Comments:
Bad news for my new watch
Hi all,
I want to share my experience about my new watch....
As you may know I just bought my watch LUC 1937 about 2 weeks ago.
While I enjoy the watch, I discover that there are some uneven areas in the side of the case. (see below photo)
Those uneven problem areas are like some vertical line and they are obvious (I admit that it is my fault that I didn't find those problem when I buy it)
Then I go through AD to contact Chopard to see how to fix it.
But then Chopard Service Center replied to me that it is normal and the brushed finishing should be uneven because it is made my hand and it is fulfilling their QC standard.
They said the vertical problem areas are only the vertical brushed which is a little thicker than the other lines.
Eventually, they agree to try to fix it by polishing those areas again (and will take about 10 days)
For me, I am frustrated about the situation.
And I'd like to seek your advise that from your experience, is it really normal?
Thx so much. Forgive me that I typed a long passage of text here.
Watchesplayer
First of all, I'm sad to hear this story and learn that you’ve discovered this unpleasant element on your watch. Don't blame you, we can't see everything when we buy a watch due to enthusiasm, time... even if we should pay attention to all details
I have a question about this Chopard: did you buy it new or used? (just to have all the information in mind).
If I were you, I think I won’t send it to Chopard for a new polishing. The result could be worst than the current situation (maybe not but you’ll take a risk even if I don’t doubt that Chopard will take care of your watch). I think I would keep it at is.
Best wishes
Alkiro
If I were you, I think I won’t send it to Chopard for a new polishing. The result could be worst than the current situation (maybe not but you’ll take a risk even if I don’t doubt that Chopard will take care of your watch). I think I would keep it at is.
Best wishes
Alkiro
Ok thanks for the answer. So it’s not a watch which has been already polished.
It’s up to you but I will keep as it is. A new polishing could be “dangerous” for me.
Best wishes
Alkiro
Best wishes
Alkiro
Difficult to say by just seeing one pic from one angle.
Chopard is right so far that brushed "searches" for that uneven look, in contrary to polished. But as I said, difficult to tell if this is acceptable. Obviously for you not.
Chopard will never try to polish it out (this will not work), the only thing they can do is brush the case again...
Chopard will never try to polish it out (this will not work), the only thing they can do is brush the case again...
I think I use a wrong wording
What I want to say is Chopard Service Center finally agree to fix those problem areas by "finishing" those areas again to make it "better"....
Forgive me poor English.....
Forgive me poor English.....
I think I can just about see what you mean based on that photo
This is a very common occurrence with any brushed finish. I don't think I have seen any brushed finish to be absolutely uniform. A lot also depends on the coarseness of the grains; the coarser the grains, the less likely for them to be uniform. Only with very fine grains they can appear more uniform but then you are getting closer to a polished surface than a brushed finish. I would leave it as it is, any extra polishing/brushing can lose the shape of the angles and sharp edges. I think probably 99 out of 100 people would not notice that; it looks how it is meant to be. Enjoy the watch and try to forget about about it.
But it is obvious...
In fact, after I found the problem, I went to the Chopard boutique first to seek advice. The boutique staff think that those areas may be caused by improper handling of the authorized dealer, so he suggested me to find the authorized dealer to handle it.
That's why I deliver the watch to Service Center through authorized dealer instead deliver it directly to Service Center....
That's why I deliver the watch to Service Center through authorized dealer instead deliver it directly to Service Center....
If it is that obvious
Allow the authorised service centre to inspect it to confirm/accept the problem but since the watch is new and still less than a month old, I would insist on a new watch or full refund. I would not accept a new watch getting refurbished. You may need to write to their managing director and cut the middleman. Even if the service centre does not accept there is a problem, you should still write to the managing director (not the AD or service centre) of your country. He/she should respond to you if the brand is worth anything.
Thx for your advice
I am considering your comment.
But in fact, it will be a challenge for me because it will become some kind of negotiations and I will expect a lot of back and forth communications.
At the end, I am only a normal customer......but I will consider your advice ......thx....
But in fact, it will be a challenge for me because it will become some kind of negotiations and I will expect a lot of back and forth communications.
At the end, I am only a normal customer......but I will consider your advice ......thx....
Unfortunately, most if not all manufactures try to ignore this sort of thing
Only those customers that are persistent tend to get a better service.
I have seen the new photo. I can honestly say this is not bad at all; this would have been caused by the initial brushing and not by mishandling the watch. However, if it is not to your satisfaction and since your are within the 30 days window of purchase (that law applies in Europe) you may have a right to get a full refund. I personally doubt if the next one will be as perfect as you would like it to be so I probably wouldn't opt for another watch. Whatever happens, avoid having it re-brushed.
I have seen the new photo. I can honestly say this is not bad at all; this would have been caused by the initial brushing and not by mishandling the watch. However, if it is not to your satisfaction and since your are within the 30 days window of purchase (that law applies in Europe) you may have a right to get a full refund. I personally doubt if the next one will be as perfect as you would like it to be so I probably wouldn't opt for another watch. Whatever happens, avoid having it re-brushed.
Thx for your advice [nt]
I bought in HK actually so I cannot enjoy that refund policy. 
With respect, I think this is completely normal.
Not a problem in my eyes. If something like this bothers you, I would choose a different watch altogether.
I may have no choice now because I have already bought the watch :)
But anyway, I will see the Service Center further inspection and will try to enjoy the watch again when it come back to me.
I wish you luck, maybe you can return it as another reply mentioned above?
It does not matter who agrees and who does not, it is your purchase, and you need to be pleased with it. I am afraid you will not enjoy it properly if the area bugs you.
Don't ever buy a Jules Audemars cased AP, Royal Oak AP, or Nautilus Patek Philippe without thoroughly inspecting the brushed surfaces...
You've got a razor sharp eagle eye...
Chopard wants you to be happy. Although this is not likely a fault of Chopard's production.
I say, let Chopard make you happy again.
An observation
watchesplayer,
I'm not a watchmaker or materials engineer but please let me make an observation as an ordinary enthusiast.
You have found out that handmade brushings and natural graining of steel produces variations that still satisfy Quality Control limits.
While your eye is drawn to the brighter lines that you circled, did you notice darker bands across that side of the watch?
There are at least four bands to my eyes that counterpoint the lighter band you found.
It all averages out, I guess. Some people notice lighter bands and others see darker bands. You can't chase them all.
As it is not a 'fault', it looks like Chopard service centre is doing more than normal to keep you happy. They can't replace every non faulty product.
Again, only you know the legal and usual consumer practice in HKG that applies where you live. Experiences from other regions do not apply.
The fact is that the best people to rebrush the case is the factory that knows best.
The big issue is that there is no guarantee about the final appearance because of the first statement above. Handmade brushings and natural graining of steel does whatever it does....it's your choice....brush again or just leave it as is.
Pesonal opinion.
I looked at my brushed cases from diferent brands and they have similar light and dark bands if I squint hard or use my imagination under different lighting conditions.
I didn't notice before.
Just use your watch and normal wear and dirt should change things...maybe new bands will appear elsewhere? Then, what will you do?
Regards,
MTF
Looks pretty bad ...
... Like someone had a bad day, and the watch was allowed to reach a customer (you).
It is the customer's duty to complaint. In order for the company to get feedback and do better. So, your post will hopefully prove to be of service to future customers. Thanks.
BTW, I just checked the brushed sides of my Tudor North Flag. Only defects are the scratches I made.
Thx for all the advices and comments here
Looking at all the reply, I feel like I am supported by many knowledgeable gentlemen. 😝
For the watch, one of the reason I feel frustrated is that if it is a defeat, I will keep blaming myself that haven't noticed at the first place.
But if it is a kind of normal, my mind will also feel normal.
It is my very special thinking process 😎
In fact, one of the thing that really bother me is whether it is a defect or it is normal. And now I understand that there is no standard of these kinds of cases, because the finishing is done by hand.
Because chopard also agree try to brushed those area again so I will leave it to chopard to do that (maybe taking the risk of making it worse)
Anyway, I will wait for the watch to come back to me later and I will post an update at that time.
Thx again
For the watch, one of the reason I feel frustrated is that if it is a defeat, I will keep blaming myself that haven't noticed at the first place.
But if it is a kind of normal, my mind will also feel normal.
It is my very special thinking process 😎
In fact, one of the thing that really bother me is whether it is a defect or it is normal. And now I understand that there is no standard of these kinds of cases, because the finishing is done by hand.
Because chopard also agree try to brushed those area again so I will leave it to chopard to do that (maybe taking the risk of making it worse)
Anyway, I will wait for the watch to come back to me later and I will post an update at that time.
Thx again
Life is Like That
watchesplayer,
The important thing is that you found out no inherent weak fault is present.
Don't Worry.
Be Happy.
Every watch has personality.
A handmade watch is hand made like fingerprints on your children.
We look forward to see the result because I've never heard of a re-brush when there is no damage before.
Like when my watch was crushed by a vicious elevator door in Singapore. Audemars Piguet could not repair....
Regards,
MTF