The European Commission (EC) is investigating allegations that luxury watch manufacturers are refusing to supply spare parts to independent repairers.
If true, that would be in breach of European Union (EU) competition rules. The initiation of the proceedings comes following a 2004 complaint by the European Confederation of Watch & Clock Repairers’ Associations (CEAHR) that manufacturers allegedly refused to supply parts to repairers that did not belong to their selective systems. CEAHR says that since no alternative sources exist, the practice threatens to drive repairers out of business.
In 2008, the commission rejected the complaint, stating there was not enough community interest to pursue the matter. However, a court annulled the decision two years later on the grounds the EC did not adequately defend its position. In a statement, the commission said it is unclear how long the investigation will take.
“There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anticompetitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the undertakings concerned co-operate with the commission, and the exercise of the rights of defence.”
