Market research - Rolex/Breitling servicing

[bristolbaron]

As theres a number of Rolex/Breitling owners on here, I'd like to ask a quick question..

Rolex/Breitling servicing lead times run at approx 12 weeks.
An accredited independent I use has a lead time of 6 weeks.
[service prices are the same as manufacturers.]

They are considering offering a 'express service' with a 1 week turnaround.

How much extra would you be prepared to pay for such a service?

Many thanks

Baz

[bobbybee]

I wouldn't pay any extra, it is the same work, but a week turn round, would lead to increased demand, rushed and possibly sloppy work.

The AD 12 week wait in a myth. It's all about managing expectations. And making the customer feel good
If you say 12 weeks and deliver in 8, 4 weeks early, it is perceived as better than saying 4 weeks delivering in 7, 3 weeks late, although you'd have your watch back a week early

Also if this indie can turn a service round in a week, why the extra charge? The amount or work and length of time take to service a watch would still be the same. sounds like profiteering or taking advantage of the impatient

Edited by bobbybee on Tuesday 5th November 08:21

[yeti]

Also if the indie price is the same as the manufacture, I'll have manufacture service papers please and live with the delay.

In car terms, and all things being equal, if an indie was the same price as a main dealer, no-one would use them. Same applies as far as I'm concerned...

[bristolbaron]

bobbybee said:

I wouldn't pay any extra, it is the same work, but a week turn round, would lead to increased demand, rushed and possibly sloppy work.

The AD 12 week wait in a myth. It's all about managing expectations. And making the customer feel good
If you say 12 weeks and deliver in 8, 4 weeks early, it is perceived as better than saying 4 weeks delivering in 7, 3 weeks late, although you'd have your watch back a week early

Also if this indie can turn a service round in a week, why the extra charge? The amount or work and length of time take to service a watch would still be the same. sounds like profiteering or taking advantage of the impatient

Edited by bobbybee on Tuesday 5th November 08:21

A Rolex service is undertaken in under a day [hours wise] however, takes longer due to regulating etc. Lead times of 6-12 wks are purely down to 'jobs in the queue' They would only be offering this service to two watches per week and will be worked on in additional hours, hence the need to charge more. It is not taking advantage of the impatient, but offering them an alternative which may suit them if they have the budget?

yeti said:

Also if the indie price is the same as the manufacture, I'll have manufacture service papers please and live with the delay.

In car terms, and all things being equal, if an indie was the same price as a main dealer, no-one would use them. Same applies as far as I'm concerned...

Valid point, some people will always prefer using manufacturer regardless of timescale.

[sparkyhx]

I thought parts availability was pretty much locked down by the manufacturers now. Indies can do a service no problem, but or 'fixing' or refreshing bits may be another matter. Also not seen an indie watch come back polished as good as new - maybe I'm using the wrong indies.

If it was my only watch - may consider paying more, but its an academic arguement - The dealer gave me a loan watch for my last breitling service, and since then i now own 13 watches - so wouldn't miss one of them.

Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 5th November 13:33