Interesting Article About Factory Watch Service Centers and Parts Availability

[Easy Rhino]

Hope this link works:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/f...-philippe.html

Speaks to the disappearing number of horologists (is that the correct term?) and quotes Rik Dietel.

[214270Explorer]

Interesting article. Thanks for posting it for us.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Easy Rhino

Hope this link works:



https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/f...-philippe.html



Speaks to the disappearing number of horologists (is that the correct term?) and quotes Rik Dietel.

Thanks for posting that link. Glad to read Rik has plenty of business even after losing the parts accounts.

As for the semantics, horologists include watchmakers, clockmakers, timekeeping equipment techs and those involved in the study of timekeeping.

Some clockmakers don’t work on watches and some watchmakers don’t work on clocks.

On the topic, it’s another “flattening of the world” applied to the watch industry methinks.

It’s driven by globalization and the need to grow the services revenue stream by leading brands. Chief among watch factories is that they make a small profit margin versus higher margin for repairs.

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[masterandcrown]

Turning service into profit centres drives up cost for consumers across the board.

Support your local "right to repair" bill or law.

[enjoythemusic]

Great read, huuuuge thanks for posting OP.

[Rolex tom]

Certainly a increasingly dire situation for A lot of independent watchmakers. It will only hey worst In decades to come.

[RoscoPico]

interesting read

[TimeLord2]

And all true, unfortunately. It's been a long road since I joined this forum the beginning of 2019, not really knowing anything about the watch I inherited from my Father. Since immersing myself in the lore of TRF, I came to the conclusion that I should use an independent that specializes in vintage Rolex to service my watch. None of these independent vintage experts have parts accounts anymore. Even the large chains in my area like Geary's had their accounts pulled. Most likely, my watch will be going to Rolex for overhaul and a new bezel ring. Yes, I will be keeping the original dial, hands and insert, and teh non-functional bezel ring. Not paying full price on EBAY or elsewhere for a used bezel ring that may have the same problems as what is on there now. Full Rolex service papers here I come! There will be a follow up post in a few months. Thanks for the article.