Sharing some apprehensions .. and seeking your opinions

[nishant]

About the Ennebi Fondale.

As most of you know, My Fondale 47mm has been on order since October 2012. More than five months now ... Before I go further, I must say Alessandro has been very patient with my requests and has been relatively prompt in his replies and I got no complaints regarding that.

I believe the first dial that Alessandro ordered for me didnt even meet his expectations and the paint and lume was already falling off by the time the dial reached him. Hence he suggested an alternate dial which delayed things even further. There was a scratch on the bezel in the initial pictures and Alessandro replaced it after I pointed that out.

Here is the dial as I ordered it that I just received some pictures of ... [ Totally Delicious IMO ]



Now my apprehensions stem from :

- I still find that the paint job is not quite upto the mark. Please see the bumps on the '1' marker.
- The same seems the case on a few other markers too on close inspection
- The Parachute at '12' seems scratched but I think I can live with it considering this watch will not be flipped.



So, Can some fellow DWC mates please chime in with their experience ..
- Are these flaws on the dial EXPECTED when its a case of hand-painted dial ?
- Would you be happy with it if this were the watch headed to you ?

I personally fear that the paint with start scraping off again in no time and it will be difficult sending the watch back to him to get it fixed. On the other hand, while I feel a touch awkward wanting to point this to him again, I do also know that this will delay getting the watch back to me by another 30-45 days.

Now the Bronzo is another story. As much as I love the idea of getting a Bronze Marino .. This whole experience is making me think and re-think if I should put my money in there again !

Help .....

[andrema]

The pip should not come with a scratch, period. They need to fix that prior to sending it to you.


IMO, the indicies/numbers should have an even finish. To me it seems that the paint that they used may not have been the correct consistency. I have never seen one lumpy like that. That is just my take on it as it would drive me crazy!!

[tattoo chef]

If it were me, and the cost of that watch....no I could not live with it.

If it was a $600 micro... Fine...and I expect some imperfections to an extent.

But on this?? No

Bottom line, your paying for it, it should be done right and the way you want.

I've seen guys that relume themselves and they look better than that.

And the scratch on the bezel pip should not be there either.

If it were me, I would tell him to fix, and compensate me a little for now another delay.

[mattcantwin]

Seems to me a strong basis for your apprehensions.

[jimyritz]

You're the customer Nishant and if you're not happy then you should say something..
Too much money not to...and if you don't, you will never be happy..

Brand new means brand new and I wouldn't be happy with what you received...

The markers would drive me crazy...

Just my take..

Mike

[Hornet01]

These issues would forever taint the pleasure of the purchase for me, Nishant. I'd rather wait a bit longer and receive it 100%.

Gordo

[Nellipj]

The pip should not come with a scratch, period. They need to fix that prior to sending it to you.


IMO, the indicies/numbers should have an even finish. To me it seems that the paint that they used may not have been the correct consistency. I have never seen one lumpy like that. That is just my take on it as it would drive me crazy!!

x2

The lume paint is not the correct consistency at all. No way could I accept it like that.

[logan2z]

If I didn't know better I'd think it was a fake given the poor workmanship. No way would I accept the watch in that condition.

[matt.wu]

Interesting. What's different about the lume from the other Fondales they're delivering? These markers look drastically different.

[nishant]

I have no clue .. This is basically the 96-82-12_5 Fondale Marino Dial with Ennebi at 6 o clock .. The Lume should be no different from most other dials they offer barring the vintage lume design which appears different.

The alternative that he offered ..



And the available dials [ note that on magnification, most of these dials appear lumpy even if less so than mine ]



I am strongly considering asking for a refund now and calling it quits since My Fondale Marino was going to have pretty much the same dial.

Interesting. What's different about the lume from the other Fondales they're delivering? These markers look drastically different.

[tmw]

Personally, it is hard to tell, as I would assume that they have not finalized the watch nor inspected the watch prior to shipping. But just seems like sloppy workmanship and quality control. I can see the lume being inconsistent if it was hand applied and made, which may be what is going on here.

That all being said...you better be damn well sure you like it, no LOVE IT, as this aint cheap, resale sux on ennebi when you go to flip, and any little mark will become a mountain in your eyes and you will never bond with it.

[Jeep99dad]

I'd share your Apprehensions and would not consider getting another one for now.
Scratch on the pip is not acceptable even if you could live with it. It's a brand new watch and so its condition should reflect that otherwise I'd just grab a used one.
The paint is just ridiculous to me at "almost" any price point, id never be happy with it so why accept it as is in the first place.
I'd go back to them until they get it right and if they can't for whatever reason, I'd politely request a refund
Sorry nishant. Hope it gets worked out.

[streetracer101]

Nishant,
You are making me apprehensive about the HTFU Fondale. I haven't sent my payment yet because I have anxiety about giving a company money without first inspection, and then having no way of recouping it in the event I am unhappy.
As others have said, it is sloppy for Ennebi to even send you a pic depicting a new Fondale with bad lume or a scratch. That shows they aren't even going through the QC process prior to sending emails...bad business imo.

[Ron Jr]

Is the lug scratched also?

[moishlashen]

As I was scrolling down the pip scratch jumped out at me-and I'm not particularly picky about stuff like that. I wouldn't be happy with the lume personally as you will always focus on it both day and night as it luminesces. Personally I'd go the get money back route.

[mechnut]

I have basically the same dial on my Fondale GF and it looks fine. The same can't be said for the hands. I had them replaced (thread posted several days ago), and the lume job on your dial looks eerily similar to my old handset. While I appreciate the "handmade" character of Ennebi, that in no way excuses poor craftsmanship. Considering the fact that you are purchasing the DWC Fondale, I would opt for a return.

[dukerules]

That lume is not well done IMO. I could live with the pip, but not that lume. One of the quirks of NB is the handmade nature of the pieces, but that just looks like shoddy workmanship to me.
Edit: I posted this without reading Roger's post just above this. I could've just "+1" 'd his post.

[snootydog]

You know in you're heart that you won't be happy with it as it is,even if we had all said its ok. So,unfortunately you know what you have to do.
In that price bracket you have to be 100% happy with it.

[tmw]

Not to be a downer, and forum watch killer, but you boys better be damn sure also on those ennebis.

Now, I did have a Decima Mas and it was done well, so I know what they are capable off.

If you have to flip it, it ain't going to be easy. Even at this price point.

I will stop preaching now.

[matt.wu]

I actually disagree with Todd (we've already hashed this over on our own).

Assuming the watch is executed well, I think it's not going to lose (at least in bronze) at the price point we're getting.

Either of us could be wrong though.... And TBH, the fact that it would hold it's value isn't a good reason to be getting in on this long, painful process anyway. For me, as long as things are done well and to my specs, I wouldn't mind losing some money if I ever had to resell - just simply to have the opportunity to wear a stunning watch for awhile.

[CGSshorty]

I hope the resale drops like a rock, especially if one of you fuckers orders a Ti case/fixed bezel/brown dial/gold hands model.

[tmw]

I actually disagree with Todd (we've already hashed this over on our own).

Matt won. although i fought valiantly, he out wylie. coyoted me. And I was cheaper than him.

HTFU!

[matt.wu]

I actually disagree with Todd (we've already hashed this over on our own).

Matt won. although i fought valiantly, he out wylie. coyoted me. And I was cheaper than him.

HTFU!

I really don't care about how the resale of the watch does. I just want this to happen so I can have MY watch.

Shhhhhhh, don't tell the other guys.

[Axelay2003]

I would send the watch back. This is unacceptable! A new watch is a new watch....no microscopic blemishes. I would also send this thread to Alessandro to let him know what the forum members have in mind with quality control so that they do not mess up on 20 orders of the Marino. Better to have the right technician do superior job rather the guy who did your dial.

Get your money back bro and tell them that the DWC watch may get retracted by all members on the list if they don't take this concern in consideration.

[BSears]

I hope the resale drops like a rock, especially if one of you fuckers orders a Ti case/fixed bezel/brown dial/gold hands model.

I'll that and hope i beat you to the punch!