Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether luxury watch manufacturers may improperly void or restrict warranty coverage when consumers use qualified independent watchmakers for service or repairs.
Luxury watches can carry factory warranties lasting several years. During that period, owners may need routine services such as movement regulation, gasket replacement, water-resistance testing, cleaning, or other maintenance that does not involve correcting a manufacturing defect.
Some luxury watch manufacturers use warranty language addressing service performed outside their authorized networks. These policies vary significantly. Some warranties merely exclude damage actually caused by independent repairs, while others contain language suggesting that unauthorized service or opening of a watch may invalidate broader warranty rights. The source research identifies Panerai as presenting the clearest example of automatic invalidation language and IWC as warranting additional scrutiny. Pasted markdown
Migliaccio & Rathod is investigating whether consumers have paid higher authorized-service prices or lost otherwise valid warranty coverage because of policies restricting their ability to use independent watchmakers.
Owners May Have Experienced:
- Being told that using an independent watchmaker would void the manufacturer’s warranty;
- Avoiding lower-cost independent service to preserve remaining warranty coverage;
- Paying substantially more for manufacturer-authorized service;
- Having a warranty claim denied after an independent watchmaker previously opened or serviced the watch;
- Losing warranty coverage for a defect unrelated to the independent service; or
- Paying for repairs that otherwise would have been covered under warranty.
Potential Claims May Include:
- Violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act;
- Improper warranty tying restrictions;
- Breach of express or implied warranties;
- Unfair or deceptive trade practices;
- Recovery of excess authorized-service costs; and
- Recovery of expenses resulting from improperly denied warranty claims.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You purchased a luxury watch with remaining factory or extended warranty coverage;
- You considered or used an independent watchmaker for service or repair;
- You were told independent service would void your remaining warranty;
- You paid more for authorized service specifically to preserve warranty coverage;
- An unrelated warranty claim was later denied because of independent service; or
- You have written warranty, service, repair, or denial documentation concerning the restriction.
If you have encountered these issues, we would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call.