Bought an Expensive Watch from The US, Keeps Poor Time, Am I Unreasonable to Expect a Refund?

paraneoplastic on 09/05/2021 - 16:35
Last edited 09/05/2021 - 20:49 by 1 other user

Bought a new Parmigiani Tonda watch (with the movement PF701 for those interested), cost $8.9k landed in Australia after tax (retail on the watch is $22k). Over the last 3 days I've noticed that it gains an average of 30 seconds per day, which is ludicrous for what's touted as a haute horology movement.

It's likely faulty, as from what I can find online most peoples run +/- 3 seconds

Am I being unreasonable to expect the ability to return the watch and for the dealer to liaise with the manufacturer about repair given it's only 3 days old and there are no ADs or any affiliates in Australia?

Fashion & Apparel Parmigiani Tonda Watch

Comments

  • Drakesy on 09/05/2021 - 16:44

    Is it new or used?

    30 seconds per day is pretty hectic for a mechanical watch, although it might be something you have to take on the chin.
    Maybe take it to your local watch specialist to adjust the tension/tick rate before sending it all the way back.

    • paraneoplastic on 09/05/2021 - 16:53

      Brand new, came vacuum sealed with the manufactuer seals and all. I called a watchmaker who i know well, the case is white gold they said because of that and being brand new they are reluctant to open it and think it'd be reasonable for the dealer to sort it out with the manufacturer

      • tonyjzx on 16/05/2021 - 20:35

        30 secs a day is within the bounds of acceptability for an automatic sadly

        firstly, ask the seller about this problem and how they would rectifiy this

        then come here and complain if they ask you to suck it

  • dandosr on 09/05/2021 - 16:51

    Can you verify that it is genuine?

    • paraneoplastic on 09/05/2021 - 16:54

      Yeah for sure, it's such a niché brand + the movement is stunning even under a jewler loupe finished to VC, AP and PP standards and the seller is a big dealer

      • kiitos on 10/05/2021 - 10:52

        Don't want to be one of those people, but I will: there's no accent in niche.

        • Diji on 10/05/2021 - 12:30

          It's fine to be one of those people, so long as you don't pronounce the E in forte.

  • cloudy on 09/05/2021 - 17:07
    +13

    But does anyone really buy 20k watches to keep time? Surely it’s a piece of jewellery, and all about looks/wearing the brand. So it’s certainly fulfilling the primary purpose?

    Just being a devils advocate here.

    I should add I don’t agree with my DA argument.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/05/2021 - 19:46
      +1

      Came here to say this. No way the watch was bought for keeping time. This was a work of art.

  • Switchblade88 on 09/05/2021 - 17:07
    +6

    SO glad you came to OzHelpDesk before contacting, you know, the seller.

  • DemocracyManifest on 09/05/2021 - 17:09
    +1

    I think you could be stuffed and you are at the mercy of whatever their policies are

  • Rescue 26 on 09/05/2021 - 17:21
    +6

    With such a large degree of inaccuracy it may have simply become magnetized. Easy to diagnose and easy to fix. If that's not the problem, then yes, I definitely think the dealer should get it sorted under warranty. I've just been through something similar with a faulty watch (Steinhart) I ordered from the dealer/manufacturer in Germany. Shipping and repair didn't cost me a cent and no problem with customs or fees at either end.

    • ValueInvesting on 09/05/2021 - 19:11

      I'm betting it's magnetised if 30 seconds a day out.

    • mab5125 on 10/05/2021 - 21:26

      This. Almost certain it's become magnetised. Easy fix OP

  • garetz on 09/05/2021 - 17:28
    +1

    You do realise these watches need to be serviced regularly? I very much doubt its faulty.

    If its brand new then return it if you are unhappy.

  • Eeples on 09/05/2021 - 17:56
    +1

    This is why I only buy Pagani :/

    The Explorer 2 they make is really nice (imo). I just want a price drop.

    • Kangal on 09/05/2021 - 18:38
      +3

      The only thing I know about them, is the Zonda they featured in Gran Turismo…
      Parmigiani Tonda, well that sounds like a rip-off name and reminds me of tasty chicken.

      • oscargamer on 09/05/2021 - 20:41
        +1

        Or Italian hard cheese

      • Noblejoker on 10/05/2021 - 12:48
        +1

        "Don't forget the pamigiani - Ima going out"
        Thanks Nona

  • nomoneynoproblems on 09/05/2021 - 18:45

    Sorry to hear about your experience, I would definitely look at an exchange if it was outside the manufacturers tolerances. What’s expected variance on this model from factory?

  • pantsparty on 09/05/2021 - 18:49
    +2

    I had a parmigiana for lunch the other day, was about $12 - no complaints.

    • dizzle on 09/05/2021 - 19:00
      +1

      But was it on time?

      • bloom on 09/05/2021 - 20:56
        +7

        30 seconds late…

  • mini2 on 09/05/2021 - 22:19

    Bring it to a reputable watchmaker to have it regulated or demagnetised if it's really magnetised.

  • SBOB on 10/05/2021 - 07:04

    Refund, yes… unreasonable

    Investigated/repaired is what you would expect but not sure i would risk sending a watch back overseas for a watch of that price, as opposed to finding a local qualified person locally to investigate.

    For a watch of that price you know you're up for regular servicing over it's life anyway, and clearly knew that there was no ad locally for warranty support anyway.

    Or just live with it because that is the kind of watch you put on for special occassions, and not for critical second accuracy time keeping, so who cares if it loses 10s over an evening

  • Diji on 10/05/2021 - 12:33

    Should've bought a parmigiana instead and saved yourself a few grand.

  • OzHunterNSW on 10/05/2021 - 15:33

    This is why it went for such a cheap price

  • GourmetFoodie on 11/05/2021 - 10:16

    I’d contact where you bought it from and see what they say they can do. Then if they are unhelpful go direct to the manufacturer. Definitely sounds unreasonable. It’s a risk buying such an expensive item if no local outlets though as technically they have no obligation to do anything as not covered under Australian consumer law.

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