Rolex pulling most indy parts accounts

[crownprince]

Originally Posted by GregShakeshaft

Shameful behavior. I would question whether it is legal. It's like Toyota forcing all car owners to get servicing and repairs done through their dealerships or Samsung making you take your phone back to them every time. This is when the law needs to step in and protect the consumer.

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I am sure Rolex has gone through the legality of this. Unfortunately, I am a Rolex Fanboy.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Nothing ever happens for no reason.

That is not meant to disrespect the watchmaker that has lost his account, but something has prompted it. We only have one side of the story; second hand.

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.

[Naples09]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

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.

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.

[JeanGenie]

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.

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by Naples09

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.

I’m fairly new here so I wanted to be sure it was kosher to do so. He shared this with me openly and did not instruct me not to share it, so I suppose you’re right.

The watchmaker is Rik Deitel.

[77T]

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.


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[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by 77T

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.


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This certainly makes sense. From what I understand a watchmaker at an AD makes considerably less money than an independent.

[77T]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

I’m fairly new here so I wanted to be sure it was kosher to do so. He shared this with me openly and did not instruct me not to share it, so I suppose you’re right.



The watchmaker is Rik Deitel.

True, Rikki lost his parts account a while ago.


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[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by 77T

True, Rikki lost his parts account a while ago.


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He told me it just happened (in the past couple of weeks) and they were letting him make a final order.

[77T]

Originally Posted by JeanGenie

He told me it just happened (in the past couple of weeks) and they were letting him make a final order.

ok - I would defer to his statement about the timing then. But would not rely upon any sweeping statements about Rolex long-term strategy.

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[77T]

Dupe

[JeanGenie]

Originally Posted by 77T

ok - I would defer to his statement then.


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Gotcha. He did say he expected it was coming down the pike because it’s been happening to lots of watchmakers.

[wigdog63]

Originally Posted by SearChart

UK is a different thing than mainland EU.

Isn't it just...

[Rikki]

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.

[Speedbird-1]

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.

[Rikki]

When there’s a vacuum and money to be made someone will fill it imo

[1665fan]

Vintage market could crash if the options are Rolex trash your watch vintage piece with new parts or not get it fixed at all

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by Brew

This will have next to zero impact on me and the average Rolex purchaser.

Such empathy is admirable.

[Bozack90]

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.

[Speedbird-1]

Originally Posted by Brew

This will have next to zero impact on me and the average Rolex purchaser.

Ahhh........the 2019, Rolex buyer perspective.
Watches flipped and stored in safes, probably don't need too much servicing.


Selfish stick, anyone?

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by scooba

I know off some in the UK

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!

[jason10mm]

Originally Posted by Lt Virgil Hilts

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.

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.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Rikki

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.

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.


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[greekbum]

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

[g_luck]

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.

[kohe321]

Originally Posted by greekbum

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

Excellent video that highlights the indispensable value of independent watchmakers in the hobby. Even if the video is from 2012, it's more relevant now than ever.

[Tha Baron]

Originally Posted by Rikki

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.

Respect.

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.

[Justinmg]

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.

[iheartrolexx]

it's happening

[crownprince]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Rolex needs to be very careful, especially in the United States and Europe. Antitrust laws look dangerously looming with this type of behavior.

This is Rolex you are talking about and they do not care about some Anti-Trust Laws.