Rolex Parts Accounts?

[dfn8tly]

Parts Accounts -

I've seen this term used here before and I know what it means. However, I
need some of you guys to help me clarify my thinking.

We all know how paranoid Rolex USA is about original replacement parts being used in all their watches and old parts being retained by the RSC. This extends even to refusal to service those with minor "custom" enhancements.

Given that knowledge, why are some dealers set up with "parts accounts" who are not authorized dealers? I've heard of a one-for-one policy (you want a new crown, send in an old crown) but seriously doubt it's effectiveness in actualy practice. Also, supposedly only Rolex trained watchmakers are allowed to work on repairs. Well, we all know THAT'S not true!

Clue me in guys. What is the philosophy here and isn't it contradictory?

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by dfn8tly

Also, supposedly only Rolex trained watchmakers are allowed to work on repairs. Well, we all know THAT'S not true!

Well, anyone can service your rolex, its just that rolex won't provide parts to non rolex certified watchmakers.

Its kinda like taking your car to jiffy lube for a tuneup, its okay if its a corolla, but would you trust some jiffy lube trainee to change oil on your Ferrari?

[dfn8tly]

Originally Posted by montecristo

Well, anyone can service your rolex, its just that rolex won't provide parts to non rolex certified watchmakers.

Its kinda like taking your car to jiffy lube for a tuneup, its okay if its a corolla, but would you trust some jiffy lube trainee to change oil on your Ferrari?

I don't believe Rolex sells ONLY to "certified watchmakers". They are selling to the owner of the jewelry store who's employee works on the watch, certified or not.

As for your analogy, changing the oil in a Corolla or a Ferrari is probably a very similar process.

Originally Posted by dfn8tly

I don't believe Rolex sells ONLY to "certified watchmakers". They are selling to the owner of the jewelry store who's employee works on the watch, certified or not.

As for your analogy, changing the oil in a Corolla or a Ferrari is probably a very similar process.

I do believe that to get a Rolex parts account, you had to be a certified watchmaker that was Rolex trained (not 100% sure on the last bit - it's been a while since I looked into this so I'm going from memory).

Certainly you might be right that Rolex sells parts to the store and not necessarily the watchmaker, but I was quite sure you had to have someone certified in your store to get a parts account.

You are likely right that the systemn is full of holes, and I believe that the Rolex is no longer giving out parts accounts like they used to. I suppose this is because it was being abused and they want to money for servicing themselves.

[OysterDavid]

I'm under the impression that Rolex does require some certification to the watchmaker's ability to work on Rolex models.

The independent watchmaker I use in San Francisco, who is not affiliated with an AD or jeweler went through the Rolex training 20+ years ago and has been an independent repair guy for that long.

But I'm also working with the assumption these parts accounts only allow the purchase of watch 'guts' and not things like dials, bezels, cases and bracelets.

Judging from evidence on the internet, there's a thriving underground market in such things, and an independent watchmaker may have the contacts to obtain these items, but I doubt if they come directly from Rolex USA.

So, a certified and qualified watchmaker or AD or jeweler can get the parts to repair a Rolex, but not the parts to enhance or change the watch.

[mike]

My watch repair guy has a parts account. He has to be certified by Rolex and maintain the proper equiment and tools including pressure equiment to maintain that account. His work area must meet Rolex standards--what ever that is.

Certain parts he can get without exchange, certain parts he can't (dials, hands, etc...)
I've had him work on a couple of my watches with EXCELLENT results. I got back old parts to include mainsprings, crowns, crystals, bezel inserts, and old bracelets.
He has regulated three of my watches with supurb results--better than Rolex.
I'm a real customer to him, not a number.

[ginzo]

Originally Posted by mike

My watch repair guy has a parts account. He has to be certified by Rolex and maintain the proper equiment and tools including pressure equiment to maintain that account. His work area must meet Rolex standards--what ever that is.

Certain parts he can get without exchange, certain parts he can't (dials, hands, etc...)
I've had him work on a couple of my watches with EXCELLENT results. I got back old parts to include mainsprings, crowns, crystals, bezel inserts, and old bracelets.
He has regulated three of my watches with supurb results--better than Rolex.
I'm a real customer to him, not a number.

This is the same story for my watch guy. And he is alot cheaper than RSC. I feel very lucky to have him in my home town.

[mike]

Originally Posted by ginzo

This is the same story for my watch guy. And he is alot cheaper than RSC. I feel very lucky to have him in my home town.

Damn Right!!! opps!

[AJC]

The fellow I used was not trained by Rolex and was not an AD.However he did have a parts account and to get a part the part wanting replacement had to go to Rolex Melbourne and the case.

This was to stop a trade in used parts and to allow Rolex to verify that a particular part was for that model.

The case was exactly that,no movement or bracelet etc.

As for the Corolla and Ferrari,the oil chnage is similar exact the Ferrari must be done with flair and panash.

Ciao

[mailman]

Originally Posted by AJC

As for the Corolla and Ferrari,the oil chnage is similar exact the Ferrari must be done with flair and panash.

Ciao

And by guys in red suits

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mailman

And by guys in red suits

The mafia wear black only!!

[mailman]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

The mafia wear black only!!

Keep it up and you'll find out

[tonelar]

I think he meant red jump-suits, JJ. I can see them now in the pits as someone pulls in with a Corolla... "get that out of the way... what kind of Formula Car is that?" haha

I've used the SF Rolex Independent Service Center but they're getting pricey. The SD is supposed to cost over $750 for a service. Granted it's needing the rotor shaft replaced, but I can't see paying more than $400-500. I'm taking the SD to a new guy I was referred to who says it's a $300 job at the most (including genuine parts).

So it pays to shop around a little... Tourneaut was saying $600 by the way.

[montecristo]

For those who complains about RSC being expensive.

Here is my experience with RSC Shanghai, I was in Shanghai, China on business/pleasure and brought my mother's 20 year old never been serviced DJ in for service because it stopped and won't wind at all, cost me about US $150 and 1 week. Watch came back looking like new.

HK is cheaper than US also, flyjet recently went for service and dial change and if I remember correctly it was less than 500 US.