Rolex owners in Wales can now enjoy faster and better turnarounds when their watches go in for servicing thanks to Laings opening a state-of-the-art Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Cardiff.
Huge investment is going into servicing capacity both at Rolex’s own hub in Kent and around the country with authorised dealers as the watchmaker ramps up its own Certified Pre-Owned programme.
Much of the programme is still under wraps, including how much — if any — responsibility authorised dealers will have for servicing pre-owned watches that can then be given valuable Rolex-issued two year guarantees.
Laings is ready to step up to any new challenge and opportunity, having secured Rolex Authorised Service Centre status for its Cardiff facility.
This brings it into line with the Rolex Service Procedure, which has been made possible by the training of its in-house Rolex-accredited watchmakers.
Already, Laings clients can take advantage of a Rolex two-year international service guarantee covering the parts and labour of each watch.
Laings’ Rolex Service Centre is run by Robert Quin, a Watchmaker with a decade of industry experience who joined Laings in August last year.
Mr Quin has the training and experience to be a member of Rolex’s World Service network, which gives him and the workshop the authority to offer the two-year international service guarantee.
“This is certainly a career highlight for me, being able to provide clients with a unique, personalised service, set to a standard recognised by Rolex,” Mr Quin says. “I’ve always been interested in engineering and watches, so I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to combine my two passions in a role which will help clients to enjoy many more years out of their beloved watches,” he adds.
Laings’ investment in people and equipment for its Rolex Service Centre for Wales comes on the back of a £3 million project to upgrade and expand its multibrand showroom in St David’s, Cardiff, which is anchored by Rolex.
This is part of an even more ambitious programme of store and service centre refurbishments, relocations and expansions across the Laings network, which extends from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Cardiff and Southampton.
Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, saus: “Craftsmanship and expertise are the founding principles of our story and success – and we’ve honoured this legacy for more than 180 years. As we expand our client offering, we have a renewed focus on ensuring our workshops match the high level of passion, dedication and skills as our showrooms. Our continuing positive relationship with Rolex, and the introduction of a Rolex Authorised Service Centre ensures our service teams will truly flourish, and I’m confident we will continue to attract new, extraordinary talent to our brand.”
Laings head of service, Serena Gough, who is leading the company’s workshop expansion plan, adds: “Renovating and enhancing our workshops reflects Laings’ commitment to investing in our people, bringing new life into the craft for future generations and expanding our offering to clients. Our partnerships with brands such as Rolex, provide opportunities for our brand and our people to grow, and hone in on the expertise and skills needed for their roles.
“Our Laings Services and workshop teams are at the heart of our business, and we’re focused on expanding opportunities through collaborative environments, where skills, passion and expertise can be shared across our business and with our clients.”
