Rolex keeps 30 year stock?!?!

[Zoran]

Hi Guys,

I passed to my local AD yesterday, here in Belgium, hoping they could help me sort out a 78360 bracelet for my 16520 Daytona.
I wear this watch often, and I didn't want to damage the original bracelet

First thing he asked was if it was broken, but then I showed him the watch and the bracelet has some stretch on it. Other than that the watch is in excellent condition, since it just had a complete service 2 months ago.

After a quick peek in the computer he informed me that he could order me a Brand New one from Geneva. I was shocked since I found it very hard to find an solid one on the second hand market!
He informed me that Rolex keeps a stock of parts for 30 years on their models!
This is amazing to me. I know some serious car brands that don't keep a stock for half that long and you are forced to buy non-OEM parts...

In conclusion, the bracelet should be here next week!
I will post pictures when it arrives!
This is the watch in his current condition

HAGD!
Zoran

[padi56]

Not so amazing when you think that Rolex watches could last 50 plus years,and with many other brands like Seiko grand keeping service parts for 50 years plus.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not so amazing when you think that Rolex watches could last 50 plus years,and with many other brands like Seiko grand keeping service parts for 50 years plus.

Hi Peter,
I can only say that it was a pleasant surprise that will guarantee me a life-long pleasure of waring my favorite watch!

[Flyjet601]

After a recent service of my 34 year old 16014 at Rolex Hong Kong, I inquired about the availability for parts in the future. They said as long as they have the parts in stock, they are available, if not, too bad they can't get. There is no time limit on parts, just availability.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

After a recent service of my 34 year old 16014 at Rolex Hong Kong, I inquired about the availability for parts in the future. They said as long as they have the parts in stock, they are available, if not, too bad they can't get. There is no time limit on parts, just availability.

Hmmm...2 different answers from 2 different AD's...
It does make sense what you are saying, but what are the criteria of stock parts?
Is it by popularity of watch when it got sold, or something else?
I wonder...

[pietermann]

What AD did you went to :)?

[Flyjet601]

Originally Posted by Zoran

Hmmm...2 different answers from 2 different AD's...
It does make sense what you are saying, but what are the criteria of stock parts?
Is it by popularity of watch when it got sold, or something else?
I wonder...

This was not an AD, this was the HK RSC.
But Typical with Rolex.......different places, different answers. I guess they are more interested in luxury than consistency in service.

I asked about a GMT 1675 from the 60's....and they said they will check if they have the parts in Geneva, or elsewhere If so, no problem to get them. If not, they can't source the parts. You're on your own.
So much for being a watch to pass down to future generations.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not so amazing when you think that Rolex watches could last 50 plus years,and with many other brands like Seiko grand keeping service parts for 50 years plus.

Not to mention that IWC will service any watch ever made. Patek will do the same.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not so amazing when you think that Rolex watches could last 50 plus years,and with many other brands like Seiko grand keeping service parts for 50 years plus.

■REMARKS ON REPLACEMENT PARTS
SEIKO makes it policy to usually keep a stock of spare parts for Grand
Seiko watches for 10 years. In principle, your watch can be reconditioned
within this period if used normally. (Replacement parts are those which are
essential to maintaining the functional integrity of the watch.)
The number of years that a watch is considered repairable may vary greatly
depending on the conditions under which it was used, and normal accuracy
may not be achieved in some cases. We recommend, therefore, that you
consult the retailer from whom the watch was purchased when having them
repair your watch.
The case, dial, hands, glass and bracelet, or parts may be replaced with
substitutes if the originals are not available.
For any other information, contact the retailer from whom your watch was
purchased or the "CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT" of SEIKO
WATCH CORPORATION.

GS only guarantees they'll carry parts for 10. and somone getting his 67 i believe serviced, ended up getting his watch back in the same condition he sent it because they didn't have parts. in one of the gs threads. but his hi beat movement 68 got serviced with no problem. So im sure it was just mass ammounts of overstock, afterall think of how many are wearing GS's compared to rolex

[strafer_kid]

Guys

I often wonder how this plays out for vintage models, some of which are nearing 50 years old. How much longer will parts be available for those?

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by strafer_kid

Guys

I often wonder how this plays out for vintage models, some of which are nearing 50 years old. How much longer will parts be available for those?

It depends. The 30 year parts stock isn't from the date your watch was purchased, it's from the date the last model was produced. Since Rolex has been producing essentially the same movement for over 20 years, the 3035 (for instance) will have parts for a long long time into the future.

On the other hand, try to get a proper replacement dial for a double red, or Comex, Sea-Dweller... not so easy.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

It depends. The 30 year parts stock isn't from the date your watch was purchased, it's from the date the last model was produced. Since Rolex has been producing essentially the same movement for over 20 years, the 3035 (for instance) will have parts for a long long time into the future.

On the other hand, try to get a proper replacement dial for a double red, or Comex, Sea-Dweller... not so easy.

I agree, that would be more likely to be the case.
I wonder if I should ask them now already for another bezel, dial, hour-hands etc

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by Zoran

I agree, that would be more likely to be the case.
I wonder if I should ask them now already for another bezel, dial, hour-hands etc

If only we could purchase spares...

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

If only we could purchase spares...

Hi JP,

Whilst the AD assistant was looking at his list on the computer to order my bracelet, I heard his colleague mumble "no, that's the bezel..."
Perhaps it is worth a try to see if I can squeeze some extra parts out without having to pass to the RSC

[capote]

Far beneath the Rolex factory there is a Raiders of the Lost Ark type warehouse with millions of NOS watches from the glorious past eras of the company..or so I like to think.