ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
23 May 2019, 09:25 PM | #31 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 124
|
Quote:
|
|
23 May 2019, 09:43 PM | #32 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
While you are correct I am delivering this news second hand, I do not think anything on the watchmaker’s side prompted it. I didn’t want to post their name openly but I think if I did you would agree this is all on Rolex’s end.
|
23 May 2019, 09:47 PM | #33 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Jim
Location: Naples, FL
Posts: 1,795
|
Why can’t you post the watchmakers name so the forum knows? If this is Rolex induced and will continue to happen. It’s good for the membership to know who still has an account and who does not.
|
23 May 2019, 09:52 PM | #34 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
The other thing I find strange in this is that the whole point of a watch like a Rolex is the appeal that, if well cared-for, it can outlast its owner, be passed down, etc. Especially the more modern references from the 80s on. If Rolex really is going to focus on the 6 digit models moving forward and we see the option for older watches to be serviced diminish, it seems to me to go against everything Rolex (at least used to) stands for. That’s my take anyways. It’s a shame if a nice Sub or DJ bought in the 90s becomes prohibitively expensive to service, or if it just becomes no longer possible. I bought my 16014 as a birth year watch, and now it feels like a foolish move.
|
23 May 2019, 09:54 PM | #35 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
Quote:
The watchmaker is Rik Deitel. |
|
23 May 2019, 09:59 PM | #36 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,676
|
Personally, it sounds like a conspiracy theory crafted of scattered small facts that have been projected into a vast strategy. A strategy that makes little sense.
If all Rolex service needs were suddenly funneled to RSC’s, they would be swamped and lead times would soar from several weeks to several years. Thus far, Rolex has never displayed such stupidity - that alone debunks the story methinks. In the long run, Rolex may simply decline to renew contracts for parts with watchmakers outside the AD channel. Something like Nikos said. This could enhance the servicing revenue stream to ADs who have watchmakers who may be complaining. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
23 May 2019, 10:01 PM | #37 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
Quote:
|
|
23 May 2019, 10:01 PM | #38 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,676
|
Rolex pulling most indy parts accounts
Quote:
True, Rikki lost his parts account a while ago. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
|
23 May 2019, 10:06 PM | #39 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
|
23 May 2019, 10:08 PM | #40 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,676
|
Rolex pulling most indy parts accounts
Quote:
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
|
23 May 2019, 10:09 PM | #41 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,676
|
Rolex pulling most indy parts accounts
Dupe
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
23 May 2019, 10:10 PM | #42 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 92
|
|
23 May 2019, 10:23 PM | #43 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Real Name: Richard
Location: Hove,GB
Watch: me prevaricate.
Posts: 236
|
|
23 May 2019, 10:27 PM | #44 |
TechXpert
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Rik Dietel
Location: Seminole Fla
Watch: 5512 s/s Sub
Posts: 1,818
|
Well I guess the cats out of the bag yes there’s been a fundamental paradigm shift at Rolex and most Swiss watch companies about how they retail and repair their products. This is a decision made by Geneva about the direction Rolex will go for the next 10 to 20 years and most likely the industry as a whole. I had a great run with the crown the last review I got was exemplary so this has nothing to do with the quality of your work. My door hasn’t been completely shut and I have thousands of parts and acquiring more all the time so for now no worries life goes on and I thank you all for your support over the years it’s been a true pleasure. I’m still here you all have a great day.
__________________
Century 21 Certified watchmaker Omega Service Provider Trained Omega OWME Certified. Rolex Parts Account Holder. |
23 May 2019, 10:29 PM | #45 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Steve.
Location: UK
Posts: 6,061
|
If this is 100% true, and.........
Given that Chinese 'homages' are, allegedly SO difficult to differentiate from the genuine article (even by "experts"). Could there be a danger of another supply 'route' for parts developing? ......just a thought. |
23 May 2019, 10:32 PM | #46 |
TechXpert
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Rik Dietel
Location: Seminole Fla
Watch: 5512 s/s Sub
Posts: 1,818
|
When there’s a vacuum and money to be made someone will fill it imo
__________________
Century 21 Certified watchmaker Omega Service Provider Trained Omega OWME Certified. Rolex Parts Account Holder. |
23 May 2019, 10:33 PM | #47 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: East coast
Posts: 6,590
|
Vintage market could crash if the options are Rolex trash your watch vintage piece with new parts or not get it fixed at all
|
23 May 2019, 10:36 PM | #48 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: ByDawns Earlylite
Watch: 16800
Posts: 3,516
|
|
23 May 2019, 10:38 PM | #49 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Chowdaland
Watch: Out
Posts: 596
|
if the supply/demand situation remains as it is now they can arguably do whatever they want and people will still buy them.
I am conflicted on this, I get what they are trying to do in own the experience and that when you leave things up to independents the quality can vary, especially if those folks don't have the proper tools, and they aren't the only ones to do this as I remember Omega doing much the same as well as others. But on the other hand there are supposedly some really good independents out there who do things Rolex service won't...so I would hate to see access to them go away. |
23 May 2019, 10:46 PM | #50 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Real Name: Steve.
Location: UK
Posts: 6,061
|
|
23 May 2019, 11:11 PM | #51 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Real Name: Kenny
Location: northern ireland
Watch: SDs, Subs & GMTs
Posts: 5,127
|
Same here, although the example I am aware of relates to a friend and former Rolex AD whose dealership was pulled by Rolex with no warning a few years back at the commencement of the 'cull'. He still has a Rolex trained technician on his staff and can thus still service Rolex, though it is the technician who can get the Rolex parts as opposed to his employer! Based upon what the OP states however, this might now be a risk. The potential for legal redress has also been mentioned earlier in this thread, though is that ever likely to go anywhere? Rolex is a giant and who is likely to ever take them on? I really hope that they do not go down the road of making life harder for everyone though given where we are now, this would not come as any surprise...the Rolex world has possibly changed forever and what a pity!
|
23 May 2019, 11:12 PM | #52 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: TN, USA
Posts: 161
|
I agree. I dont how how many vintage watches are being faked but it doesn't seem impossible that parts can be made elsewhere. These are mechanical parts, not magic.
|
23 May 2019, 11:16 PM | #53 | |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,676
|
Quote:
True enough - several have had their contracts “not renewed” and it had nothing to do with quality of work. I think only 1 or 2 still have their contracts here in ATL area. I will check my best one later today to see if he has been told anything. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Does anyone really know what time it is? |
|
23 May 2019, 11:20 PM | #54 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Real Name: Nikos
Location: Florida
Watch: Rolex GMT 16750
Posts: 8,415
|
This is a good video to watch https://youtu.be/GaJvmQtoVjs I watched it years ago when they took all the parts account in Australia
__________________
Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting |
23 May 2019, 11:50 PM | #55 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 104
|
I can't stand the idea that Rolex is killing off independent watch makers and service centers. With that said, if Rolex stops servicing their vintage pieces, it will "eventually" kill their demand. Let's face it, part of their appeal is that they are well made serviceable timepieces that can and do last generations.
Part of the reason current models are going for crazy prices is the social media posts of vintage pieces that are climbing in value. Watch the video of the Antique Road Show Veteran who was flabbergasted that his GMT Master was worth over 60K. Now pretend that it's useless (instead of 60K) because he can't service it. Again, I hate the idea of Rolex doing this to Independents and I have to wonder if the Grey's aren't part of the problem. I know a couple of independent service people that are flippers as well. Most aren't, but some are. Rolex probably hates that. |
24 May 2019, 12:02 AM | #56 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Norway
Posts: 260
|
Quote:
__________________
My Flickr Photostream |
|
24 May 2019, 12:20 AM | #57 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Middle West
Posts: 1,075
|
Quote:
Sad to see this... I guess the shift to a pure “luxury brand” platform is becoming more apparent each day. I hope that some of these soon to be retiring independents will get a nice windfall if they sell out their spare parts inventory. Might be a nice silver lining. |
|
24 May 2019, 12:26 AM | #58 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Justin
Location: FL
Watch: PO
Posts: 3,353
|
Another great example of Rolex customer first policies. Just had my wife’s DJ serviced by Rikki and he did a great job. The thought of only having the option to send it to RSC for service doesn’t sit well. Not much of a fan of Rolex lately. This hobby used to be a lot more fun.
__________________
//////////////////////////////// Member of The Nylon Nation Does it do anything? It tells the time. |
24 May 2019, 12:28 AM | #59 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2019
Location: 215
Posts: 470
|
it's happening
|
24 May 2019, 12:31 AM | #60 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 124
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.