Rolex’s deal is ticking time bomb for retailers

Shares in luxury retailer Watches of Switzerland (WoS) dropped after Rolex purchased Swiss store chain Bucherer, sparking fears that Rolex may start selling through its own shops and potentially disrupting WoS's business model.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/24/2023

Breaking News: Rolex Acquires Storied Retailer Bucherer

Rolex has surprised the watch industry by acquiring renowned retailer Bucherer, raising questions about the future structure of the brands.

8/25/2023

Watches of Switzerland shares plunge by a quarter after Rolex buys retailer Bucherer

Luxury watchmaker Rolex's acquisition of watch retailer Bucherer has caused a 25% drop in the value of the Watches of Switzerland Group, although the group insists the move is solely for succession planning and not a strategic entry into the retail market.