Being a Rolex watchmaker (someone's blog)

[dannyjak]

Hi guys

Not sure if this has been posted before but makes for interesting reading

http://royalexcellence.blogspot.com.au/

[Bangel]

Thanks for the link. An interesting read.

[gwalker]

wow. interesting

Can't say I'm surprised at all. I know many jewelry and watch companies use the same security systems as the US Mint. I don't think security could get any higher at those facilities. Just think a watchmaker could steal a watch peice by peice if there weren't very strict standards. If the "fear" in the workplace is true thats just a bad way to do business IMO. In my experience a fearful employee performs worse than one that's happy.

[horseco]

I tend to agree with the blogger...

[tranny]

A more appropriate title may be: "NOT Being a Rolex Watchmaker"

[Scary Hat]

Not at all surprising... interesting perspective from the inside.

[simonmcc]

Just as I imagined, Rolex are very controlling in every way.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by simonmcc

Just as I imagined, Rolex are very controlling in every way.

sssshhhhhhh.......we are being watched right now....by Rolex in Bienne

[dannyjak]

They wouldnt be what they are today if they didnt do business the way they do, similarly with their products. Question is how long is this model sustainable for?

Does it change anyones view or appreciation of the product? or the brand?

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by dannyjak

They wouldnt be what they are today if they didnt do business the way they do, similarly with their products. Question is how long is this model sustainable for?

Does it change anyones view or appreciation of the product? or the brand?

yes

[MoBe]

Interesting but how can this story be verified?Writing something on the internet doesn`t exactly make it true.Personally I`m inclined to believe it but I`m not ready to swallow it whole without looking at it critically.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

sssshhhhhhh.......we are being watched right now....by Rolex in Bienne

They're everywhere, they're everywhere.

[gslaskin]

The rantings of a disgruntled employee. . . .

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by gslaskin

The rantings of a disgruntled employee. . . .

Maybe, maybe not.

Possibly just random postings.

Who knows.

[karmatp]

We all know that Rolex treats their AD's like complete garbage, this is just another edge of the sword.

I have said it before, they are the big bullies on the block. The more I learn and hear over and over about their busisness practices, the more disappointed I am in the brand.

It is getting harder and harder to give them my money.

[dpkong]

everyone complains a BMW is an expensive machine to maintain but that doesn't stop people buying them.

if you let someone other than BMW maintain or repair your car and it doesn't perform as it should or something else breaks, do you blame the cheap repairman or BMW for producing crap?

i may not like the idea of Rolex restricting parts supply but do you think BMW should sell parts to every Tom-Dick-Harry who has a garage doing repairs?

i think it's all about protecting the brand image and the product they produce and sell. their bread and butter so to speak, or rice bowl as we call it here.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by gslaskin

The rantings of a disgruntled employee. . . .

To me the writer didn't sound like that. From his writing and actually taking the time to write a blog. He sounds very intelligent. How many Rolex employees have you ever heard of speaking out??? They keep it nipped in the bud.

[Lion]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

sssshhhhhhh.......we are being watched right now....by Rolex in Bienne

So it's 1984 all over again???

[horseco]

Originally Posted by dpkong

everyone complains a BMW is an expensive machine to maintain but that doesn't stop people buying them.

if you let someone other than BMW maintain or repair your car and it doesn't perform as it should or something else breaks, do you blame the cheap repairman or BMW for producing crap?

i may not like the idea of Rolex restricting parts supply but do you think BMW should sell parts to every Tom-Dick-Harry who has a garage doing repairs?

i think it's all about protecting the brand image and the product they produce and sell. their bread and butter so to speak, or rice bowl as we call it here.

Yes, you should be able to obtain parts for any new item you purchase no matter what it is, save anything toxic or explosive...

[RLXSTR]

Wow....and sad. Not surprised.

[KKB]

He hasn't posted to his blog in over 2 months. Perhaps he has been "dealt with".

[Formulansx]

Originally Posted by horseco

Yes, you should be able to obtain parts for any new item you purchase no matter what it is, save anything toxic or explosive...

I've had more problems with the appropriate dealers working on my cars than anything else. I won't take my NSX to a local acura dealer simply because I don't trust them to work on it. I do my own work when at all possible with factory parts easily ordered. I think Rolex is just crazy about how they deal with parts and servicing. There's so many accurate knock offs out there I don't think brand image by parts availability is what they need to worry about.

[Curt941]

Originally Posted by dpkong

i may not like the idea of Rolex restricting parts supply but do you think BMW should sell parts to every Tom-Dick-Harry who has a garage doing repairs?

Typically automotive brands don't restrict parts sales. Hell, you can typically walk up to a dealership and buy whatever you want.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by Curt941

Typically automotive brands don't restrict parts sales. Hell, you can typically walk up to a dealership and buy whatever you want.

I don't know about other brands but Mercedes asks for your VIN when buying parts

[MoBe]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I don't know about other brands but Mercedes asks for your VIN when buying parts

`so does a GM dealer.

[threemonkeys]

A very interesting read to say the least.

[general]

I thought it is only in the US that the large corporations are trying to control and monopolize everything.

[alrightjack]

I used to work for Rolex in the UK and it was exactly as the blogger describes. Horrible oppressive atmosphere and very low morale throughout the workforce. Many watchmakers have left because of this. Most of the servicing is now done by sequential production lines by unskilled and semi skilled staff. Quality has dipped just as prices have shot up. If any of you are thinking of having your watch serviced in the UK don't let them refurb the case and bracelet, the quality is very poor. It's all about pushing out as much work as possible now. I'd say you're better off getting your Rolex serviced by a decent independent watchmaker now.

[horseco]

Originally Posted by rr-nyc

I don't know about other brands but Mercedes asks for your VIN when buying parts

This is to assure you get the correct part, more than to restrict availability... I would even be ok with Rolex asking for a serial # to purchase parts... but not being able to at all, just seems wrong to me... You can buy parts for a Lamborghini & let the kids at the local high school auto shop class work on it... Its your watch, you can allow anyone you please to work on it...

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by alrightjack

I used to work for Rolex in the UK and it was exactly as the blogger describes. Horrible oppressive atmosphere and very low morale throughout the workforce. Many watchmakers have left because of this. Most of the servicing is now done by sequential production lines by unskilled and semi skilled staff. Quality has dipped just as prices have shot up. If any of you are thinking of having your watch serviced in the UK don't let them refurb the case and bracelet, the quality is very poor. It's all about pushing out as much work as possible now. I'd say you're better off getting your Rolex serviced by a decent independent watchmaker now.

Wow, thanks for sharing/valuable info.....albeit depressing. I'd like to say I'm surprised, but often this is how top notch companies fail. Streamlining in the name of efficiency creates a robotic workforce and soul-less workplace. Sad.