Indy won't service watch w/ aftermarket parts

[watch watcher]

I have a Datejust with an aftermarket bling dial. Of course RSC and the AD won't work on it, but I figured, BFD, I'd just have an independent watchmaker service it. I took it to the place which resurrected my Seamaster. He happens to have a Rolex parts account, so I'm thinking "score!" Well, not so fast. He said that "Rolex is cracking down on indy dealers with parts accounts, and we can't risk it by working on a watch with aftermarket parts." Might be old news to some, but I was surprised, so now I have to hunt for a watchmaker without a Rolex parts account and hope he knows his way around a Rolex.

[dddrees]

That seems odd. How would Rolex know they are servicing watches with aftermarket parts unless they did surprise inspections.


I would try a couple more indy's with Rolex parts accounts before I gave up.

[MoBe]

Maybe his contract with Rolex doesn`t allow for service of watches with aftermarket parts,just like an official RSC.

[77T]

That is ironic. Yesterday I picked up a watch - a Datejust - that was overhauled by an independent watchmaker. He did a new crystal because the old one was aftermarket.

I was glad because it's going on sale and I don't want to be selling "partially" correct watches.

According to my watchmaker, Rolex was definitely advising them to follow 100% Rolex parts on overhauls. And zero tolerance on dial swaps with aftermarket.

[77T]

Originally Posted by dddrees

That seems odd. How would Rolex know they are servicing watches with aftermarket parts unless they did surprise inspections.


I would try a couple more indy's with Rolex parts accounts before I gave up.

Dan
I don't think they would know until/unless a watch showed up at RSC with non-Rolex parts and the owner provided the name of the watchmaker.

I'm conflicted; I respect individual owners' rights to customize. But at the same time I understand Rolex wanting to protect the brand in any legal way possible.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by 77T

Dan
I don't think they would know until/unless a watch showed up at RSC with non-Rolex parts and the owner provided the name of the watchmaker.

I'm conflicted; I respect individual owners' rights to customize. But at the same time I understand Rolex wanting to protect the brand in any legal way possible.

I'm not big on customizations either.

I understand Rolex maybe cracking down. I guess I just wondered how they could really even determine if they are doing it.


Maybe it's just that Rolex is telling them they can't and since so many indys have lost their parts account that most of the remaining indys aren't taking any chances.

[77T]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Maybe it's just that Rolex is telling them they can't and since so many indys have lost their parts account that most of the remaining indys aren't taking any chances.

I think you hit the mark there.

He told me they must "color inside the lines" when it comes to modifications.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by 77T

I think you hit the mark there.

He told me they must "color inside the lines" when it comes to modifications.

It is much easier to control things when your going smaller.

If this is actually true, I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about this kind of thing though.