Retailer Caused Damage to Undamaged Item

Foxy27

I took my undamaged, in full working order watch to have the battery replaced. In the course of doing so the store have smashed the glass on the watchface. They offered to replace this, however they have now advised they cannot source the replacement glass from the manufacturer.
They have offered me a £20 replacement watch from their collection. Nothing higher as mine is, I quote "not new is it". Or any alternative recourse.
The watch in question is branded, cost £100 and is 4 years old.
I don't consider their offer to be fair in the circumstances but do not know if I have any rights to challenge their offer or what alternative I could look for. Any help would be appreciated.

Fosterdog

How much does a second hand model sell for on places like eBay? Find one around four years old and you'll find what a reasonable price is for the same model and age.

Joe_Horner

What make is the watch and is there anything unusual about the glass - odd shaped (ie: not round) / printed borders etc?

An independent proper watch repairer (as opposed to high street jeweller or cobblers shop with a battery bodger) may well be able to sort yours and - depending on reasonable value - you should be able to get the jewellers to cover the repair if they're unable to do so themselves.

eta: bear in mind the "£20 watch from stock" is probably only costing them about £12 so (cynically) it may be that the original glass is available but will cost them more than that. Which really isn't your problem seeing as they broke it!

Foxy27

I can't find any that are identical on Ebay.
The watch is by Guess and yes, it does have a different face as it's oblong, tapered and the whole face includinng the glass is curved.
I have obtained a quote from an independent repairer who have quoted £45.00.
As they broke it I think they should be obliged to repair. I do not see why I should accept a £20 from stock basic watch as a replacement to my watch which is a better quality and a more distictive style. I would be disadvantaged due to their negligence.
However, can I actually insist on this?

powerful_Rogue

Foxy27 wrote: »

I can't find any that are identical on Ebay.
The watch is by Guess and yes, it does have a different face as it's oblong and the whole face includinng the glass is curved.
I have obtained a quote from an independent repairer who have quoted £45.00.
As they broke it I think they should be obliged to repair. I do not see why I should accept a £20 from stock basic watch as a replacement to my watch which is a better quality and a more distictive style. I would be disadvantaged due to their negligence.
However, can I actually insist on this?

Yes, you can. However make sure you get a few quotes, I would say about 3 to show the price is reasonable.

If they say no, follow up with a "Letter Before Action".

If they still refuse, get the work carried out and then take them to the Small Claims Court to get the £45 refunded.