Watch has been discontinued

[isnumeric]

Hi

 

I bought my wife a watch as a gift a few years ago. This is a premium product from a well known designer brand and cost a few hundred quid. The design of the clasp utilises a metal leaf spring so continuously opening and closing this (Normal use) weakens the clasp until it snaps rendering the watch unwearable. As it normally snaps within the guarantee of the the previous repair we have been accepting free repairs over the past few years. We were told that as the watch is now discontinued they won't be able to repair it going forward. It was a gift and has sentimental value so always intended to maintain it. The watch is 8 years old.

 

Where do I stand.

 

Should the vendor / manufacturer offer a discount / credit note on a new product?

[BazzaS]

Hi

 

I bought my wife a watch as a gift a few years ago. This is a premium product from a well known designer brand and cost a few hundred quid. The design of the clasp utilises a metal leaf spring so continuously opening and closing this (Normal use) weakens the clasp until it snaps rendering the watch unwearable. As it normally snaps within the guarantee of the the previous repair we have been accepting free repairs over the past few years. We were told that as the watch is now discontinued they won't be able to repair it going forward. It was a gift and has sentimental value so always intended to maintain it. The watch is 8 years old.

 

Where do I stand.

 

Should the vendor / manufacturer offer a discount / credit note on a new product?

 

At 8 years, they may be able to claim you have had reasonable use from it.

 

If the sentimental value is key to you - how does that fit with them offering you a discount on a new watch?

 

Can the strap / clasp be replaced by an independent?

[isnumeric]

At 8 years, they may be able to claim you have had reasonable use from it.

 

If the sentimental value is key to you - how does that fit with them offering you a discount on a new watch?

 

Can the strap / clasp be replaced by an independent?

 

The watch case is part of the strap. like a bracelet

[honeybee13]

Hello and welcome to CAG.

 

I'll move you to the forum for general consumer issues and leave you a temporary link to follow from the Welcome forum.

 

My best, HB

[unclebulgaria67]

I don't think there is any legal obligation. If they can't get a part to service a repair guarantee, at least they have told you.

 

If you took the watch into a proper craftsman repair service they could probably manufacture a clasp that would last. There are old fashioned watch/clock repair companies out there, who may be able to come up with a solution. At least then you get to use the watch for longer.

[isnumeric]

Thank you all for the info

[citizenB]

As Uncle B has suggested, have a look for a small local independent jeweller, they can usually help out.