is in fact using faker parts with logos then shame on them, and Rolex is fully justified....

But if they are using aftermarket non branded parts and telling people exactly what they are getting then I fail to see where the true "issue" is beyond Rolex just not liking their business model.

i honestly don't know how much they change, but this paragraph kinda suggests it's just bracelets.

"Melrose.com is an independent Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch and fine diamond jewelry retailer and is not affiliated with Rolex, S.A. Melrose.com sells pre-owned, used Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches and warranties its watches directly through its store. Melrose.com' watches ship with aftermarket natural diamond additions and aftermarket replacement bracelet additions. Aftermarket additions void the warranty of new and used Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches sold by Rolex S.A. or at www.rolex.comRolex is under no obligation to warranty-service watches sold by Melrose.com through its service locations. ."

[GinGinD]

But if they are using aftermarket non branded parts and telling people exactly what they are getting

No doubt some of them are non-branded, but not all by a long shot. And no, I don't think the average customer has a clue what they are getting. Melrose's reputation within the watch enthusiast community has never been good and a cursory Google search will easily tell you why once you get past the false testimonials.

While I certainly don't agree with all of Rolex's business practices (nor Swatch's either for the matter), they are right to protect their brand here. Protecting the consumer is a fortunate byproduct. And yes, consumers need to be protected from Melrose because their bad reputation is well-deserved for a number of reasons. I am glad to see Rolex step up to plate on this one. You should be too as Melrose also frankens Omegas. TBH, I would expect any watch enthusiast to be disturbed by this type of business. It cheapens not only the individual brands, but the industry.

Jeannie