Swatch Group – the Saga continues

As most of you will be aware of, the Swatch Group cut off parts supply to all independent watchmakers as of 1/1/2016. You, our customers, are now in the hands of Swatch Group when parts will eventually run out, and you won’t have the option any more to choose who will repair or service your watch. It’s either Swatch Group approved, or nothing.

The good news is that the independent trade isn’t taking this lying down, and Cousins (our parts supplier), is going to court. There is a news bulletin on this here.

We at WatchGuy have been involved in the process, and wish Anthony success in the court action against Swatch Group.

16 thoughts on “Swatch Group – the Saga continues

  1. How long before they realise that their corporate greed is going to cost them customers and money? It is already affecting the vintage market of pieces like Omega and even new watches where customers will steer clear of ETA.

  2. Pingback: Swatch group maitenance and repairs

  3. It bares comparing to cars or other mechanical machines likes washing machines, drills. With manufactures saying you can only go to them for servicing or repairs. Is it not market a market monopoly a why has it not been in the news?

    General customers need being made aware of the inflated prices!

  4. I’m in the market for another watch. I was very keen on an Omega Planet Ocean 600M chronograph. Having read about the Swatch Group policy on parts I will avoid all Swatch group products like the plague now.

    The question is do I sell my Seamaster & Speedie now before people become aware of this.
    Nick. G Sydney

  5. I really don’t get them not allowing the free flow of parts. Just put to one side the obvious selfish nature of their actions and think about horology as a pleasure for a moment. I often will talk to people I don’t really know at parties and events when I spot they have a “nice” watch especially if the piece is vintage (pre 90’s). Just like the many watch forums out there these conversations drive interest in watches, sales and brand awareness. Surely, their actions are going to lead to a lot of watches being uneconomical to repair because of inflated repair cost and thus many watches being confined to the great scrap heap in the sky. Perhaps the Swatch group think that by doing this it will force us to buy a new piece from them. I speculate (and hope) it works against them. For one there will be less of their older pieces around to start those aforementioned conversations. Also, negative coverage will turn some of the watch community against them and perhaps buyers will also factor in the expensive servicing in and look to alternatives through the entry & mid-tier Swiss offerings. Hopefully they will see sense and by allowing the parts to be distributed more widely they will create brand loyalty and interest that will drive sales.

  6. I’ve started to notice the effects of this now. Just paid £35 for a tiny friction spring in a 565 and have been unable to get hands for a Speedmaster.

    Customers and the watches will suffer.

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