Rolex policy change re: access to parts...

[ec51]

I've heard from a reliable CW21 source that Rolex will soon limit access to GMT, Daytona, and Oyster Quartz parts.

Has anyone else heard anything similar?

If this ends up happening, it will ultimately limit our choice to a RSC when it comes to service time.

[Chewbacca]

nope. not me.

[adiorandomhero93]

I have heard this, RSC is also the only place I know of that will service a deepsea. I don't believe they will sell deepsea parts to independents

[japenney]

Originally Posted by adiorandomhero93

I have heard this, RSC is also the only place I know of that will service a deepsea. I don't believe they will sell deepsea parts to independents

Mainly because nobody else has the equipment to pressure test the DSSD?

[crowncollection]

In Australia this has been the case for years


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[adiorandomhero93]

Originally Posted by japenney

Mainly because nobody else has the equipment to pressure test the DSSD?

Yes that is what I have been told. I know that with most independents I have talked to they must send worn parts to rolex for exchange before rolex will send them a replacement part. I wonder though if rolex asks what ref. number they need parts for when it comes to something like a balance staff for the 3135?

[Alcan]

Rolex Canada's policy is pretty simple. They will service any Rolex they still have parts for unless it has what they deem an exotic dial (ie. one that can't be replaced if it gets scratched or damaged during service).

They overhauled this circa 1960 cocktail watch for Nancy about 5 years ago:

[amg55]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

In Australia this has been the case for years


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Yes, this is indeed true. This trend will soon follow across the globe. A lot of small, independent watch makers are very peeved about it but what can you do? The argument is that only Rolex and the likes know how to fix their own watches, with their in-house tools and expertise. Personally, I think it's bullocks. It's just another way these companies can make more money out of service and parts.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by amg55

Yes, this is indeed true. This trend will soon follow across the globe. A lot of small, independent watch makers are very peeved about it but what can you do? The argument is that only Rolex and the likes know how to fix their own watches, with their in-house tools and expertise. Personally, I think it's bullocks. It's just another way these companies can make more money out of service and parts.

Agree it is a bs policy to ensure a monopoly on movement servicing



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[Mick P]

Chaps

Put yourself in Rolexes shoes.

They have the right to control the parts they use and by restricting the distribution of those parts, they control the standard of repairs.

It's all about protecting the brand and also offers more protection to the buyers of a pre owned Rolex.

Regards

Mick

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Put yourself in Rolexes shoes.

They have the right to control the parts they use and by restricting the distribution of those parts, they control the standard of repairs.

It's all about protecting the brand and also offers more protection to the buyers of a pre owned Rolex.

Regards

Mick

Good point Mick!!!

Fortunately for me my local AD has an in house
Rolex trained and authorized watchmaker so I don't
have to deal with RSC...

[GreatCircle]

Greymarket prices of most wanted pieces like inserts and (WG) Daytona dials will go to the moon probably.....

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Put yourself in Rolexes shoes.

They have the right to control the parts they use and by restricting the distribution of those parts, they control the standard of repairs.

It's all about protecting the brand and also offers more protection to the buyers of a pre owned Rolex.

Regards

Mick

The standard of repair I receive from my independent with a Rolex parts account to me is higher than a RSC. Why? Direct communication with someone who actually cares about what they're doing. Less chance of it gong back because of error. They're accountable to someone other than a big corporation. If I ever buy a vintage watch, forget RSC over here. Plus Rolex We've all heard good and bad with RSC here in the states. Unless it's warranty work or if I have a broken ceramic insert I'll stick with what works for me.

[amg55]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Put yourself in Rolexes shoes.

They have the right to control the parts they use and by restricting the distribution of those parts, they control the standard of repairs.

It's all about protecting the brand and also offers more protection to the buyers of a pre owned Rolex.

Regards

Mick

It's a fair point you made. However, it's the excuse that they give that bugs me. it'd be like saying a good local mechanic can't change an brake pads because the cars are that specialised that they just don't have the skills to do so.

[Muzz]

Hmm 7 months ago I purchased a DSSD sapphire no problem so this would be news to me.

[Gold Crown]

Any Chinese Watch factory can churn out 1000s of Rolex pal parts a day, just like they have with Valjoux and ETA parts. Not to worry. Parts will be available and Rolex will be the losers.

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by japenney

Mainly because nobody else has the equipment to pressure test the DSSD?

Not necessarily true. Steve Cotton on Vancouver Island worked on the DSSD development with James Cameron and Rolex. He is one of only a few independent RSC authorised repair shops. He may have the equipment to pressure test one. http://www.precisionmicromachining.c...president.html

My Rolex trained watch maker and the other independents here were cut off buying replacement parts by Rolex a number of years ago. The one above is the only independent I' m aware of that still exists in BC .

[Rikki]

Well according to the law if you sell a product here you have to supply parts to repair it up to eight years it used to be 50 years but in 1986 the law was changed to 8 and that day we became a throwaway society. All to keep the economy of consumerism alive.

[ec51]

Originally Posted by Mick P

Chaps

Put yourself in Rolexes shoes.

They have the right to control the parts they use and by restricting the distribution of those parts, they control the standard of repairs.

It's all about protecting the brand and also offers more protection to the buyers of a pre owned Rolex.

Regards

Mick

Fine point, but then why have "Rolex certified" watchmakers?

It's obvious a CW21 would have the necessary skills - but then again, I'm not quite sure that's the reason Rolex is changing its policy.

It's all about the money.

[amg55]

Originally Posted by ec51

It's all about the money.

Bingo!

Btw, one of the watchmaker, whose blog I subscribe to, did mention that they will still be able to access parts from their network around the world, mostly for older models. It just makes their lives so much harder and unnecessarily more expensive. Their fear is that their job will eventually dwindle down to just changing batteries.

Speaking of batteries, one of the watchmaker in town that I got to know quite well was telling me that 10 or so years ago, he used to be a Tag reseller. That privilege has been since taken away from him because Tag wants to 'control' their sales, service and repairs. However, what's funny is that the local Tag AD actually sends their watches to him to have batteries replaced and pressure tested. He charges around A$50 for his service but Tag whacks on another couple of hundreds because it's deemed to have been serviced by an authorised service centre! I find that rather unethical.

[ronricks]

I thought it was already hard for most Independents to get Oysterquartz parts?

[ec51]

Originally Posted by ronricks

I thought it was already hard for most Independents to get Oysterquartz parts?

Could be true - though this was the first I was hearing about US independents possibly losing access to GMT and Daytona parts.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by Gold Crown

Any Chinese Watch factory can churn out 1000s of Rolex pal parts a day, just like they have with Valjoux and ETA parts. Not to worry. Parts will be available and Rolex will be the losers.

Maybe so but at least for me it wouldn't feel right doing this to my watch.