Closing down.

[nboyer]

For Omega parts, I order through CousinsUK. Somewhat reasonable on their prices. Cheers! -Norm

Originally Posted by Valenciawatchrepair

Exactly. The crazy part is, they can charge whatever they want. And most do. I've ordered from Movado. They sell pretty easy. But, the prices for parts are insane. Was quoted over $150 for a couple steel pins for a ladies model. I can easily get parts for Seiko, Citizen, and Bulova. What a breeze it is to work with those companies. I can get parts quickly and at a reasonable price. Everyone wins.

I used to be able to get Omega parts through some third-party parts vendors. But, eventually Omega upped the prices so much they just couldn't sell them anymore. Same with some Tag Heuer parts they sold. Mostly OEM Crowns.

[Valenciawatchrepair]

Originally Posted by nboyer

For Omega parts, I order through CousinsUK. Somewhat reasonable on their prices. Cheers! -Norm

Yep, I ordered from them awhile back. Needed a part for an old Speedmaster. Always good to have at least one place to get stuff from. If I had the time I might go to the OEM's and jump through all the hoops. But, I'm way too busy running my shop to stop, travel, etc to do it all.

[Tylden Reed]

Originally Posted by Valenciawatchrepair

Yep, I ordered from them awhile back. Needed a part for an old Speedmaster. Always good to have at least one place to get stuff from. If I had the time I might go to the OEM's and jump through all the hoops. But, I'm way too busy running my shop to stop, travel, etc to do it all.

I understand. CMH are running out of Swatch Group material, life is tough when it should be the golden age of watchmaking. Lots of good quality watches using Swiss Eta etc. movements and spares kept for Agents to obtain direct. Many agents cannot or won't take on the older watches leaving the customer with nowhere to go.
I'll get off my soap box!

[Valenciawatchrepair]

Originally Posted by Tylden Reed

I understand. CMH are running out of Swatch Group material, life is tough when it should be the golden age of watchmaking. Lots of good quality watches using Swiss Eta etc. movements and spares kept for Agents to obtain direct. Many agents cannot or won't take on the older watches leaving the customer with nowhere to go.
I'll get off my soap box!

Yeah. These companies do not look out for the little guy. And now they are killing the independent stores because they have started selling direct to consumers. The very stores that built their brands. Those stores are dropping them. And when a customer comes in and asks about said brands....what do you think those store owners are going to tell them??

[Tylden Reed]

Originally Posted by Valenciawatchrepair

Yeah. These companies do not look out for the little guy. And now they are killing the independent stores because they have started selling direct to consumers. The very stores that built their brands. Those stores are dropping them. And when a customer comes in and asks about said brands....what do you think those store owners are going to tell them??

I agree, they could be shooting themselves in the foot!

[77T]

Originally Posted by Tylden Reed

I agree, they could be shooting themselves in the foot!

Although this is just an anecdote, my nearby AD had both Rolex and Omega retail agreements. They have dropped Omega.

It seems online direct sales was a tipping point - plus continued escalating costs to remain certified in their repair shop for Omega. While a small part of the revenue stream, it is a large part of the customer experience for the average buyer.

There are many ways the manufacturers squeeze the ADs. Increased training requirements, escalating parts costs and training fees, etc.


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[nboyer]

Does not sound good at all. At some point, other AD's will come to the same conclusion and drop brands. Economically, these increased 'associated' costs does not make for a viable business model. After all, businesses are to make money. As for online only retailers, who would drop $10K on a watch without seeing it first? Watches are a luxury item, especially brands like Rolex's, it's not like food, which is a necessity! Just my humble opinion of course, I may be totally delusional? Cheers. -Norm

Originally Posted by 77T

Although this is just an anecdote, my nearby AD had both Rolex and Omega retail agreements. They have dropped Omega.

It seems online direct sales was a tipping point - plus continued escalating costs to remain certified in their repair shop for Omega. While a small part of the revenue stream, it is a large part of the customer experience for the average buyer.

There are many ways the manufacturers squeeze the ADs. Increased training requirements, escalating parts costs and training fees, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro