Gensteins . . .

[Texski]

Let me preface this by saying that my goal is not to insult or accuse anyone of wrong-doing. Realize that we all have an 'itch' that is satisfied by our interest in watches. And our reasons for being drawn to watches are as diverse as we are. Some of us may be drawn to the beauty of the design but cannot afford the genuine price. Others may be drawn to the technical merits of these watches, and are satisfied by the precision and modifications. And yet, some may just want to get a great deal, having real at a fraction of the price. Of course this is not an exhaustive list, and I am not making a caricature of anyone here. My point is that we are drawn to this culture for various reasons and we shouldn't expect everyone to adopt our reasons or impose ours on others.

With that said, I will be building a 3717 Spitfire, and have considered Genstein vs. Frank. As I look at other threads, I see a trend and I think it would do us good to talk about this and consider the ramifications.

I see a trend to produce IWC Gensteins for sale to consumers, and there seems to be a growing market for this.

My concern is that when the Richemont Group’s analysts begin to see a sharp increase in replacement parts going out the door, will they begin adopt a policy like Breitling, requiring parts to be returned first?

Will this 'loophole' be closed if we abuse it?

Will the increase in replacement part sales draw unwanted attention to our craft?

Maybe others would be more sophisticated than I, but how will it look when you see orders for:

(5) 3717 cases

(5) 3717 backs

(5) 3717 faces

(5) 3717 hand sets

(5) 79320 movements

(3) 3717 bracelets

(2) 3717 croc straps

(2) deployment clasps . . .

Will IWC, in their pursuit of profits, identify their unassembled watches going out the back door, and severely limit the availability of quality parts?

Or am I being a hypocritical alarmist?

[sarkazz]

IWC sold 80 000 watches in 2009. As long as replacement parts are not sourced by guy in country where IWC sold 2 watches in a year, and they ordered 10 cases, 20 hands and 30 dials, you're safe, because taken into account the number of gensteins sold (it's not triple digits per year, or is it?), you should not worry that much - the fluctuations in number of replacement parts caused by that should be statisticaly insignificant. Omega doesn't care, and take into account, that anybody can order from Ofrei.

[mrboombasteke]

Some of the ramification you identify above are possible, but as long as there's a market for it, it will continue. End of story.

[superlative]

Where does one get IWC parts? Through an AD? A backdoor meeting behind IWC headquarters?

[Texski]

the number of gensteins sold (it's not triple digits per year, or is it?),

It may be getting close!

Thanks for your responses. I don't think China has the ability to replicate things like IWC's dials, and I would hate to see these parts become difficult to obtain.

[gran]

Or am I being a hypocritical alarmist?

Certainly not an alarmist in my opinion

[dmacnz]

Is very interesting problem though, from both sides....

[Watchmeister]

They all eventually figure it out. At the very high end of watches they keep remarkably good records of parts inventory. AD's and distributors for the haute horologie brands are personally responsible for inventory. Folks like Panerai are increasingly having everything sent to the local service center and no used parts are returned. Build them while you can.