I work on mechanical watches. Rolex watches, along with most high end watch manufactures, is they were built to be worked on. They are designed to be taken apart, cleaned, and oiled. I love working on any Rolex. The parts just fall into place. Rolex made a great product. They really don't need "the next big thing". They made a good product, and didn't muck it up.

That said, since the average owner of a Rolex knows nothing about Watch Repair/Servicing; Rolex decided to make getting parts a pain. Essentially, Rolex wants you to send the watch to the factory for service, and repair. At factory prices.

They claim it's for quality assurance, but I feel it's just a money grab.

I wish these better watch companies didn't decide to do this. A lot of you will be buying your first nice watch. Remember, since you can't call the factory and even order a gasket; Do you really own the watch?

This will mean nothing to a lot of you. It's just a trend I don't like. I guess being American, I'm not comfortable being told what to do?

(Seiko sells parts to the public. And I'm not claiming a Rolex is not overpriced. I would never buy a new one. I'm just claiming they made a good product. A product that doesn't need an upgrade.)