News from the watch world.

[Yoda]

I assume several of you have seen this already:

https://www.cousinsuk.com/page/news

[Mellons]

Interesting what is back story?

[Emilio]

Interesting what is back story?

Cousins (or any other aftermarket parts company) wants to be able to source ETA (and Swatch) swiss parts without problems.

Three companies in the Swatch group brought the claim against Cousins. Swatch AG who are the holding company based in the Bern district, ETA who are based in a different Swiss district, and Swatch UK who are registered in London. The Bern judge decided that he does have jurisdiction to hear the case brought by the holding company, but does not have jurisdiction over the other two.

The Swiss company only wants to supply their own subbrands/official retailers directly.

Cousins is trying to get their rights back.

[Ciccio]

Good for them! It’s absolute bullshit what Swatch group is pulling on parts suppliers and independent watch makers everywhere. I hope they succeed.


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[hako]

This is a typical cartel action of the brands. Inconceivable and IMHO THE reason not to support this system and buy their watches.

[blueradish]

Interesting, but doesn't any company have the right to choose who they sell to? I am all for the little guy but trying to figure out what kind of case they have without reading the whole back story

[hako]

Not when free market is obstructed.
When ETA is only providing parts to their chosen dealers and watchmakers they exclude the rest of the watchmakers from competition. With that there is market and hence price control. And this is what a cartel does.
There was a similar case in automotive industry, when OEM did not want to give the data sets necessary for diagnosing the cars to free garages and services like Bosch, but only to their licensed dealers and garages. And the OEM were sure told off, at least in Germany.

[Yoda]

I worked in a shop for a while. Swatch, ETA, Omega and Rolex had restrictions.

For $150 a year I was allowed to replace straps.

For $250 a year I was allowed to replace batteries.

For $1200 a year I was allowed to open cases and adjust movements.

For $2500 a year I was allowed to do service, provided I presented a serial number when I ordered the parts needed for the service plan.

In addition to that I was supposed to have passed the WOSTEP certificate test, which I never understood the need of.

I paid nothing and did everything, with parts from other sources.

I wasn't allowed to even open a Rolex unless I was a certified Rolex shop.

So far I have never had any complaints from a Rolex or Omega owner, only people who come back to me because I don't have stiff upper lip and no insane prices.

[hako]

And this it is. The owner has to have the choice to bring his watch to the repair shop He wants. It is him not the maker who decides who will repair and service.
Imagine a car garage not licensed by a OEM that is not allowed to buy a new injector or gasoline pump...

[TUFF Stough]

wouldn't practice like this be reported to WTA?