Is Rolex digging a hole.....

Tools · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:33 pm Post subject: Is Rolex digging a hole.....

With the latest proprietary parts, in-house movements, and the control over parts accessibility, is Rolex digging itself into a hole ?

In the USA I hear many watch owners being turned away with a ~30 year old watch.. Not a major problem since most older watches still have many parts available, and competent watchmakers have little difficulty with the older Rolex movement.

However, a few decades down the road, will buyers turn away from Rolex if they can't get their "proprietary" models serviced.

Would you continue to buy Rolex ?????

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#12

uncle aj · Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:06 pm Post subject:

Maybe down the road the parts will become available? It could be their way of controlling the new watches and combatting forgeries. Personally I would continue to buy Rolex because of their reliability and accuracy, especially the new movements. As it's a watch topic, I'm sure time will tell. :D

CJ · Old hand Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 420 Location: USA

I would keep buying new Rolex. I would love to get a truly original vintage GMT some day. If the replacement parts weren't available, I would probably change my mind about that purchase though.
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mailman · Old hand Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 391

I'd still buy new. I also would love a vintage GMT like one of Mike's someday. In the circle of WIS, there's enough knowledge about good watchmakers, so someone would be able to point you in the right direction to get your old watch serviced.
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#17

mike · Experienced Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 65

Sure. If the new GMT offering is any indication of the direction Rolex is taking, IMHO they have made some great strides in the movement, the use of the maxi-dial, and bracelet. :D

As far as vintage pieces go, yeah that can be a problem. Certainly parts and qualified watchmakers exist to keep many of these fine pieces going for sometime to come. I do think certain movements (10xx) can be problematic and for that reason alone I'll most likely "not go there".

The loss of factory paperwork at service is an issue to some, but my guess is work done by select watchmakers(even including the manufacturing of parts) will at some point gain acceptance.

CJ · Old hand Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 420 Location: USA

Tools · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:40 am Post subject:

mike · Experienced Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 65

CJ · Old hand Joined: 30 Aug 2007 Posts: 420 Location: USA